I spent the first twenty years of my ministry as a church pastor. I enjoyed those years and felt successful in that all three churches grew in membership and attendance. For full disclosure, my third and longest pastorate was a church plant, so the growth in numbers (when starting at zero) was pretty much a given. What I think about now is while I know those congregations grew in membership and attendance, how much did I help those folks in my pastoral care grow in generosity and the joy that provides?
Like many, I’m sure, I was uneasy talking about money. We increased budgets, raised funds for capital projects, and even raised funds for a new church building; yet I’m not sure I led anyone to the joy of growing in their generosity.
In my more recent years of ministry, I’ve had the privilege of being with and learning from many who were extremely good at having money conversations in the context of church life. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Never talk about people's money apart from their discipleship.
#’s 1 & 2 are direct quotes from Lovett Weems and Ann Michel in their wonderful book Generosity, Stewardship, and Abundance (p. 12). They have articulated this principle and the next as effectively and concisely as anyone could. What we do with money is an integral part of our discipleship journey. We must approach financial discussions as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation, maturing in our discipleship, and helping individuals align their financial choices with their faith.
2. Never talk about the church's money apart from its mission.
If congregational leaders could covenant that these two principles would guide all the church’s money conversations, I believe we would be amazed by how generosity would grow!
3. GIVE PRAISE AND THANKS!
Regularly express gratitude for the generosity of your congregation. Recognize and celebrate the impact of all contributions, both big and small. Gratitude fosters a culture of giving.
4. REMEMBER: IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU.
This tip is mainly directed at pastoral leaders, many of whom feel uncomfortable when their compensation package is a relatively large portion of the ministry budget of the church. When discussing money, stay focused on the greater purpose: Christ’s mission in your community and the world. Your role is to facilitate these conversations and to not let you (or your family) become the focus. Make it about Christ’s mission, not your leadership.
5. TALK ABOUT MONEY WHEN YOU'RE NOT ASKING PEOPLE TO GIVE.
Money discussions should be ongoing and not limited to when a contribution is requested. The same with study groups that are based on stewardship and generosity. Educate and inform your congregation about financial stewardship regularly.
6. LET JESUS SPEAK.
Draw inspiration from the teachings of Jesus. He talked about money and possessions, generosity and being good stewards, and how the accumulation of wealth can become a stumbling block on our faith journeys.
7. MAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO YOUR DONORS.
Understand what kind of ministries excite them. Actively listen to their questions, concerns, and feedback. This builds trust and ensures that their voices are heard.
8. CAST VISIONS OF HOPE, NOT GLOOM.
Paint a positive picture of what can be achieved through financial contributions. Focus on the transformative impact of generosity and how it can make a real difference in the lives of others.
9. EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GENEROSITY YOURSELF.
Share personal stories of how giving has enriched your life and faith. And if you haven’t had the experience of the joy that comes from doing something extravagant in generosity – even just once – I highly recommend it.
10. FIND A COACH.
Seek guidance and mentorship in navigating the complexities of financial conversations. A seasoned coach or mentor can provide valuable insights and support your growth as a stewardship leader.
By following these ten tips, we can create an environment where conversations about money are integral to our discipleship journey and the mission of our church. Remember, it's not just about financial transactions; it's about transforming lives and fostering a culture of generosity in our faith communities.
excerpt from a story by Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship & Generosity, Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church.
United Methodist Church Giving is about people working together to accomplish something bigger than themselves. In so doing, we effect change around the world, all in the name of Jesus Christ. To read stories about the generosity of United Methodists click here.
