Two Components of a Healthy Stewardship Ministry
What does it take to build a culture of good stewardship and generosity in your church? You may think that because every church is unique in its own way that the approach would be different for every church, and you’re partially correct. However, there are two key roles [and responsibilities] that must be present for a church to succeed in this endeavor. And succeed it must, because a lot is depending on it.
Financial discipleship is not a “once and done” program or class, no matter how much we all wish it were. Financial discipleship is a journey, and although there are some standard steps everyone must take, each person’s journey will be different. Some people have no biblical or practical financial education, while others will possess some of each. Your approach to financial discipleship must consider this and other factors to move people on their journey.
Before you start thinking about financial programs or curriculums, it’s essential to understand what it takes for financial discipleship to be effective. Because this isn’t financial education, but financial discipleship, it requires a two-step approach that includes preaching God’s word on money and wealth and teaching practical ways to live it out.
“Preaching is imparting the burden. Teaching is helping people to accomplish that burden.”
I like the way Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church defines preaching and teaching. He says, “Preaching is imparting the burden. Teaching is helping people to accomplish that burden.” The primary person involved in financial discipleship is the senior pastor. Without the senior pastor, any effort will have minimal impact and no chance of achieving a culture of good stewardship and generosity.
Through preaching, a pastor can help his people understand the truth found in God’s word, and that truth can be activated [ongoing] by God’s Holy Spirit to move people toward change. Ongoing because changing beliefs and behaviors in the area of finances takes time and effort. Failures are typical on this journey, especially early on, but God’s word will provide the path and the motivation to stay the course.
As preaching, the first step, accomplishes its purpose of imparting the burden, teaching, the second step, provides the way people can achieve that burden; this is where the stewardship leader [pastor] comes in. By teaching the practical methods of managing money, based on God’s financial principles, people receive the knowledge and the ways to apply it to their financial lives. This can be accomplished through curriculums designed for small groups, classes, workshops, seminars, or one-on-one coaching.
Let me spare you the time and energy you’ll probably spend trying to find the ‘right’ curriculum to teach this to everyone in your church. It doesn’t exist and likely never will. Financially speaking, people are all over the place, and because that will always be the case, you will need to incorporate different teachings to reach everyone.
Some need help with budgeting, getting out of debt, and saving. Others need to determine “how much is enough?” while everyone needs to understand giving and learn how to hear God when making giving decisions. To start, focus on the foundational principles of giving, saving, spending, and eliminating debt - everyone needs these, regardless of their financial situation. Then, add programs and classes based on the needs that arise.
When you incorporate this two-step approach to financial discipleship, consistent preaching to impart the burden, and practical teaching to provide the knowledge and support to accomplish the burden, you’re on your way to building a culture of good stewardship and generosity.
If we can assist in helping you build a stewardship ministry at your church, let us know. We are passionate to see every church providing financial discipleship through a thriving stewardship and generosity ministry.
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