TALKING ABOUT MONEY IS IMPORTANT – EVEN IN CHURCH (cont’d)

 

            I’ve been talking about the importance of talking about money in church—the right way-- not being apologetic, but not focusing on the need of the church to receive.

            We need to provide an easy-to-understand process for folks who want to adjust their relationship with money and generosity. There is teaching about money and preaching about money. They are not the same thing. An article I recently read said it this way:

• ·         Preaching allows the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and inspire change for the hearer.
• ·         Teaching is about the practical ways to manage money

            I was recently teaching at Local Pastor Licensing School, and I shared the thought that while, traditionally, we have fall stewardship campaigns, where we encourage folks to give to God through the local church, or increasing the giving that they are currently doing, we cannot assume that everyone is at the same place in their life; in their faith journey; or in their financial situation.

            We forget that:

• ·         Some people are just out of school with student loan debt
• ·         Some have kids in college
• ·         Some have young children that require paid health care
• ·         Some are newly retired on fixed incomes
• ·         Some have credit card or other debt

 

If the only time we talk about money in church is to talk about their generosity and what we’re asking them to do, we’re missing the opportunity and the requirement to help them in their relationship with money. Everyone needs to learn and understanding how to steward what they have and understand what God would have them do with it.

Again, I recommend focusing, yes, on the needs of the people to give, that giving is a part of worship, but also to have a good and better relationship with money.