The 3 "Must Have" Components of an Effective Stewardship Ministry
Money is an integral part of our lives, and we spend a significant amount of time earning, planning, and spending money daily. Because of this, it stands to reason that being educated and well equipped in managing money would be of benefit to everyone. Unfortunately, financial education is sorely lacking today. Though possessing the best financial information available, God's Word, the Church isn't doing much to help people learn God's principles for managing money.
I hope for the day when the Church is known as the best place to gain financial knowledge and wisdom. I believe this is not only possible; it could be the most significant opportunity for evangelism in our day.
Money and wealth don't satisfy the deepest needs we have. Money does make life better in some aspects, but excessive wealth with an unhealthy view of money will always lead to a bad outcome. However, most people pursue wealth, thinking they will be the exception and be able to handle it.
Jesus, in speaking about wealth and riches, said, "but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Mark 4:19) He also said to the rich "not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)
The Bible is very clear and thorough in its instructions regarding wealth and money. It doesn't say to avoid it, but rather to master it. But how can people master it when they are not taught what God says about it? If pastors desire to equip people to live the life God wants them to live, they must share God's word on what people wrestle with every day, like money.
If you engage with our content regularly, you know that CSN believes every Church should have a stewardship ministry. We believe every follower of Christ must understand and embrace their role as stewards, and by doing so, they will manage everything, including money, to the glory of God.
For a stewardship ministry to effectively transform the culture of your Church into one of faithful stewards, it must have three components. Think of these as the three legs of a stool. If any of them is missing, your Church will be ineffective in equipping people to be life-long faithful and generous stewards.
The 3 “Must Have” Components of an Effective Stewardship Ministry
1. The topic of money and wealth as defined in the Scripture must be preached from the pulpit on a consistent basis.
The senior and teaching pastor is the primary person who communicates what the Church stands for and what it, and God, cares about. The more something is emphasized and talked about from the pulpit, the more important it is to your congregation. Not talking about money says something. It says, "Money is not important," or "God only cares about the money you give," or the worst is, "We don't talk about money in the church, so you'll need to find out how to manage your money from the world."
I realize that the topic is a risky one to talk about. And no, you should not overdo it. However, I assure you, whatever you're doing right now is not enough. Because people manage money daily, they need wisdom and encouragement on how they should manage it more than once or twice a year. Those trapped in excessive debt or struggling with materialism need God's word to help them break free. Should they wait a year or more for that revelation?
The best balance in sharing on the topic of money is to do an entire series every year on it, or at minimum every two years. Additionally, incorporate one message in every series or one point in a message monthly that reveals God's principles of stewardship and generosity. Remember, people are dealing with this issue every day. When you consistently share God's word on money, you help them understand God's financial principles and provide them the tools to fight against the relentless influence of the world so that they can live as faithful stewards.
2. An easy-to-understand and simple to engage in process for members who want to go deeper.
The pastor's role is to preach on money and wealth, not teach. Preaching imparts the burden, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and inspire change for the hearer. Teaching the practical ways to manage money should be done by other staff or lay leaders through a straightforward and efficient ministry process.
Everyone is different and at different seasons in life regarding their finances; this has to be considered when creating the stewardship ministry. Some people will need help getting out of debt and putting a good financial plan (budget) together to manage money well. Others will need help learning to steward their surplus and understanding what God would have them do with it. Everyone will need to understand the Biblical principles of finances found in God's word.
Your ministry process should be "a path to becoming a better steward" that you're providing to every congregation member. Everyone should go through foundational teaching on the theology of stewardship and generosity, while only a portion may need help getting out of debt. The ministry process you develop should answer the questions, "If someone engages with our ministry, what would that person look like? What characteristics should they embody after going through the process?"
You probably can't implement each component of the ministry process on day one, and that's ok. Start with good foundational teaching on the theology of stewardship and generosity, and add the other programs as you can.
3. One-on-one support for the few that need it.
If the preaching and teaching on money are done with the right heart, and for the right reason, people will respond. You may have many people coming out and asking for help, which invariably leads to people wanting to meet with someone one-on-one to address their specific needs.
Having a one-on-one coaching or counseling program is necessary. However, it's essential to know that most people don't need one-on-one help. In fact, most people will experience more success by engaging in learning and growing through a small group program than they will from one-on-one sessions. The ministry process should be such that a person needs to complete several steps (attend classes, etc.) before a one-on-one session is available.
You'll need to have a clear and measurable process for the few who need one-on-one support. A coaching/counseling relationship that isn't well structured and defined can go on for months or years and not have a successful outcome. Holding the member accountable for doing their part is crucial, as is being ready to end the sessions if no progress is made.
Conclusion
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul warned him, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, …" (2 Timothy 3:1-2). It is no coincidence that Paul mentioned "lovers of money" in his warnings.
As the world continues to emphasize money and wealth as the most important aim in life, it is crucial that the Church preaches and teaches God's perspective on them. God has given us His Word, but it will take church leaders and established stewardship ministries in every Church to equip God's people as good and faithful stewards. I hope that Paul's warning of the last days won't include those who follow Jesus because the Church has been faithful to equip His Bride to handle money in God's way.
Looking for resources to get started in Stewardship Ministry? Check out our Stewardship Impact Workshop.
For Further Reading:
A Stewardship Ministry in Every Church
Managing Wealth - An Issue of the Heart
Gratitude - The Key to Financial Balance
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