Wealth is a blessing from God, but it carries a real spiritual danger: the temptation to forget the One who gave it. This warning echoes through Scripture - from Moses’ words to Israel on the edge of the Promised Land to Jesus’ parable of the Rich Fool. Let’s unpack how these two passages speak powerfully to Christians today about stewardship, self-sufficiency, and storing up treasure that lasts.

For many church leaders, engaging high-capacity givers can feel both important and uncomfortable.

There is often a quiet tension beneath the surface. On one hand, these individuals have the ability to significantly impact Kingdom work. On the other, there is a real concern about approaching them in a way that feels transactional, pressured, or even inappropriate.

That tension is worth paying attention to, because it reveals something deeper about how we understand stewardship.

At its core, discipling the wealthy is not a strategy conversation. It is a discipleship conversation.

Some believers have grown up with the understanding that giving ten percent is a clear and ongoing expectation for every Christian. Others have been taught that tithing was part of the Old Testament law and no longer applies under the New Covenant. As a result, many people approach the topic with uncertainty, and sometimes even resistance.

At its core, however, the conversation about tithing is not simply about percentages or requirements. It is about how we understand God’s ownership, our role as stewards, and the posture of our hearts toward what we have been given.

Wait a minute. Batman and Robin. Peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter and chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. But Batman and peanut butter? That just doesn’t fit.

Some things belong together. Others… not so much.

As a stewardship pastor, the same is true for partnerships. Who you align with matters—a lot. You need strategic partners to build a healthy community of disciples who grasp and live out biblical stewardship and generosity

Many churches want to grow generosity.

They want to see increased giving, stronger engagement, and a congregation that understands the importance of stewardship. In response, they often implement sermon series, giving campaigns, or seasonal initiatives designed to encourage generosity.

“Free” wills may sound appealing, but they often come with hidden costs—probate fees, public records, delays, and missed Kingdom impact. Learn why wise stewardship requires more than a quick online form and how to guide your church members toward lasting, biblical generosity.

Stewardship is for Everyone—But Everyone Hears It Differently

When we talk about stewardship in church, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking one message will connect with everyone. But the truth is, the people sitting in your pews aren’t all coming from the same place. They’ve got different backgrounds, financial situations, and life experiences. If we want to really disciple people well when it comes to biblical stewardship, we’ve got to learn how to communicate in a way that actually lands with the people we’re talking to.

Every Sunday, churches everywhere carve out a moment to talk about giving. But let’s be honest—sometimes that moment can feel a little awkward, routine, or even skipped over without much thought. What if, instead, it became one of the most meaningful parts of your entire service?

When it’s done well, the giving moment isn’t just an announcement about money—it’s a powerful opportunity to disciple your church family, share vision, and inspire joyful, heartfelt generosity.

A strong stewardship ministry has the power to shift how people think about money, stuff, and generosity. But even the best ministry won’t get far if folks don’t really understand what it’s all about. That’s why clarity matters. Without it, people might assume stewardship is only for those struggling financially—or worse, that the whole thing is just a fancy way to ask for more money.

If you want to build a ministry that’s healthy, thriving, and actually helping people grow, you’ve got to paint a clear picture of why it exists. One that invites people in, earns their trust, and shows how stewardship ties directly into following Jesus.

At the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN), we see stewardship as more than managing money—it’s a vital part of discipleship. Small, intentional steps toward generosity and connection can spark real life change. That’s why we’re committed to finding simple, effective tools that make it easier for people—especially those who are new or unsure—to get involved.

In the latter half of 2024 and into early 2025, my church has seen a decline in giving—and perhaps your church has experienced a similar trend. As ministers focused on stewardship, generosity, and church finance, is it possible to steer things in a more positive direction?

MortarStone recently released its 2024 Annual Report, which is based on real data from 537 churches. The report highlights contributions from 941,790 unique giving households that collectively made 43.1 million gifts, totaling $13.7 billion. A closer look at this data reveals interesting trends that can be impacted by ministry.