Telling A Congregation About Finances

I'm writing this post specifically on Serving Strong (in the "Doing Ministry Well" bucket) because talking about money from the platform has historically been an energy-draining issue for many'a pastor. But it's something that doesn't come with an easy answer. That's why I need YOU, my readers.

Here's the question we are addressing:

How does a pastor talk to her/his congregation about the decline in giving?

Here's what I need from you:

1. Links to helpful blog sites or websites that deal with the topic above (use the Simply Linked widget below to insert the information.)
2. Your Thoughts on the topic (use the comment field to share what you think)

Perhaps there are pastors out there who are struggling with this very issue (especially in this economy mid-Summer) and they need some guidance. So, let's pull our resources together and help one another out. Whad'yasay? Thanks!!   image credit

 

Comments

[Chris P]

Christian Smith wrote a book a couple years ago called "Passing the Plate: Why Christians Don't Give Away More Money." I believe there was an insightful Christianity Today article couple with that.

My sense is that we allow a few people or "stories of people" hinder our ability to talk about money. We also tend to divorce money from the rest of the church and our own spirituality. Money is very private in our culture (unless you are bragging about it) and we tend to allow that privacy to be a part of the church. But I think finding ways to talk around it, simply uses too much energy that could be used to simply speak the truth about why the church is there and that it actually needs resources to be the church.

I know a church recently that went a long way around to say it was not talking about giving, but when you cut through all the fancy talk, they were calling the church to give more. Sometimes I think simple is best. FWIW

[Nate Elarton]

I feel just being honest with the body is the most important. If the church is healthy and has a culture of generosity, this will bring results.

The finances could be declining because the church attendence is declining, then budget adjustments would have to be made.

Also, getting the body financially healthy through Financal Peace University , or Crown ministries is a stratagy a pastor would be unwise to ignore.

A couple other thoughts....
--Lots of prayer, and requests for prayer.
--Staying missional and reaching out always generates finances.
--Give some money away to missions. "If you sow sparingly, you will reap sapringly, if you sow generously, you will reap generously." (2 Cor. 9. 6-9. This godly principle applies to churches as well as individuals.
--Resist the urge to condemn or guilt the body into giving.
--Set the example in the church with cutting back, and being good stewards.

[Fritz]

We routinely teach on giving throughout the year. For us, it is simply a part of discipleship, no different from prayer or studying scripture.

Also, a biblical look at Matthew 6:21 will encourage believers to give (21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also). The common approach to this is that whatever you're passionate about is where your money will go. This is not what Jesus is saying. He's saying: Where you put your money is where you will be passionate.

How many people make investments? How often do they check the market and quotes to see how their investment is doing? They're not passionate about Wall Street for Wall Street's sake. They're passionate because they put their money there. If people invest their money in the kingdom, their heart and passion will follow.

Biblical teaching on giving always returns in opportunities for spiritual growth!

[Daron]

Since I'm not a very religious person and still very spiritual, I talk about giving this way... Tithing is a law in the universe like gravity, it doesn't require a belief in religion or God, the very act of moving money through your life and into the hands of others who can use it now for growth in their life, sets up an environment in the giver's psyche that creates a space of abundance rather then scarcity. The very act of giving creates more for the giver, because it MOVES through a person's life. Stagnation in money, just like in all facets of life, creates decay and "dis-ease". Even very selfish people can learn this simple law of "giving to get". That's how the Universe is set up and why "Givers Gain". Please feel free to follow my blog on finance matters at http://ihavegoodcredit.com/blog

[Stephanie Leupp]

One of our Board members talked to the congregation about finances when we were in difficulties. I think for us, it was better because the burden was not on the pastor. It also showed that we depend on everybody to care for our church and not just the pastor. I felt that it shouldn't be his responsibility to talk about it; it was right that the Board member discuss it.

[Bdentzy]

I don't have any links for you. But we had to do something similar over the past year.

Our pastor simply addressed the congregation as family and let us know that family needs to know what's going on. He outlined the situation and the contingency plans we had in place. And then he just kept us up to speed as things progressed.

[Scott Couchenour]

Chris / Nate: I like what you are both saying. The more authentic and honest, the better. It seems a congregation needs to be given the facts so they can respond in prayer accordingly.

[Scott Couchenour]

Fritz - "They're not passionate about Wall Street for Wall Street's sake. They're passionate because they put their money there. If people invest their money in the kingdom, their heart and passion will follow."

That's a great quote, right there. It lays out a perspective any pastor should be able to operate from.

btw, thanks for stopping by.

[Scott Couchenour]

Daron - I appreciate your unique insight. There's a lot of Truth in what you shared. Giving is built into existence. We are all wise to heed that principle. Not everyone believes in God, but it's one of the basic tenets of Serving Strong.

Thanks so much for making the investment in others by commenting. You are always welcome here.

[Scott Couchenour]

Stephanie - That's an interesting take on the whole idea. Makes sense to share the responsibility. Although the pastor needs to be the ultimate leader in the situation IMHO.