Pastor is Key 

Does this happen in your church? There is a budget shortfall and leadership begins pointing fingers. The finance people report a shortage in the church budget. They turn to those in charge of spiritual leadership and say, “You know, we think this is a spiritual problem. We would really appreciate it if you make this a major emphasis as you are speaking of spiritual matters to our members in the near future.” The spiritual leaders start to fidget then turn to the pastor and say, “If you will preach a sermon or two on stewardship, we will clear this up in short order!” So goes the stewardship “hot potato”. Finance people are charged with the encouragement of stewardship, but stewardship is first and foremost a spiritual issue. The pastor as spiritual leader of the congregation does play a critical role in stewardship. The pastor supports and encourages the congregation in its growth in stewardship commitment, including, very importantly, financial commitment. In a study conducted among congregations whose giving was double the national average, the number-one reason members gave generously was strong pastoral leadership (Grimm, Generous People, p.151). What are ways the pastor’s leadership helps develop financially healthy congregations? Helps establish an openness in talking about money and models good financial stewardship to others. Giving is an expression of pastor’s daily life.. The pastor is comfortable talking about his/her own stewardship story and shares steps taken in that journey towards faithful stewardship.. Serves as ex-officio member of the stewardship committee, meeting periodically with the stewardship team and maintaining frequent contact with the stewardship chairperson.. Takes a pro-active role in encouraging and educating the leadership on biblical principles of stewardship.. Preaches on stewardship in a holistic sense throughout the year, and occasionally, on a more specific basis on the connection between one’s finances and their relationship with God.