Money is a good thing if only because it provides a tangible way to say “thank you” for the rich blessings we enjoy and a practical way to share those blessings with others. The reality, however, is that money is near the top of the list of topics that congregations don’t talk about. But they should.
Leaders’ reluctance to talk about money gets projected on to the congregation. Just as a pastor’s reluctance toward small groups will kill others’ attempts to organize them, so too the pastor who resists discussing money hampers the members’ ability to grow in the grace of giving. Pastors can choke their churches’ mission if they are unwilling or unable to challenge people to use their financial resources for God’s glory.
There’s a story about the congregation that was pleased to discover one of its members left a gift of $50,000 to the church in his will, that is, until they heard that the man had left $500,000 to his dog. What does that say about this man’s priorities and might it reflect the way we look at what’s important to us? Talking about money and even asking for it on behalf of Christ’s mission in the world, is a fundamental role for church leaders to undertake.
How can you reframe your approach to stewardship?
Review the source of your attitude. How did you come by your feelings about money? Are you a saver or a spender? How are your attitudes turning up in the congregation?
Study the Scriptures. The Bible contains numerous insights about money. It must be important! Jesus talks about money and possessions more than any other subject with the exception of the reign of God.
Delegate the work. Whether or not you like discussing giving, empower a variety of voices to speak on the subject. Plan a pulpit exchange or invite guest preachers to share the message. Establish a stewardship committee with members who are comfortable with the topic of money and committed to resourcing the congregation’s mission.
Tell stories. Bible stories, ministry stories, and personal experiences can all convey the mission message. Let the stories flow, let the stories of what is happening through mission giving speak for themselves. Encourage individuals to tell the stories of how giving has enriched their lives.
Simply invite participation. The work of the Spirit is enhanced when you do your work of teaching or preaching. We are messengers with the responsibility to proclaim the Good News, not to convince or convert those who hear us. Reticence to speak about money should not deny others the opportunity to respond and to grow. Think of asking for money as an invitation to participate in Christ’s mission. The people will make their own decisions.
Practicing generosity brings rewards. Giving is good. The simple affirmation that you can “afford” to contribute to the needs of others is empowering, whether the sum is great or small. Often we will read about wealthy persons creating a foundation in order to give away their wealth for the greater good. Everyday people do this, too, we just don’t read about it because their gifts aren’t in the hundreds of millions of dollars but are none-the-less very significant. People who are enriched by their giving know the simple truth that generosity is the greatest joy.
Adopt an attitude of abundance. A mentality of scarcity, of “not enough,” is ingrained in far too many people. Realizing and believing that God has provided “enough” for everyone, however, releases you from the need “to get more,” and you can begin to think of becoming more generous. Believing that God has provided “enough” is a faith posture; accepting the notion of scarcity is based on fear.
The needs are great, but the resources are greater! Matching the needs and the resources is one of the challenges and joys of ministry. Helping people to cheerfully give of their resources and even beyond creates a solid foundation for discipleship. It is most satisfying when you have a part in connecting the dots. We know about the needs. By talking about money you can discover ways to meet the need and grow disciples.
Rolfe Granath is a stewardship and capital campaign consultant with Church Financial Campaign Service, CFCS. Based in Sacramento, Calif., he serves mainly in the western U.S. and can by reached via e-mail at rjgranath@hotmail.com.
