Contemporary perspectives on stewardship and tithing.

Billman, Kathleen D. ; Nessan, Craig L.

The October issue of Currents in Theology and Mission emerges from a fruitful partnership between Currents in Theology and Mission and the Tithing and Stewardship Foundation and is dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Robert J. Furreboe and the Rev. Dr. Connie M. Kleingartner.

Almost one hundred years ago, the Tithing and Stewardship Foundation came into being to promote the practice of solid stewardship and tithing. The Foundation was formed by a group of lay people, and its basic funding comes from a trust established by founder Thomas Kane. Initially, the Board of Directors was made up of clergy and laity representing several denominations. In May 2006, the Board donated the Foundation and all of its assets to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, with the understanding that LSTC would continue to advance stewardship/tithing education and practices. The Board hoped that these efforts would involve both Lutheran and ecumenical partners in creating a far-reaching and stimulating conversation about stewardship that would result in transformed lives and communities. This issue strives to further that purpose.

The Rev. Robert J. Furreboe served as the executive director of the Tithing Foundation in May 2006 when its board voted to entrust the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with its mission and ministry. Bob worked with skill and enthusiasm to ensure an effective transition. An experienced banker who earned a B.A. in history and economics before he attended Luther Seminary, Bob never tired of sharing the biblical and personal testimony which points us all to a spiritual journey incorporating growth In giving as a lifelong practice, moving beyond the tithe in response to the growing realization that the goodness of God endures forever. His many years of service as a pastor and, after retirement, as a part-time resource developer for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and participant In the Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy Committee as well as other arenas of Christian service, all bear testimony to a fruitful life with roots planted firmly in the promise of God's abiding love and faithfulness.

The Rev. Dr. Connie M. Kleingartner became the first leader of the Foundation when it moved to LSTC, and brought both enthusiasm and imagination to this ministry. Connie, whose academic specialization was leadership theory and practice, had an encompassing view of what stewardship means in the Christian life. She encouraged exploration at many levels, including biblical study, homiletical and liturgical practices, ecological awareness and commitment, and experiential investigation of how money functions in families, congregations, and societies.

Connie plumbed sources of wisdom from the business world and put them in dialogue with explicitly Christian sources, seeking to identify innovative practices based on values she believed were core to the Christian life. She organized workshops led by stimulating presenters, which drew degree program students, pastors, and church leaders to discuss a range of issues concerning stewardship. She invited students to read texts on stewardship and tithing, identifying those that were of value for pastoral leaders and congregations. She dreamed of producing texts that offered the fruits of all these labors, with the hope that such efforts would continue to inspire fresh new conversations at every place where Christians seek to embody the grace and generosity of the gospel to a grasping, anxious world. Thus she invited presenters to put their presentations in the form of articles and for students to write their reflections as book reviews.

Currents in Theology and Mission is pleased to bring some of the "first fruits" of these efforts to our readers (not all of what was collected could be published in one issue). The first article by Craig L. Nessan offers a summary of research on the teaching of stewardship in theological schools which was commissioned by Connie; the article also offers theological reflections on those findings. Ralph W. Klein presents the different understandings of tithing that may be found in the Old Testament. David M. Rhoads contributes a foundational theological and biblical reflection on the stewardship of all God's creation. Mark P. Bangert explores the relationship between stewardship and liturgy. Craig A. Satterlee examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that confront preachers when they preach on stewardship. Lovers of music and metaphor will enjoy Mark P. Bangert's meditation on the relationship between music making and stewardship. Ginger Anderson-Larson provides very practical guidance to church members and stewardship leaders on constructing a "money autobiography." Connie M. Kleingartner's essay provides an imaginative tool called the "Congregational Money Profile" for church leaders who seek to help their congregations surmount conflicts about how to steward the congregation's money. The book review section begins with seven book reviews on texts that have to do with stewardship and tithing, written by Connie Kleingartner and some of the students with whom she worked.

The Currents staff is grateful to the Rev. Paul Landahl, current director of the Tithing and Stewardship Foundation, staff assistant Anna Ballan, coordinator for Continuing Education Laura Wilhelm, and the Tithing and Stewardship Board (LSTC President James Kenneth Echols, Chair), especially Board member Mark Van Scharrel, for the partnership with the Foundation that made this volume possible. Many lives have been and will yet be influenced by the commitments set in motion by both Bob and Connie, as well as the colleagues and students who shared and contributed to those commitments.

Like so many of our forebears in the faith, Bob and Connie labored in ventures for which they could not see the ending. In bringing to fruition a portion of the work they began, we give thanks for their labor and carry it on with gratitude and joy. "Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries" (1 Cor 4:1). So we thank God for these two saints who were faithful stewards of God's mysteries and pray that God will guide us in following in their legacy!

Kathleen D. Billman and Craig L. Nessan

October 2009 Issue Co-editors

Issue Dedicated to the Memory of Robert J. Furreboe and Connie M. Kleingartner