Breaking Barriers: Helping People Move Past Resistance to Biblical Stewardship
Let’s be honest—whenever money comes up in church, something shifts in the room. You can almost feel the tension. For so many people, conversations about giving, tithing, or stewardship trigger more than just questions; they trigger emotions, past hurts, even skepticism.
Some people have been burned by churches or leaders who used guilt and manipulation to raise money. Others feel ashamed of their financial struggles and quietly wonder if they belong in these conversations at all. And many simply don’t get why money is even a “church thing” to begin with.
But as church leaders, we don’t get to shy away from these real, raw tensions. We’re called to lean in—to pastor people through their doubts and baggage with truth, grace, and love. Because at the heart of biblical stewardship isn’t an obligation; it’s an invitation. An invitation to freedom, trust, and transformation.
Why People Struggle with Stewardship Conversations
Most of the resistance we encounter isn’t random—it usually comes from a few understandable places:
1. Misunderstanding God’s Heart
A lot of folks assume the church just wants their money. It’s easy to reduce stewardship to budgets and buildings if we aren’t careful to paint the bigger picture. Without clear, compassionate teaching, people miss that stewardship isn’t about what the church wants from them—it’s about what God wants for them.
2. Mistrust of Institutions
Let’s face it—people have reasons to be skeptical. Too many headlines about financial scandals and misused resources have left a bad taste in people’s mouths. When we talk about giving, many are quietly wondering, Can I actually trust how this money is being used?
3. Guilt, Shame, or Financial Struggle
For some, giving feels like a reminder of what they lack. Whether it’s past mistakes, debt, or comparison to others who “give more,” conversations about money can stir up shame and insecurity.
4. Confusion About What the Bible Really Teaches
There’s a lot of bad theology out there when it comes to money. Some believe tithing is outdated and legalistic. Others have been hurt by prosperity gospel promises that left them disappointed. Many simply haven’t been shown what Scripture actually says about generosity and stewardship.
Responding with Truth, Grace, and a Pastor’s Heart
The word “apologetics” means to give a defense—but not in an argumentative way. In this case, stewardship apologetics means lovingly helping people understand why we talk about money, and why it matters to their walk with Jesus.
Here are three truths we can gently, consistently share:
1. Stewardship is About Ownership, Not Obligation
At the core of stewardship is this simple truth: Everything belongs to God.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
This isn’t about church budgets. It’s about living with open hands, knowing everything we have is a gift from Him. Generosity isn’t a strategy—it’s an act of worship. It’s how we reflect God’s heart and experience real freedom.
2. Giving is For the Giver’s Benefit
People often think teaching on giving is about what the church wants from them. But Scripture flips that idea upside down:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Generosity isn’t about adding pressure to anyone’s life. It’s about loosening the grip money can have on our hearts. It’s about learning to live free, grateful, and connected to what God is doing in the world.
3. Stewardship is Discipleship
Jesus talked about money more than almost anything else—not because He needed people’s money, but because money reveals what we trust, love, and worship.
When people resist conversations about stewardship, it’s often because they haven’t yet seen that God is after their heart, not their wallet. Stewardship is part of spiritual formation. It’s a journey of trust, surrender, and transformation.
How Church Leaders Can Create Safe, Honest Stewardship Conversations
So how do we pastor people through the resistance and tension? Here are a few ways:
✅ Start with Scripture, not strategy.
Teach stewardship from God’s Word, not from the church’s budget needs.
✅ Name the tension.
Be real about the doubts and baggage people carry. When you acknowledge it, defenses come down.
✅ Keep the focus on the heart.
This is about spiritual growth, freedom, and trust—not numbers, percentages, or fundraising goals.
✅ Share stories.
Celebrate how stewardship and generosity have changed people’s lives—not just how it’s funded ministry.
✅ Be transparent.
Don’t hide how resources are used. Build trust by showing how giving fuels the mission.
It’s About Invitation, Not Obligation
The hesitation people feel around money is real—but so is the joy, freedom, and spiritual growth that happens when they catch the heart of biblical stewardship.
Our job as leaders isn’t to pressure, guilt, or persuade. It’s to invite, teach, and walk with people on this journey. When we communicate clearly and lovingly, we can help people move from resistance to participation—from skepticism to spiritual growth.
Because at the end of the day, generosity isn’t what God wants from His people—it’s what He wants for them.
👉 Learn more about CSN Membership and start building a thriving stewardship ministry today.
For Further Reading
How to Create and Communicate a Clear Vision for Your Stewardship Ministry
A New (and Surprisingly Simple) Tool to Encourage Connection and Generosity
Top 4 Church Giving Trends from the 2024 Generosity Report (And What to Do About Them)
From Stewardship to Generosity: How to Create a Culture of Giving in Your Church
Stewardship: The Heart of True Discipleship
Why Monthly Stewardship Collab Calls Are a Game Changer for Church Leaders
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