Financial Discipleship: What is it? Who Should Be Teaching It?
Over the past 20 years, I have seen the language and terminology in the Church around the topic of money change. Truthfully, I've even participated in this by trying to appeal to the people in our Church. As a person who is passionate about seeing people financially free, I've gone to great lengths to improve my communication about money to ensure people understand the information as well as my motivation behind it.
Financial discipleship is one of those newer phrases that has become more relevant recently. Church leaders are beginning to embrace this phrase as a better way of communicating about money, giving, and stewardship. However, the definition of financial discipleship isn't as clear as many of us who use it think it is. That's the problem with most of the terminology around finances in the Church; it's either not understood or misunderstood by the regular churchgoer.
What is Financial Discipleship?
You will not find a definition for financial discipleship in a dictionary. That in itself is telling of how uncommon this phrase still is. So to understand what it means, we have to first look at the main word of this phrase, discipleship. If we know what discipleship is, we will have a better understanding of what financial discipleship is.
A disciple is a person who follows a teacher, leader, or philosopher, believing and adhering to that person's teaching and beliefs. Such a follower not only accepts but also assists in spreading their teacher's doctrines. Christians are called to be disciples of Jesus and engage in discipleship, assisting Him in spreading the gospel and teaching future disciples to adhere to everything Jesus taught.
Financial discipleship attempts to highlight one aspect of discipleship; the management of money and wealth as taught by Jesus and the Bible. Why is this important? Because money and wealth, when misunderstood and misused, pose a real danger to being a committed disciple. Money problems are rarely about money. Money is a great revealer of the condition of a person's heart and what they're genuinely committed to.
In Mark 10:23-27, Jesus tells His disciples that it's hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. How hard? It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter God's kingdom. That's not just hard; it's impossible! Does that mean everyone should avoid riches? Not necessarily. Although some should definitely avoid riches, most will be able to manage them if they know and obey God's financial principles.
What are God's financial principles?
God's financial principles are found in God's Word, the Bible. You can discover the principles of spending, borrowing, lending, debt, saving, investing, and others by studying God's word. The Bible also addressed right and wrong attitudes regarding money, wealth, and riches because how you feel and what you believe about them will determine how you manage them. Many books are written (see a short list at the end of this article) that teach God's financial principles and their application in life.
Who is Financial Discipleship for?
Financial discipleship is for every disciple of Jesus. If you are a Christian, you've accepted the gift of salvation and have committed to follow Jesus. You've committed to being a faithful disciple, which includes managing everything He's entrusted to you, time, talent, and treasure (money, riches, and wealth) according to his will.
God's plan involves you. First, he's promised to always provide for your needs (Matthew 6:25-34 NLT), so you never have to fear or worry. That's important because it's difficult to think or be concerned about anyone else when you fear or worry about your own needs. He then promises to provide you with opportunities and the resources you need to share with others (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT) so that they, too, can become faithful disciples.
Financial Disciple or Financial Discipleship?
I don't want you to miss the meaning and importance of "discipleship" in this phrase. It's not only about being a financial disciple; it's about being a financial disciple-maker. Jesus' instructions to his disciples (that's us) were to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to share this good news with everyone; that Jesus died to remove the curse of sin, reunite us to the Father, and teach them to observe everything He's taught us, including His financial principles, so that every disciple is also a good steward.
Being a financial disciple is a part of our role as faithful followers of Jesus who manage His resources. Equally important is the financial discipleship role we play in equipping others. Have you decided to be a follower of Christ? If your answer is yes, then you've agreed to be a financial disciple entrusted with financial discipleship. You have the opportunity to be a good steward and grow good stewards.
If you need help being a good steward yourself, check out the resources below and subscribe to our newsletter. Our content is specifically tailored to teach God's perspective on money, wealth, and riches to equip you to be that good and faithful stewards. If you are a church leader, we want to be a resource to you personally and in helping you equip your people in financial discipleship. Our Stewardship Impact Workshop was designed to help church leaders understand the theology of stewardship and generosity and build a thriving stewardship ministry in their Church.
Books on Financial Discipleship
Financial Discipleship: Investing In Eternity by Peter Briscoe
Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton
Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn
True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer
Money The Acid Test by David McConaughy
Church Leader Resources
For Further Reading:
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What Does the Bible Say About Spending?
What the Widow’s Gift Says About Giving
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