Main > Lesson 3 — Your beliefs about money The Whys and Hows of Money Leadership
A curriculum for pastors/leaders just getting started
by Mark Vincent, Lead Partner, Design for Ministry
  1. Evaluative Questions
  2. Background — Your beliefs about money
  3. Part 1:  Study/Reflect — Christian beliefs about money
  4. Part 2:  A Journal Exercise
Background:
From Genesis 17, we know that money was used in Abraham's day as he used money to purchase slaves for his household. We know it was present and a troubling matter in Jesus' day too. He was asked whether he should pay taxes to Caesar. He needed money to pay the temple tax. He was betrayed by a disciple for thirty pieces of silver. Money also presented itself as an issue in the early church. Ananias and Sapphira were deceitful as they sold property and made a donation. Widows and orphans needed to be cared for. The apostle Paul led a fundraising campaign to relieve the suffering church of Jerusalem.

Why should the contemporary church believe it is different? Why should the subject of money remain unaddressed from the pulpit? Why would our only concern, when money is addressed, be to raise funds for the local church and other ministries beyond its walls?

In the previous lessons we've established the difficulty and the spirituality of money agenda for pastors. Think how deep the agenda must run for the families of your congregation. For instance, conflict about money is the biggest reason households break up. How can we have effective family ministries if we don't address the subject?

*People engaging in business or commerce report their biggest ethical quandaries are over the use of money. How can we promote good ethics and righteous living if we are silent about money applications for the Christian faith?

*Young people in our churches report that 70 percent or more of their income is fully discretionary, often until they are out of college. This sets up bad habits and unrealistic expectations about money management that can make one's entire adulthood an experience with financial bondage. Doesn't developing disciples require engaging this subject as the gospel is proclaimed from the pulpit?

Here are some other money dynamics to consider as you think about the faith and money connection. They are adapted from the book Teaching a Christian view of money, p. 71 and following.

Continued