January

Preaching Series
We recommend preaching 2-6 stewardship sermons in the beginning of the year because people are thinking about making a fresh start and are more open to lifestyle changes. Also, with the year-end budget needs behind you, the common perception that the purpose of stewardship sermons is for fundraising is removed.
Recommended Sermons:
          Treasure Principle
          Don't Waste Your Life
          More sermon ideas

Devotions
We recommend providing daily devotions with a stewardship theme both to your members for their personal use at home, as well as to your leaders for use in their meetings. This not only reinforces the stewardship mindset taught on Sunday, but also helps people grow more passionate and committed about their walk with Christ during the week.
Recommended Devotions:
          30 Daily Stewardship Devotions
          40-Day Spiritual Journey
          Devotions for Leaders

Send a Giving & Ministry Update
          See April

February

Small Groups/Classes for All Ages
We recommend following up the sermon series with stewardship-related classes to train people in practical ways, showing them the biblical principles and how to follow them in day to day living. 
Recommended Small Groups/Classes:
          Managing Finances God’s Way (adults)
          Financial Peace University (adults)
          Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money (High School)
          Three Key Questions (Middle School)
          Stu Bear (children)
          More Options


March

Guest Stewardship Speaker 
We recommend inviting a guest speaker to preach at one of your worship services. A representative from a ministry your church supports would be an excellent choice, allowing people's hearts and minds to become more in tune with how God is blessing their generosity. 

April

Send a Giving & Ministry update 
We recommend sending a quarterly "Giving and Ministry" update to every member of your church, highlighting what they have given year-to-date, what the church has received year-to-date, and how that compares with the church's ministry needs for the year. People will feel encouraged and inspired when you thank them and share how God is using their gifts to reach people for Christ. 
          Sample Quarterly Giving Recap letter.doc

May

Make Offerings More Meaningful 
With the school year beginning to wind down, some churches report that offering time can begin to feel "routine."  Bring fresh energy to this important part of worship with these creative planning ideas.
Recommended Offering Ideas:
          Minute of Ministry
          Noisy Offering
          More Options

June

Pre-Married and Young Couples 
Many young couples marry in the summer.  Help them get off to a great start and avoid financial heartache with practical, proven advice.
Recommended Resource:
          Three Simple Rules
          The Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples

July

Send a Giving & Ministry Update
          See April

Planning for Education Classes 
Now is a great time to begin planning for the small groups and classes in February. Use this time to review Barnabas Foundation's recommended resources to determine which is best for your church. (see February)

Blend stewardship themes into other sermons during the year
In addition to preaching stewardship sermons in January, you might also use this time  at the half-way point of the calendar year to consider how you can weave stewardship themes (i.e. ownership, contentment, generosity, service, etc.) into other messages for the remainder of the year.
          Click here for ideas from other pastor's sermons
          Click here for ideas from the Barnabas Foundation's
               stewardship newsletter

August

Highlight stewardship articles, tips, & resources
With the excitement of the school year just around the corner, kick things off with a collection of inspiring stewardship verses, quotes, tips, and articles in your church publications - a great way to help your church form a year-round stewardship mindset.
Recommended Resource:
      The latest Barnabas Foundation stewardship newsletter 
      Tid-bits
      Article series

September

Mission Emphasis
The fall is a great time to highlight the stewardship of time, talent and treasure through outreach opportunities, missions updates and special presentations focused on your church's involvement in bringing the gospel back to lost and suffering people. 
Click here for sample Missions Emphasis ideas

October

Send a Giving & Ministry Update
          See April

November

Encourage people to update or start a will
70% of Americans die without a will. Consequently, significant resources that could legitimately benefit families and ministries are instead diverted to estate taxes. 
          Click here to contact a Barnabas Foundation
              representative about how to help your members
              with estate planning

December

Year-End Ministry Summary
We recommend compiling and distributing a year-end summary of ministry highlights and results to celebrate the good things God has done through your church. 

Stewardship of Time
          Stewardship of Talents
          Individual Financial Counseling