Economic Challenges Facing Future Ministers

More than 30 course syllabi related to these topics can be found in the Syllabi Archives maintained by the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion under the heading “Religion and Economics.”

• “Good and Faithful: Ten Stewardship Lessons for Everyday Living,” (Gary Hoag, for individuals and groups, for purchase, print and video)
• Faith and Finances: A Stewardship Curriculum for Schools and Churches (Gary Hoag, for purchase, print, and video)
• Faith and Finances for Education and Ministry Workbook (Anderson University School of Theology)
• Customized Financial Literacy Seminars for students at divinity and theological schools (The Society for Financial Education and Professional Development (SFE&PD)
• Financial Literacy Resources for Graduate Theology Schools (Jo Ann Deasy, ATS)

• Navigating the complexity of federal student loans: tips for advising students (student loan expert Heather Jarvis), also available in webinar format
• Calculators and worksheets to help individuals with financial planning at various life-stages (Everence Financial Services)
• Creating a Cash Flow Plan Workbook and Worksheet (Everence Financial Services)
• Guide to Negotiating Pastor Compensation (MMBB Financial Services)
• Getting Started on the Road to Retirement  (MMBB Financial Services)

• Coaching Confidentiality Agreement (Lancaster Seminary)
• Create a Spending Plan that Works for You (Lancaster Seminary) 
• Mentor Program Guidelines (Lancaster Seminary)
• Financial Coaching Manual (Luther Seminary)
• Five Pillars to Sustain a Debt-free Path (In Trust, November 2018)
• Qualified for admission, but in debt (In Trust, New Year 2018)
• Revelations from leaders from three participating schools about three different approaches that work (Colloquy, November 2016)
• Breaking the code of silence about finances at several theological schools (Colloquy 2015)

• Dan Aleshire provides a framework for this conversation in his paper entitled, “Financing the Call to Serve: Some Reflections on Ministry, Money, and Theological Education.” (article)
• Luke Timothy Johnson presents 10 assertions about possessions, faith, and the faithful use of possessions (article and video)
• Gay Byron on Faith, Finances, and Educating Future Ministers (60-minute video)
• Iva Carruthers on God, Faith, and Money: The Theology of Sufficiency (80-minute video)
• Angela Reed on Spiritual Formation and Finances (60-minute video, includes some group exercises)

• A series of videos designed to navigate issues of financial responsibility (Candler Theological Seminary)
• A video highlighting the financial challenges and decisions made by five recent graduates of theological schools (Auburn Seminary)
• A 5-minute video highlighting some of the theological issues around debt and finances at theological schools
• A 4-minute video on the importance of preparing future ministers for financial leadership

• For church leaders:  a series of e-newsletters focused on finance, management, law, and tax issues (Church Law & Tax)
• For the religious community and fundraisers of faith-based organizations: a biweekly e-newsletter (The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving)