Talking Dollars and Sense

Tools for clergy and congregational leaders to lead theological conversations about money.

Scripture and theology provide ample material for a rich discussion of money and possessions. Theologians of every era have written about money. Author Brendan Barnicle offers pastoral programs to bring the conversation into contemporary focus by considering personal budgeting and estate planning (personal discipleship), parish budgets and parish investments (communal ministry), and congregational partnering and policy advocacy (global mission).

Introduction

1. “What Are We Afraid Of?” Financial Anxiety Inside and Outside of Church

2. “What Has the Church Said?” Scriptural and Theological Guidance on Money

3. History of Stewardship

4. “What Does Scripture Say?” Understanding the Theology of the Congregation

5. Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Money

6. Year A: Budget Planning and Estate Planning for Personal Discipleship

7. Year B: Narrative Budgets and Investment Choices for Congregational Ministry

8. Year C: Resource Sharing and Advocacy for Global Mission

9. Conclusion

Appendix

Bibliography