Contact: John Couretas, 616-454-3080

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Acton Institute and the Stewardship Council have joined forces to bring the timely message of Biblical stewardship to Christians all over the world.

This formal organizational alliance represents the next natural step for these two faith-based organizations as they anticipate Zondervan's upcoming release of their two groundbreaking stewardship resources. Acton Institute's Effective Stewardship DVD Curriculum and study guide and the Stewardship Council's NIV Stewardship Study Bible will hit the shelves of local retailers around the country in the fall.

The Acton Institute, a leading think-tank working to integrate faith, freedom, and personal responsibility, recently developed the Effective Stewardship curriculum that dynamically addresses five common, yet underserved areas of Biblical stewardship.

"Given the current economic and moral climate of our world, everyday issues of personal stewardship are at the forefront of our culture," said Kris Mauren, executive director of the Acton Institute. "Our partnership with the Stewardship Council helps us engage the culture toward responsible, thoughtful management of God's resources."

The Stewardship Council, a leader in the development and delivery of stewardship resources, recently completed the editorial development of the NIV Stewardship Study Bible, a four year effort.

"The resources we have carefully developed in tandem with the Acton Institute fills a significant void in theological teaching and training," said Brett Elder, executive director of the Stewardship Council. "Our partnership with the Acton Institute provides a solid platform to promote effective Biblical stewardship worldwide."

The Stewardship Council's offices will be housed at the Acton Institute, located in Grand Rapids, Mich. It will work with Acton to collaborate on new resources aimed at stewardship education.

About the Stewardship Council
The Stewardship Council is a non-profit ministry founded in May 2005 in response to hundreds of requests for resources on stewardship from pastors and ministry leaders in developing countries around the world. The Council works to promote an understanding and lifestyle of Christian stewardship by developing resources for distribution through organizations and networks that are most likely to influence the landscape of stewardship. For more on the Council, visit: www.stewardshipcouncil.net.  

About the Acton Institute
The Acton Institute is a nonprofit, ecumenical think tank located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Institute works internationally to "promote a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles." For more on the Acton Institute, please visit: www.acton.org.