As I have met with pastors and preached in churches on matters related to giving and stewardship, I have been thinking and praying for all our local church pastors and lay leaders. Developing and executing a theme we hope will stir the hearts of those in the flocks we shepherd can be an inexact science…a bit like walking a dogmatic tightrope or feeling like you are selling a slightly used Roman chariot. In the current political/theological environment it is even trickier. But the reality is, the subject of money is never going away.

I’m only three years removed from being appointed to a local church. In my time as a District Superintendent and now as President/CEO of your TWKC Foundation & Development Fund, I’m more immersed in the “Benjamins” than ever before. Stewardship challenges us to be at our best when handling one of our least favorite subjects in church life…money. In this aspect of our pastoral/administrative roles we cannot be just fiscally convincing; we must also be spiritually inspiring.

In reflecting on my local church appointment experiences, there are foundational components that should always be a part of any stewardship emphasis. It does not matter what type of approach or model is used, if it will follow the path of a prepackaged curriculum, if it contracts with an outside agency that provides resources and leadership, or if it is a campaign imagined and created “in-house”, these elements need to be present in some capacity. They apply to local churches, extension ministries, or missional non-profits. The goal is to create an environment that eliminates barriers to understanding, invites the Holy Spirt into minds and heart, and hopefully, prayerfully motivates a giver to respond in faith, not simply convince them to meet a specific financial threshold.

***Lead from The Word. As United Methodists we know about the concept of John Wesley’s Quadrilateral as developed by Albert Outler…Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason. There is debate as to the sequence of influence regarding tradition, experience, and reason, but scripture is always the starting point. Engaging God’s Word is the beginning of a sincere and humble process of seeking Divine guidance, employing spiritual discernment, and either reveling in personal discovery or being patient while living in the mystery. Whatever passage is best suited for such a time or season, it should speak for itself. It ought to have a relevant context, a pertinent application, and offer a clear path for the hearer to apply it to their own place in the body.

***Which comes first…the budget number that needs to be attained or the pledges to fund it? This can be a bit of a chicken or egg scenario. Some feel a well-crafted budget gives a congregation or support group a goal to strive to reach. Others believe you first ask the body to submit the maximum amount they can give, and then plan a balanced budget according to the projected income. There are benefits and challenges to both. But in either case advanced planning, with room for flexibility, is critical. It is fine to craft a robust budget, but it must reflect a healthy respect and understanding of those being asked to provide the funds.

***There must be more than one accent, face, or perspective that is seen and heard. Even with a title like Pastor, Chairperson, or Director, multiple voices and insights should contribute, each representing a key component in what defines or represents the vision and purpose of the body. Personal testimonies, stories of both success and struggle, and a diverse representation of those serving or being served, should be a part of all oral, written, and electronic engagement. Plus, this lets the person with the elevated title or position of responsibility know that successful stewardship is not solely up to them. It is shared by everyone in the body.

***Provide solid, measurable, and accurate information. Inspiring the heart also requires helping the mind understand the need. Educate those you are asking to give with statistics, fund balances, and a budget that provides enough information to see where their money will go, but not so much detail that it will confuse them. Include specific examples of how leadership is being prudent and thrifty, but also where there is an opportunity to do something holy and bold. Building trust is essential, and one of the best ways is to not keep too many things behind the curtain. Total transparency by leadership is impossible. But when it comes to money, the assurance that those in charge are responsible stewards of gifts will result in more confident and reliable giving, especially during seasons of challenge and change.

***Empower those who will commit their gifts to do so through their emerging or ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, and their desire to be a faithful disciple in the world. Jesus consistently challenged people to see beyond themselves. His actions tore down walls and built bridges. Was it easy? Heck no! But it was fulfilling for those He empowered because they were invited to be a part of something bigger than themselves…the coming of the Kingdom. We do not give to meet a budget. We give because we want to actively participate in what God is doing in our midst. Personal sacrifice is required by everyone, but not out of obligation to something transactional. We make sacrifices as tangible signs of a meaningful relationship with our One God and our many neighbors.

I’m sure you would add more to this list of essential elements for effective and inspirational stewardship. There are certainly more that should be lifted up. My hope is that when Harvest time comes, we will find that the Holy Spirit has moved, and the people of God we are called to shepherd and serve have been inspired to give not just from their bank accounts, but from their hearts.

May we go where Christ is leading us,

Rev. Dr. David Weatherly