What does money have to do with salvation? 
Isn't the whole-burnt offering an archaic, wasteful practice? 
Can tithing be understood as a Church tax?
Isn't almsgiving simply giving a few spare coins to one in need? 
Shouldn't parish fundraising use a ministry-centric approach?

An interview with Dr. Andrew Geleris, author of the forthcoming book Money and Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way, challenges many of these notions after his study of Scripture challenged him. 

After listening to the podcast, consider these questions:

1. What is the difference between a "ministry-centric" and  "soul-centric" financial discussion? How did Jesus teach? Why does the difference matter? What implications does this have for how we do fundraising?
2. Why is the topic of almsgiving so important in Orthodox worship and practice? 
3. How does thinking about offerings as participating in a divine mystery affect how we think about giving to the church and the needy poor?  
4. What is the biblical teaching in terms of expressing gratitude and recognizing the tithe as holy?
5. If you do not now tithe or give as generously as you would like to give, how does it feel to humbly confess your weakness to God?

​Continue the conversation by joining the Summer Stewardship Series, August 2021.

​Read the full episode transcript here

As servants in the household of God, we are called to "always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15) Fr. Timothy Hojnicki, instructor of apologetics at the St. Raphael School, shares how he equips his high school students with the deposit of faith so that they can make a good defense when asked.  Rather than merely winning an argument, he stresses the importance of dialogue and respect to win over a brother.

Fr. Timothy Hojnicki will be speaking on Early Life Transitions: Supporting and Navigating Change from High School to College at the 5th Annual National Orthodox Leadership Conference at St. Vladimir's Seminary, September 17-19, 2021.  

​Read the full episode transcript here

Although women are not ordained in the Orthodox Church, many of them are hearkening to God's call to serve - as chaplains, scholars, diplomats, mothers, teachers, leaders of parish boards and ministries, and in many other roles. Dr. Patricia Fann Bouteneff, founder of Axia Women, shares in this episode what they are learning about parish support of women across the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox traditions. Recalling the Myrrh Bearing Women, they strive to care for the body of Christ and receive and proclaim the Good News of Christ's Resurrection.  Learn more about Axia Women at https://www.axiawomen.org/

Read the full episode transcript here.

IF YOU CARE ABOUT . . .

• Developing emerging leaders within the body of Christ
• Christian mentoring
• Collaborative intergenerational ministry
• Mutual learning and listening to understand generational perspectives
• Succession planning for your church and nonprofit boards or staff
• Early-life transitions such as college and vocation
• Changing the fear-based narratives around "The Church is losing its youth!" to explore hopeful possibilities
• Responding well to cultural and social changes
• Networking with other Orthodox Christian leaders

 . . . THEN THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR YOU AND THE  EMERGING AND SEASONED LEADERS AROUND YOU!

Dr. John Mark Reynolds and Hollie Benton anticipate this year's 2021 conference, Generously Investing in Emerging Leaders.  Each challenging presentation is followed by highly-interactive discussion questions, case studies, or small group work. Online participation is available, and attending in person at St. Vladimir's Seminary provides the benefit of networking and deepening relationships across the Church to support the ministry God has entrusted to your care!

Read the full episode transcript here.

Professional coaches, Dn. Sean Reid and Fr. Paul Lundberg, share how non-judgmental curiosity and powerful questions help their clients move forward with confidence and clarity.  They share how coaching in an Orthodox Christian context could serve priests and lay leaders who are facing situations where:

• Hopes do not align with reality
• Confidence is wavering 
• Responsibilities feel overwhelming
• Life feels lack-luster

Fr. Paul reminds us how submitting to the Lord's will addresses any situation. "Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire; but thou hast given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering thou hast not required. Then I said, 'Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart.'" (Psalm 40:6-8) 

​Learn more about the Orthodox Coaching Network.

Read the full episode transcript here.
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