| Book Reviews - Stewardship |
|
Review
Many parish leaders continue to struggle with an understanding of the theology of
stewardship and the length of time and significant effort it requires to integrate
stewardship into the guiding values of their parish. McNamara has written a well
documented book that addresses both concerns. A key strength of this book is the
individual stories about seven parishes that are segmented into categories of Just
Beginning, Under Way and Advanced in their use of the stewardship philosophy. Each
story covers both the highs and lows of this difficult journey. A useful bonus is the
inclusion of best practices that have helped each parish succeed in their mission of
instilling stewardship into their ministry planning and implementation. If you are a parish
leader considering or currently implementing the stewardship message, this is a good
book to add to your research and learning efforts.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ I do not contend in these pages that stewardship is somehow superior to other approaches
to parish renewal that I have cited ... but rather that stewardship has a unique potential to
support and strengthen other strategies. It does so by equipping pastor and staff with a
foundational theology that encourages talking about responsible generosity with gifts of
money and of time. " (pg. xxx-xxxi)
“Its core theology of ourselves as gifted and asked to give back encourages us to be
responsibly generous disciples of Christ in sharing what has been bestowed on us, including a
spirit of high intentionality within a parish. All facets of parish life, every aspect of ministry
falls under scrutiny as stewardship takes hold.” (pg. 165-166)
Many parish leaders continue to struggle with an understanding of the theology of
stewardship and the length of time and significant effort it requires to integrate
stewardship into the guiding values of their parish. McNamara has written a well
documented book that addresses both concerns. A key strength of this book is the
individual stories about seven parishes that are segmented into categories of Just
Beginning, Under Way and Advanced in their use of the stewardship philosophy. Each
story covers both the highs and lows of this difficult journey. A useful bonus is the
inclusion of best practices that have helped each parish succeed in their mission of
instilling stewardship into their ministry planning and implementation. If you are a parish
leader considering or currently implementing the stewardship message, this is a good
book to add to your research and learning efforts.
Selected Brief Quotes
“ I do not contend in these pages that stewardship is somehow superior to other approaches
to parish renewal that I have cited ... but rather that stewardship has a unique potential to
support and strengthen other strategies. It does so by equipping pastor and staff with a
foundational theology that encourages talking about responsible generosity with gifts of
money and of time. " (pg. xxx-xxxi)
“Its core theology of ourselves as gifted and asked to give back encourages us to be
responsibly generous disciples of Christ in sharing what has been bestowed on us, including a
spirit of high intentionality within a parish. All facets of parish life, every aspect of ministry
falls under scrutiny as stewardship takes hold.” (pg. 165-166)
The Center for Parish Leadership
Equipping Catholic Leaders ~
Believing in Strong Parishes
Believing in Strong Parishes
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |