If your church is going to be fully funded you need to know how to get over the fear of asking for money. The number one reason pastors do not talk much about giving and money matters is they are afraid of the outcome. They know that talking about money is about as popular in church as talking about who you should vote for. We shy away from any discussion about money thinking it is not our place. Who said so? You will not find that in the Bible. You will not find a passage that says a pastor should not be involved in the churches finances. The early church did not take that tact why do we?
“All the church talks about is money.” First, that is not true according to multiple studies. Churches infrequently talk about money. Perhaps this myth got started because every week we pass an offering plate. Yet few say a thing leading up to the offering. Then if this is true the Red Cross and multiple other charities are guiltier than we are! All they ever talk about is you giving them money or in the case of the Red Cross, money AND blood. The next time someone tells you that all the church talks about is money nicely point out to them that is simply not the case.
That you ask for money does not drive people away it is how you go about it that matters. Think about it. If people are turned off by being asked to donate all our charities would be out of business. We don’t mind a charity asking us to give. Have you ever thought why that is? In part it is because they are always talking about a huge need that your gift can help them solve or address. We need to craft our appeals for gifts in the same manner. Tell the marvelous things your church is doing and ask people to support that with their gifts. This one thing will change giving in your church!
Give people a reason to give and they will give!
Here are some key thoughts that can help you get over your fear of talking about money…
- Jesus talked about money and possession more than any other thing combined. Be like Jesus!
- Your church is doing a work for God that no one else can do quite like your church. Believe in your work!
- You are not asking them to give to you or even your church. You are asking them to be obedient to God.
- Your church is a part of a worldwide mission to change the world for the better. Our cause is the best cause of all time. Ever!
- Generous people are blessed by God. You are helping people realize the blessings of God.
- The only people who complain about pastors talking too much about money are people with spiritual issues. Consider the source of your complaints.
- If your church could not function how many people’s lives would be impacted? So, man up and make the ask!
Not talking about giving plays into the hands of the sinful who want to keep all their possessions for themselves. In your church this is a minority of your people. Why should a few dictate what is best for the rest? Why should your ministry practices be defined by those kinds of people? Love them for sure. Pray they will grow in maturity. Yet never be afraid of them nor be controlled by them. If your church is ever going to be fully funded you MUST get over a fear of asking for money.
My Giving365 plan will help you craft appeals that are appealing! Our goal is to make giving easy and fun. Try it for 14 days for only $1 here Try Giving365
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach