Help People to Trust God More, and Giving Will Follow
When it comes to giving, a minority of churchgoers are still financially supporting a majority of church ministry. Usually less than 20 percent of churchgoers contribute regularly to their church. This is discouraging, first, because of the lack of resources for the church. Second, because of what it reveals; a lack of trust in God concerning money.
There are several reasons why people aren't giving. By and large, the primary reason is inability. That's right! Most Christians have a desire to give, but they don't see how they can. Many believe they barely have enough to provide for what they need each month, let alone save for the future. Although this may be true for some, it isn't true for most people living in the United States.
Of course, it isn't always inability that keeps people from giving. For some, it may be greed, selfishness, or living a lifestyle that's focused on materialism and consumption. Whatever the reason for the lack of giving, financial discipleship can help. God's financial principles address the practical and spiritual side of money. They reveal wrong attitudes and beliefs about money, bringing about conviction, repentance, and a renewed trust in God.
Increase trust through education and practice
To help people trust God more, start by teaching them God's financial principles from the Bible. Financial education is severely lacking, and the available education usually leads to financial bondage and stress. That's because God's word on saving, debt, investing, and spending stands in contrast to what's being taught in the world.
In the church, we almost always default to preaching to motivate change when what's really needed is a practical, hands-on approach to help people gain the knowledge and ability to change. Teaching people the practical side of money, managing wisely, and making sound financial decisions, is extremely helpful and has an almost immediate positive impact. It removes financial stress and uncertainty and replaces it with increasing confidence and financial harmony.
Financial stress is not just financial; it's emotional, and it affects men and women differently. Women under financial pressure become fearful and anxious about the safety and security of their families. On the other hand, men feel shame and embarrassment because of their perceived inability to provide and protect those under their care.
We must understand the emotions people have around money issues so that our communication is helpful and practical. Another sermon telling them to trust God and give more may not be what's best for your people right now. It will not fix their mismanagement of money or cause them to make better decisions. What will help is teaching them and walking alongside them as they improve their finances.
Set the proper balance when preaching on giving
It's important to remember that giving is but one portion of our finances, and it's not the largest portion we manage. When speaking about money, the main focus shouldn't always be about giving, nor should it always end in asking for money. More time should be devoted to teaching and equipping people to be good stewards.
If you're a church leader, think about how often you speak about money. When you do, what's the focus? How often is it about giving, and how often is it about teaching people to apply God's wisdom to their financial decision-making?
When we use a disproportionate amount of time telling people to give and little to no time equipping them how to manage money practically, we're doing them a disservice. We're not communicating what we want for them, but rather what we want from them. People can't help but interpret this as self-serving for the pastor or the church, especially when their finances are a mess. When we aren't equipping people to handle money in a healthy way, yet we continue to ask them to give every week, it creates frustration and resentment.
We should never ask people to give unless we've spent a considerable amount of time teaching them to manage money in a healthy way so they can give. Teaching people God's principles leads them to a more profound sense of contentment and trust in God. It is from that place that real generosity can flow.
If you're a church leader, consider building a Stewardship Ministry in your church to educate and equip people in personal finances. Through different programs, you can disciple your people in financial matters. You can equip them to manage money in a healthy way, which will result in financial freedom, contentment, and increased generosity. We would love to help! If we can serve you and your church in building a thriving stewardship ministry in your church, please get in touch with us.
For Further Reading:
Financial Discipleship: What is it? Who Should Be Teaching it?
We're Attending Give Conference - and We Hope You Will Too!
What Does the Bible Say About Spending?
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