Wesley Foundery Books (a division of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry) has published a new book by Bonnie Ives Marden entitled "Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices for Faithful Stewardship". The book includes all manner of tools, strategies and information on topics like church budgets, congregational stewardship and income projection to help church leaders develop good financial practices. This resource is a vital tool for congregations of all shapes and sizes.
About the Author
Bonnie Ives Marden is a leadership consultant and financial stewardship practitioner. Providing stewardship education through multiple United Methodist Foundations, she also served as the Imagine No Malaria Campaign Coordinator for the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Reviews of the book
“Bonnie Marden clarifies the confusing language of financial stewardship then elegantly lays out pathways of understanding and practice. Run, don’t walk, to get your copy.” Rebekah Simon-Peter, author of Dream Like Jesus and Developer of Creating a Culture of Renewal®
“This book is a compilation of what she has been doing most of her life. It is a resource every church should use and grow from. I can assure you that you will be better for it. “ J. Clif Christopher, author of God vs Money, President of Horizons Stewardship
“Bonnie Marden helps readers realize that giving and generosity are fueled by how we articulate mission and impact. This is a book for every leader’s bookshelf.” Ken Sloane, ECRF, CFRM, Director of Stewardship & Connectional Ministries, Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church
“Bonnie Marden incorporates the theological purpose behind the work of the financial leader in the church. This is important because it emphasizes that our work IS God’s work! Business principles apply, yet at the end of the day we are about ministry. Bonnie’s book is a must for anyone—lay or clergy—who wish to have a more complete understanding of the finances of a church.” David A. Snipes, President, United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina, Inc.
“You’ll refer to this book again and again as you encourage faithful generosity in your congregation all year long.” Marcia Shetler, Executive Director/CEO, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
“Wow. This is the useful and comprehensive ‘textbook’ offering a 360-degree approach to local church finances for congregations of all sizes. From cover to cover, practical church financial management and stewardship information, templates to customize, and useful guidance for finance, stewardship, and trustee committees, pastors and treasurers." Sheri M. Altland, United Methodist Communications Foundation, and UMC Campaign Director for Imagine No Malaria
“Pastors and lay leaders will benefit greatly from this resource! Bonnie Marden has given stewardship committees a book to read, pastors a reference work to consult, and lay leaders an imaginative collection to study. Here is help for missional leaders, looking for best practices in stewardship. What shines through the whole book is a sense of gratitude, of goodness, and of generosity, all of which bring inspiration and encouragement.” Robert Allan Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel, Boston University
Wesley’s Foundery Books is an imprint of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. These books are clearly and accessibly written by Methodist/Wesleyan experts, with an emphasis on church life and ministry. Representing the rich diversity of the church, Wesley’s Foundery Books offer a disciplined and balanced approach. GHBEM Publishing is an affiliate member of the Association of University Presses.