Church leaders talk about financial matters all the time, and it is not uncommon for these conversations to be focused primarily on the progress toward your giving goals. For an effective financial stewardship strategy that starts at the top, expand your financial discussions to include the topics that affect your givers.

The holiday season is upon us. It's that wonderful time of the year. I love Christmas! But I must confess, I get a bit cynical because of the consumerism that accompanies this season.