“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5,NIV) This scripture is as true now as it was when Solomon wrote it. Every week, pastors minister to their congregations spiritually, but many silently watch their members struggle with debt, financial anxiety, and a lack of knowledge about how to steward what God has given them.
While pastors may feel empathy for congregants facing financial hardship, ministers may also feel powerless to help. But financial literacy is not just a practical skill, it’s a form of discipleship rooted in biblical stewardship principles.
Jesus taught that being faithful in small matters, including finances, reflects one's ability to handle greater responsibilities. Scripture is rich with pearls of wisdom on finances. From Jesus’ parables to Proverbs’ practical guidance. Stewardship is more than tithing. It is about managing every resource God has entrusted to us with faithfulness and prudence. And yes, this includes wise money management.
What Can Churches Do?
Did you know that according to a 2024 survey by the National Financial Educators Council1, Americans lost an estimated $243 billion due to lack of financial knowledge, with the average person losing $1,015? These aren't just statistics; they represent individuals and families in our pews who are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to save for emergencies, fund financial goals, give generously, or dream and plan for the future.
Now imagine the collective impact if churches began addressing this problem head-on.
Pastors have the unique opportunity to integrate financial education into the fabric of their ministries. Financial education anchored in biblical principles can foster generational transformation and help end the cycle of deep financial struggle.
But how do you start teaching financial literacy in your church? Here are four ways to begin.
Create or use a Bible-based small group curriculum focused on money management. These intimate settings allow for deeper discussions, accountability, and spiritual growth around financial topics. Groups can meet weekly or monthly and walk through topics like budgeting, contentment, financial planning, and giving.
Add a financial literacy component to your church’s leadership development programs. Teaching stewardship builds a financially conscious culture and helps leaders model good financial habits for others.
Partner with financial professionals to provide practical, biblically grounded training on topics like budgeting, debt reduction, and retirement planning.
Set up a small physical or digital library where members can access books, budgeting tools, sermon recordings, and videos on Christian money management. Update it regularly and feature it in your bulletin, church app, or Sunday announcements to keep financial wellness top of mind.
It’s important that no matter which of these steps you incorporate into your ministry, you encourage your congregation to partner with certified financial planners along their financial journey. Consulting with financial experts whenever making decisions about money is key to financial wisdom.
Teaching financial literacy is not a distraction from your calling, it’s an extension of it. Believers who are financially healthy are better equipped to serve boldly and give generously.
Imagine the transformation that can happen when your congregation learns to handle money God’s way -- families freed from debt, members walking in peace, and churches resourced to do more kingdom work than ever before.
If you're ready to strengthen your financial foundation, MMBB is here to support you. The Strategic Pastoral Excellence Program (SPEP) is a transformative initiative designed to equip pastoral leaders and their congregations with essential financial literacy tools, empowering you to lead with confidence. Take the next step toward achieving financial wellness and reach out today to learn more and apply to be considered for this impactful program.
Together, let’s build churches that are not only spiritually strong but financially sound.
1 https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/financial-illiteracy-costs/
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