Episode 48: Money, Generosity, and Stewardship - An Interview with A.J. Thomas

Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show! Guest: A.J. Thomas, Founder and Director of the Joyful Giving Group General Topic: Money, Generosity, and Stewardship Introduction to A.J. (0:29) Philosophy of preaching (1:33) Talking about money (2:44) Disconnect between money and spirit (4:00) Discomfort when talking about money (5:12) Comfort when talking about money (7:51) Misconceptions about stewardship (9:37) Approaches to stewardship that hurt the cause (11:55) Misusing the spiritual side (13:55) A stewardship pep talk (15:36) A.J.'s unique take on pledges (17:27) Should the pastor know giving levels? (23:48) Joyful Giving Group (27:01) most challenging communication experience (25:24) Easter or Christmas Eve (29:00) Impactful communicators (30:10) Recommended books and resources (31:01) Connecting with A.J. (31:33) Reaching out to our guest JoyfulGivingGroup.com Next Episode arrives October 5, 2017! An interview with Rev. Dalton Rushing, Senior Pastor, Decatur First United Methodist Church (Decatur, GA) Connect with the Show I would love to hear what you think about the show—especially this episode. You can connect with the show and send me your feedback through the following channels: Facebook - Facebook.com/ArtOfTheSermon Twitter- Twitter.com/ArtOfTheSermon Instagram- Instagram.com/ArtOfTheSermon Comment on the Show Notes post at ArtOfTheSermon.com Art of the Sermon is a project by Dan Wunderlich of Defining Grace. Learn more at DefiningGrace.com Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in these show notes may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Defining Grace is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.Links:Joyful Giving GroupA Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri J.M. Nouwen