Sustainability is one of our values in the Church Planting Foundation. What we mean by sustainability is that the ministry operations are funded consistently, ministry expenses are reasonable and under control, and the ministry leaders practice sound financial practices, including generosity. To go straight to the point: how we handle money can either be a great testimony for the Kingdom of God or a stumbling block that keeps people from believing the Gospel. Sadly, the world has seen plenty of examples of the latter.
People have seen ministers who ask poor people for money while living a luxurious lifestyle. Some ministers’ children remember growing up in homes where money was always tight, where they made a vow to themselves not to let their kids experience that. In some cultures, the mention of a minister brings up the picture of someone always asking for money, maybe latching on to the next available rich individual.
As we see from these examples, the intersection of ministry and finances can run through an entire spectrum from lack brought about by irresponsibility or mismanagement to luxurious lifestyles and lavish expenses. But what both of these have in common is an unbiblical approach to finances that defames God and hinders the ministry. We’ll discuss one approach first, then the second on the next blog.
Many ministries struggle with finances because they don’t have an eye toward sustainability. The need is so urgent. The passion burns brightly within. And they rush into doing the work. But what’s missing is a consideration for how the work will be sustained over time. Here are some common mindsets we’ve observed:
- Money isn’t important. If I obey God, the money will follow.
There’s an element of truth to this statement. God will definitely provide for His people and for His work. But where this statement falls short is to think that money isn’t important. It is important. Jesus provided for Peter’s tax. (Matthew 17:24–27) Paul made precise instructions for the handling of money. (2 Corinthians 8–9) If we will be faithful ministers, we must consider how we will use money.
- I don’t have time to raise funds or think about money. The ministry is too urgent.
Like the previous statement, there is some truth to this as well. There are a few moments of ministry that require an urgent and immediate response. But most times of ministry are not like this. It’s less like an emergency room with a flood of constant emergencies and more like growing plants that consistently produce fruit over time. Very often, people who think this way aren’t really motivated by an urgency for ministry, but a distaste for money matters.
- Money talks make me uncomfortable. I would rather stick to ministry topics.
While very few people would say it this blatantly, this is the mindset that hinders many ministers from handling money well. Somewhere somehow we’ve allowed one or more false perspectives about money to shape our view. Some of these lies include:
- Some people are just good with money and others are bad with it and nothing can be done about it.
- Being faithful in ministry doesn’t include finances.
- People who are good with handling money are greedy. The fact that I’m not good with money shows I’m not greedy.
I say “we” in this section because I’ve believed all of these lies in my first ten years in ministry. I used high-sounding (to me) reasonings to disguise my discomfort. But the truth is, I needed money in ministry, and didn’t know how to handle it. It was true for my personal finances as well. I didn’t have a budget for knowing where things were being spent or a reasonable projection for how to increase income responsibly and faithfully. It took a combination of challenging life situations and godly mentors to shake me out of complacency and pursue being responsible with finances. Thankfully, God is faithful. And today, our family and ministry enjoy a better season of being sustainable with finances – being generous with others and observing a conservative budget. And I hope that you, your families, and ministries can enjoy the same soon.
Here are some questions to reflect on:
- Do I have a healthy understanding of my family’s and ministry’s finances? Do I know where the money comes from? Do I know how it’s being spent?
- Are we able to save for emergencies? Do we always spend beyond our income?
- Which of the lies listed above have I believed? Who are people I can go to for advice on money matters?
