Christians should be good stewards of their money. The financial health of a church is typically only as strong as that of the congregation. People deep in debt or struggling to survive may not tithe as much. Their focus might be on their struggles to keep a roof over their heads rather than finding ways to grow the church or even pay attention during a sermon.
Pastors have an opportunity to lead their flocks down a path of financial wellness. Investing in a program benefits members and keeps the church’s finances healthy. Everyone will be on the same page, which could lessen arguments about what the church should spend money on and where fundraising might come from.
Here are the benefits of investing in a financial wellness program for your church family.
1. Relieve Stress
Statista reported that Americans’ public debt was $34.47 trillion as of February 2024. Church members might worry about how to pay off credit card balances, cover big expenses such as kids’ braces or college, and pay back student loans.
Many pastors face similar issues. A churchwide wellness program that focuses on developing healthy financial habits benefits everyone. Some programs focus more on benefiting the church, which helps the congregation in other ways. However, a well-rounded program that teaches fiscal responsibility in all areas of one’s life is the best approach for most religious bodies.
2. Develop an Attitude of Gratefulness
God wants Christians to rely on Him for their needs. In Matthew 10:29 to 31, Jesus tells us that God watches out for the sparrows but that the hairs of our heads are all numbers, and we shouldn’t fear because we are worth more than many sparrows.
One key component of faith-based financial wellness programs is trusting God to provide for your needs while taking advantage of opportunities he sends your way, such as side gigs. Coming together with others and sharing stories helps solidify how He moves to help his followers.
3. Manage Debt
People can feel overwhelmed when the money going out is greater than what’s coming in. Simple tools like debt calculators can provide a clearer view of what steps they should take to climb out of the hole.
Sharing resources with your congregation generates frank discussions that can help you assess the needs of your people and see which wellness goals will work best.
4. Align Habits With Spiritual Values
Addictions to shopping, food and other concerning areas may cause your congregation to spend more money than they should. When people align their spending habits with their spiritual values, they may find they have less of a need to eat out or shop for personal fulfillment. Pastors should address spiritual concerns during sermons and Bible study while also teaching sound financial habits.
5. Set Budgets
Around 32% of Americans have a household budget. Pastors can set an example by working alongside leadership to create and stick to a church spending plan. Most financial wellness plans have a budget component embedded as the bedrock of the system.
6. Offer Transparency
If you want your flock to open up about their monetary needs, you must be transparent about your own. The church should be an open book. Members should know where their tithes go and why. Meetings are one of the best ways to disperse this information.
7. Form Support Groups
The Mayo Clinic defines support groups as people coming together who face similar issues. During the course of financial wellness training, you’ll find members have different spending and budgeting styles. Form support groups where they can learn from one another. Some benefits of support groups include feeling less isolated and judged and improving coping skills.
Is a Program Worth the Cost?
Most people going through a formal financial wellness program through their church have a deep desire to make their lives less stressful and reduce living costs. Investing in a program to help benefits the church and its congregation. Members will have better financial health and thus give more to the church.
Programs can also be utilized as community outreach methods. Invite people outside the church to attend classes. Some may wind up coming to services as well. Even if they don’t, you’ll have made crucial connections with community members and show you care.
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