“Giving is an expression of grace. It’s the expression of an abundant life we are told to have. We need to be investing in that and living it out.”

Bruce, and I can call him Bruce because we are great friends, is known as the consummate storyteller through song.
What can you learn about telling your church’s story from The Boss?

“Do you think people in your congregation wonder what their legacy will be?
Are you helping them discover it?”

“Showing love and gratitude always – and I mean always – makes the good times roll.”

Now that Amazon Prime is gone, “It’s time to make the investment in those relationships. See it as an opportunity.”

“Remember though, what you say in that thank you note can keep your donor or giver wrapped in a warm glow for a very long time.”

What’s important is that you carve out thirty minutes (really, that’s all!) to set your priorities – your intentions – for what you hope and dream for the coming year in the area of stewardship.

…once a year, I do make it a priority to look back and see what blog posts resonated with you the most. So, before we get started with too much hilarity and frothiness for a new year, here are the six posts – backwards…to build up the anticipation – that you read and shared with abandon.

When people say, “Have an abundance mindset,” I know they mean well. But to some whose lived experience has been one of scarcity and deprivation, such advice can seem naive and shallow – or just coming from privilege. I have been guilty many times of being flippant with people who don’t get the concept of abundance. And for that, I am sorry. Their fear is real and not to be glossed over.

There’s one more thing to keep on your to do list: the all-important Christmas letter. I write about this every year because:

People are expecting a letter from you.
People are feeling more generous in December.
People want to give at Christmas.
People need to be asked to give.