27 Sep
4 things to expect when you talk about money in church
I get to work with a lot of different churches, in different settings, all being led by different types of leaders. In almost every situation, four things are true when a leader talks about money:
1. The leader will be forced to examine their own habits and disciplines. I believe one of the main reasons more church leaders don’t talk about giving is because they, themselves, don’t have a habit or discipline of giving. A generous pastor has little hesitation challenging others to follow his lead.
2. People will leave. Every time Jesus increased the expectations of those who wanted to follow him, the Bible says some turned away and went home. Money is a measurable reality of our inward commitment which is why Jesus spoke more about money than he did heaven and hell combined. The people who leave as a result of the conversation about money, giving, and/or generosity in your church often have little to no impact on overall contributions because this group isn’t currently giving.
3. The resolve of core givers will be strengthened. Churches who preach and teach on giving and generosity often see consistent growth in overall average gift size and number of giving units. We accelerate what we celebrate. Affirming the discipline of giving solidifies your current givers.
4. Spiritual transformation will take place. Again, giving is an outward, measurable sign of an inward commitment. The evidence of a habit of giving is evidence that spiritual transformation is taking place. Challenging people to incrementally increase their habit of giving invites people to move to a deeper level of engagement with their faith that involves their time, talent, and treasure.
Interesting list. I am particularly interested in hearing further from you about why people will leave. Being a pastor by trade, I’m aware of just how often folks leave churches, specifically when money is talked about. But what I’m curious about is whether there is a way to minimize these folks. In your experience, can these folks be better positioned to hear sermons about money and be given opportunity to respond in positive ways rather than leaving?
Eric, I think we are talking about two different kinds of people. Any time a leader raises the level of expectation, some will say “enough.” Those are the ones I’m talking about. The people in the pew who are interested in growth and spiritual development will be open to it. Further, it has been my experience that those most vocal and in opposition to any emphasis on giving are the ones who aren’t giving anything at all.
Blessings, Ben.
It seems that there are 3 distinct groups within our churches whenever we speak on stewardship:
1. Those who are going to give no matter what.
2. Those who are not going to give no matter what.
3. Those who are going to give once they understand the Biblical and practical importance of giving.
Inasmuch, I believe that our messages should be directed primarily to the third group. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word, which He has already inspired, in such a way that these individuals will be “moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21) and respond out of obedience to that Word.
It is also helpful for me to remind myself that God has faithfully provided for His Church for over two thousand years and He will be faithful forever.
Good thoughts. I suppose everyone could be classified in the third group you have identified. Giving is first a spiritual issue, not a financial one. I couldn’t agree with you more that giving is an outward, measurable response to the work of the Spirit within our lives. And yes, we must never forget that our provider is God. Though, I do believe it is the responsibility of the person in the pulpit to cultivate the resources God has already provided through the people in the pew.
Blessings!
Amen, Ben, amen!