Speaking Generously- 2/25/12 - Workshop for Stewardship Leaders
February 25, 2012

This seminar - 9am to Noon - for congregational stewardship leaders is being offered at no cost by Central Woodward Christian Church, Troy, MI with Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the presenter. It will offer a comprehensive look at both the Biblical/Theological themes and the “best practices” that combine to proclaim the abundance of God and create generous faith communities.  Persons attending this workshop will be equipped with texts that inform our faith around the multi-faceted issue of stewardship (it is about more than just money!) so that we move beyond giving that is motivated by guilt or a “give to get” theology.  Participants will also learn the key policy and practice issues that enable people to practice generosity and keep the congregation focused on its mission and ministry (rather than “meeting the budget” concerns).

This workshop is being offered at no cost to participants, though participants are invited to provide a donation to defray travel costs.  In addition, a light lunch of soup and sandwiches will be served after the workshop for a $5 donation.  A Personal Finance workshop will follow after lunch.

Central Woodward Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
3955 W. Big Beaver Road (Big Beaver and Adams)
www.centralwoodward.org          248-644-0512          Troy, MI 48085

Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer, the first “Minister for Faith andGiving for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  In this position he heads the Center for Faith and Giving  (http://centerforfaithandgiving.org).   For twenty-five years he has led congregations in Ohio and Indiana in achieving high levels of financial support for local and global missions and he now shares his experi­ence across the life of the whole church.

His energy, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit enhance gifts in both business and ministry. He brings a biblically based understanding about stewardship combined with theological integrity and weds them to the current trends and best prac­tices related to spirituality and money. In his workshops and writings, Rev. Barkhauer also talks about the multiple understandings about stewardship in the biblical witness as they touch the whole life of a person of faith.

He is a graduate of Ohio University (Athens), Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis), and did Doctor of Ministry studies at Ashland Theological Seminary (Ashland, OH).  He is married to Laura and they share three grown children.