Preach About Money: Somebody’s Gotta Do It

Like the entire nation, my heart is going out to all those who were lost in Texas. I found the post by Rev. Cameron Trimble When Grief is the Ground We Stand On to be helpful in trying to make meaning of such tragedy. You can send financial gifts through the United Methodist Rio Texas Conference (Advance #2050).

Last week, I wrote about the 2025 Giving USA data and three things you could do with the information. Want a more detailed analysis about the report’s implications for your congregation? Take a gander at Joe Park’s post, Trends in Church Giving: What Every Church Leader Needs to Know.
 
This week I’m off for a little R&R at an animal rehab sanctuary. Lucky me! Here’s a favorite post from a few years back…perfect as you start the new fiscal year.
 
Let’s face it. It’s not easy to preach about money. You’re nervous that someone will call you on the carpet for “talking about money all the time” or someone will be offended (yet again) by your message. I get it. Between politics (well, in some congregations) and sex, money is one of the three big taboos in the church.
 
It’s such a forbidden topic that we relegate it to maybe two or three Sundays in October or November when we can give advance notice about what to expect. “Hey everyone! It’s Stewardship Month! Don’t be afraid! We’re going to (maybe) talk about money (but not too much)! It won’t be that bad!”
 
So you can imagine how excited I was to read a recent Facebook update by Rev. Karen Puckett Hernandez* from Kuna United Methodist Church in Idaho: “People really liked a sermon that basically urged them to give more money!”
 
I thought to myself – “What in the world did she say that would make her post such a crazy statement?” Karen was kind enough to share her sermon with me – so now I understand. 
 
Karen’s sermon got a good response for a couple of reasons. Here are some things she talked about, along with a few additional ideas to keep in mind when you preach about money:
 
1. If you are uncomfortable, let people know. There’s no shame in telling the truth.
 
2. Tell them your own story. What were you told about money growing up? What has happened recently that has expanded your understanding of faith and money? People in the pews want to know if you struggle, just like they do.
 
3. Make the scripture real. The Bible is full of amazing stories about the sacrifice (financial and otherwise) of people to fulfill God’s intentions in the world. 
 
4. Emphasize the good money can do in the world. Too many people focus on “filthy lucre” or incorrectly quote “money is the root of all evil” (because – and this is true – “the love of money is the root of all evil”) or bring up annoying tele-evangelists.  Don’t let this stop you. People forget that cash can often do what time and talent cannot.
 
What you say about money and how you say it can make all the difference. Here’s praying that you too will be able to say, “People really liked a sermon that basically urged them to give more money!” That’s powerful testimony.

*Karen is now a District Superintendent in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference.
 
(Originally posted November 2013)
 
Upcoming webinar! August 12 – Legacy Giving 101: Developing a Simple Program for your Congregation. It’ll be offered twice: 11am-12pm and from 7-8pm. Sign-ups will be available starting next week…watch for the link!

Photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk @ pexels.com

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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations.
 
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgeneorsity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered. Click on the link below. If you need to add a little fun minutes to your day (and who doesn’t?), Cesie recommends Pink Pony Club sung by veteran Benjamin Hightower on America’s Got Talent. You’ll be dancing.
 
Schedule a meeting now.
 
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