3 Reasons We Are Afraid to Talk about Money in the Church
Most pastors will admit to some apprehension about talking to their church about finances. It is one of those areas that, despite needing to be addressed, most clergy would just prefer to avoid. Why is this such a troublesome issue? More importantly, how can we feel more comfortable addressing it?
When you look at statistics related to Christian giving, you see that many churches are in crisis. It is critical that we enable people to see the relationship between their faith and their stuff.
Here are 3 reasons we are afraid to talk about money, and what we can do about it.
1. We Do Not Want to Be Associated with Bad Examples
You can find instances of fraud and financial mismanagement throughout the church. News stories run the gamut from embezzlement in local churches to high-profile ministries claiming that God wants them to buy a jet. The constant parade of bad examples discolors everything.
When it comes time to talk about generosity, tithing, and giving, there is a fear that people are mentally associating healthy teaching with examples of misbehavior.
Overcoming this obstacle: Do not be afraid to talk about fraud in the church. Communicate with your church about all the safety precautions you have in place. Talk about your security measures and how large financial decisions are made. In this area, transparency is the key to trust.
2. We Do Not Want People to Think the Discussion Is Self-Serving
Many pastors are uncomfortable with the fact that their salary comes from the same church that they are encouraging members to give to. Won't people see that as self-serving? This issue has been known to make clergy so uncomfortable that they drive a 20-year-old car because they are afraid people will make a connection between a newer model that the pastor is driving and their giving.
Overcoming this obstacle: This is another topic that you want to address head-on. Make the budget available so that people can see where their giving goes. Help them make the connection between the money they give and the services and ministries the church provides.
3. We Do Not Want to Make Guests Feel Uncomfortable
One of the laziest critiques that people level at the church is that we are just after money. It is said so often that the criticism has stuck. When we step into the pulpit to talk about the subject of giving and see visitors in the pews, it can be disheartening. We are worried that the topic confirms the stereotype.
Overcoming this obstacle: When you talk about giving, address this concern first. Do not be afraid to acknowledge that this is the reputation the church has received, but discipleship demands that the subject still be addressed. Remind your people that God does not need their money, but generosity helps them develop an appropriate and productive relationship with their possessions.
Do Not Avoid the Topic
As you can see from these examples, the best way to address the issue of tithes and offerings in the church is with openness and transparency. If people have wrong ideas about the church, it is time to address those misconceptions. Let them see the safeguards you have in place to protect the church from fraud and mismanagement.
Consistent, healthy teaching on the topic of Christian stewardship can go a long way to reverse some of the negative feelings people have toward addressing money in the church. In the end, the more exposure people have to good teaching, the less uncomfortable we have to be about bringing it up.
