How to Preach About Giving
Throughout Greater Boston, and across New England, I've had the opportunity to meet many pastors and visit their churches. And I've noticed what I consider to be a detrimental trend: quite a few pastors in New England are very reluctant to preach about giving. I understand why. Pastors avoid preaching about giving out of concern it will offend immature believers and alienate non-Christians who attend the church. And, while I do understand this concern, I don't agree with it.
More than 2,300 Bible verses talk about wealth and possessions and 11 out of 39 of the parables of Jesus discuss money. Given the significant emphasis Scripture places on the theme of giving, it is impossible for a pastor to declare "the whole counsel of God" and avoid the subject of giving (Acts 20:27).
“Teaching God's people to be generous and cheerful givers helps them reach spiritual maturity, makes them spiritually fruitful, and brings greater joy into their lives. That's why pastors need to teach about money.”
Teaching God's people to be generous and cheerful givers helps them reach spiritual maturity, makes them spiritually fruitful, and brings greater joy into their lives. That's why pastors need to teach about money. But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Preaching about giving needs to be done wisely and thoughtfully. Here are just a few thoughts about the right way to preach about giving.
Preach about giving positively and enthusiastically, being fully convinced that it will help and bless your people, not hurt them. Jesus taught, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Pastors, don't be reluctant or apologetic. Be sure of this: your people are going to receive more blessings, have greater joy, and experience more happiness, by learning to be generous givers!
Preach about giving consistently and patiently, understanding that it takes time to develop generosity. Nobody reaches spiritual maturity overnight. Just as we gradually increase in all other Christlike attributes, God's people need time to increase in their grace of giving. So, be patient!
Preach about giving personally and authentically, modeling by your own example a lifestyle of cheerful generosity. The Apostle Paul said, "Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). We teach others not only by what we say, but also by what we do! When a pastor and his wife are known to practice generosity, they become examples others can see and emulate.
Pastors, the church you serve will never be self-sustaining and will never thrive until its members are marked by Christlike, cheerful generosity. And it's your job to patiently teach them how. And when you do, they will be blessed, because Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Sam Taylor serves as the Boston area regional coordinator at the Baptist Churches of New England.
