BOOK NOTES
By Lovett H. Weems, Jr.

Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation
by Charles R. Lane, Augsburg Fortress, 2006

Charles R. Lane has written a short but useful book for pastors and congregational stewardship leaders. Seeing financial stewardship not as a way to pay the church bills but to help God�s people grow in Christian discipleship, he provides thoughtful biblical and theological contributions. He then develops a congregational plan around three key words: ask, thank, and tell. Readers will find new ideas for each of these key dimensions that are necessary but often neglected in stewardship planning.

Healthy Disclosure: Solving Communication Quandaries in Congregations
by Kibbie Simmons Ruth and Karen A. McClintock, Alban, 2007

Congregations often make mistakes in sharing too little information or too much information. This book is a valuable resource for congregational and judicatory leaders in helping them assess what information can be appropriately shared and what should not be shared broadly. It is particularly useful in determining how to handle sensitive or awkward situations that arise in church life.

Holy Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and Message
by Nancy DeMott, Tim Shapiro, and Brent Bill, Alban, 2007

Any congregation planning to build a new building or undertake a major renovation should read this book. The authors help readers understand the multiple layers of considerations required to plan sacred space. They follow a three-part planning process: 1) discern (identity, demographics, and mission), 2) decide (aesthetics, project delivery, resources, financial concerns), and 3) do (communication, spirituality, and oversight).

Return to Leading Ideas