Does the subject of giving—especially financial giving to the church—make you a little uncomfortable? Do you feel awkward when conversations or sermons about money come up?

This summer’s Bible study, “No Catchy Slogans,” looks at Scripture passages about giving. The author, former Women of the ELCA staff member Emma Crossen, writes in her introduction: “Giving money is an important topic for Christians to consider. All congregations need money to pay pastors, care for buildings, and support ministries. All people need encouragement and guidance about their relationship to money. Few things affect our daily life more. It seems appropriate that the Bible gives so much attention to money and giving. Yet, it’s too common to see Bible passages taken out of context, turned into catchy slogans, and enforced as rules that Christians should follow.”

Emma Crossen is the development director at the Courage Campaign. She studied ministry at Harvard Divinity School and previously served Women of the ELCA as director for stewardship and development.

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