Preaching Sense About Dollars
Looking back at 35 years of preaching, there were some themes that deserved an annual emphasis. Some of these were holiday-based – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, New Year’s.
But I also came to see that there was another theme that also needed to be addressed every year.
Money.
Surprised?
You shouldn’t be when you consider that Jesus spoke on this issue more than any other. Really! He addressed the topic of money more than any other, including prayer and faith!
Jesus addressed the topic of money more than any other, including prayer and faith.
Apparently, the Lord well knew the grip that money can have on people. And how putting it in its proper place and handling it in a God-honoring way is a crucial aspect of discipleship. He didn’t see the issue of giving as a way of raising money as much as a way of raising children.
Jesus knew the grip that money can have on people. And how putting it in its proper place and handling it in a God-honoring way is a crucial aspect of discipleship.
Toward that end, early in the year, I would offer a sermon series on the issue. I tried to make it about more than “giving your money” and expanded it to “living with your money.” As such it included topics such as saving and debt as well as stewardship.
Here is a list of practices that guided my preaching on this topic:
Schedule an annual series rather than a single sermon.
While some might see this as overkill, the data indicates that a two-week series is significantly more effective than a single sermon. And that a three-week series continues to increase the effectiveness. Going any longer proves to be counterproductive. Multiple weeks allow your teaching on the issue of money to go beyond giving as well as include giving.
Don’t apologize for a message on money/giving.
As noted above, Jesus didn’t shy away about taking teaching opportunities to teach and preach on money as they presented themselves. Saying or conveying an apologetic posture when preaching on this topic diminishes God’s word and authority.
Be boldly biblical.
Our thoughts about money are not important. What matters is what God says. And, frankly, He says a lot. In His word we are warned about the love of money, admonished to avoid debt, instructed to honor God with our resources, reminded of the promise of God’s partnership as we honor Him with our stewardship, and encouraged that earthly investments will pay heavenly dividends. Declare God’s word in power and apply God’s word with precision.
Address money wounds.
Everyone has money issues. Some have made it their comfort, security, and idol. Others may have spent too much of it, finding themselves in great difficulty. On the other hand, some grew up with very little and have developed a scarcity mindset. Acknowledge that we all have struggles as it relates to money and then address those struggles with God’s healing truth.
Teach on tithing.
Regardless of where you stand on the tithe and its application for Christians today, it provides a wonderful picture of giving and serves as a reminder that God deserves our first and best. Moreover, it shows us that faithful stewardship allows for Him to move in supernatural ways as our Source.
Challenge the congregation.
Everyone has a next step to take. For some, it could be giving something, since they are giving nothing. Others can be encouraged to move toward a tithe through systematic giving. Finally, still others can be challenged to consider moving beyond the tithe and give offerings to other Kingdom initiatives.
Provide financial counseling.
Some in your congregation may be in financially challenging circumstances. They may need assistance, coaching, debt counseling and practical help managing their resources. Offering a course, class, or seminar on the heels of your teaching series can provide practical education on the heels of your biblical motivation.
Set an example personally.
Examine your own standard of giving and make sure you aren’t asking more of your people than you are willing to do. I’ve met pastors who feel exempt from giving since they already “give” to the church in many ways. Don’t be seduced by this line of thinking. Be an example to the flock.
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