14 Reasons Pastors Avoid Preaching On Money (And How to Overcome Them)
Many pastors avoid preaching about money, but it's an integral part of discipleship. Discover 14 reasons for this hesitation and practical tips to overcome them.
Preaching about money can be one of the most challenging topics for pastors to tackle. Even Jesus talked about money in over 15% of His recorded teachings, and it’s clear that stewardship and generosity are an integral part of discipleship. There are over one hundred scriptures about giving in the Bible, and many pastors still hesitate to address finances from the pulpit.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about preaching on money, you’re not alone. This article will explore 14 reasons pastors often avoid this topic and offer encouragement to help you approach it with confidence, grace, and biblical truth.
Fear of Being Labeled “Money-Hungry”
Many pastors worry that discussing finances will make them seem like they’re only after the congregation’s wallets. This fear often stems from high-profile scandals involving misuse of church funds or pastors living extravagantly.
How to Overcome It:
Transparency is key. Regularly share your church’s financial practices, show how funds are used for ministry, and teach from a position of stewardship rather than personal gain. Explain that your goal is to guide the congregation toward financial faithfulness, not self-enrichment.
Concern About Losing Members
Pastors may hesitate to preach on money out of fear that it will upset members and cause them to leave the church. In a culture where giving is often a sensitive topic, this fear is understandable.
How to Overcome It:
Focus on the heart behind giving. Remind your congregation that generosity isn’t about obligation; it’s about joyfully participating in God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). When approached with humility and love, even sensitive topics can strengthen your church.
Misunderstanding of Biblical Stewardship
Some pastors feel unequipped to teach on money because they themselves have never received in-depth teaching about biblical stewardship. Without a clear understanding of what the Bible says about finances, it’s easy to avoid the topic altogether.
How to Overcome It:
Invest in your own education. Books like The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn and programs like Financial Peace University can help deepen your understanding of biblical financial principles. Read these ten Bible verses about stewardship to help you get started on your next message.
Personal Financial Struggles
Pastors, like anyone else, can face financial challenges. Teaching on money may feel hypocritical or uncomfortable if they’re struggling to manage their own finances.
How to Overcome It:
Be transparent—but not overly vulnerable—about your journey. Share biblical truths you’re working to apply in your own life, and emphasize that no one, including pastors, is perfect.
The "Prosperity Gospel" Stigma
Some pastors shy away from preaching about money to avoid being associated with the prosperity gospel, which equates financial blessings with spiritual maturity.
How to Overcome It:
Clearly differentiate biblical teaching on stewardship from prosperity theology. Focus on the biblical principles of generosity, contentment, and trust in God, not material gain.
Cultural Taboos About Money
In many cultures, money is seen as a private topic. Pastors may worry about offending cultural norms by addressing financial matters.
How to Overcome It:
Frame the conversation biblically, not culturally. Point out that Jesus frequently addressed money and emphasize that financial discipleship is essential to spiritual growth.
Lack of Practical Application
Pastors sometimes avoid preaching on money because they don’t know how to provide practical takeaways for their congregation.
How to Overcome It:
Incorporate actionable steps into your sermon. For example, teach on budgeting, giving as an act of worship, or tithing as a starting point for generosity.
Fear of Alienating New Believers
New believers may feel overwhelmed if the first thing they hear is a message about giving. Pastors often worry that financial teaching could push them away.
How to Overcome It:
Frame financial stewardship as part of the larger picture of discipleship. Highlight that generosity flows from gratitude for what Christ has done, not as a legalistic requirement.
Uncertainty About How to Approach the Topic
Pastors may simply not know how to start a conversation about money without it feeling awkward or forced.
How to Overcome It:
Begin with Scripture. Use stories like the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) or the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to ground your message in biblical truth.
Fear of Pushback from Wealthy Members
Some pastors avoid preaching on money because they’re afraid of offending wealthy donors who may feel targeted.
How to Overcome It:
Preach to the whole congregation, not specific individuals or income levels. Emphasize that God’s principles of stewardship apply to everyone, regardless of financial status.
Past Hurt or Criticism
If a pastor has previously received criticism or backlash for preaching on money, they may be reluctant to revisit the topic.
How to Overcome It:
Don’t let past experiences dictate your ministry. Approach the topic prayerfully and ask God for wisdom and courage to lead your church faithfully.
Lack of Positive Role Models
If a pastor hasn’t seen other leaders handle financial teaching well, they may lack the confidence to do it themselves.
How to Overcome It:
Seek mentorship from pastors who excel in teaching stewardship. Watch sermons or attend conferences where financial discipleship is addressed.
Fear of Legalism
Pastors may worry that teaching on money will come across as legalistic, focusing on rules rather than the gospel.
How to Overcome It:
Teach giving as a response to grace, not a requirement for earning it. Highlight verses like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which emphasize cheerful, voluntary giving.
Lack of Trust in God’s Provision
Sometimes, pastors hesitate to preach about money because they themselves struggle to trust God with finances.
How to Overcome It:
Lean into God’s promises. Preaching about money can deepen your own faith as you remind yourself and your congregation of God’s faithfulness (Philippians 4:19).
Final Thoughts: The Power of Preaching on Money
Avoiding the topic of money can leave a spiritual void in your congregation. When pastors fail to address financial stewardship, they miss an opportunity to disciple their members in a critical area of life. By overcoming these common fears and challenges, you can help your church grow in generosity, faith, and trust in God.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Tithely provides the tools you need to engage with your church online, stay connected, increase generosity, and simplify the lives of your staff.
With tools like text and email messaging, custom church apps and websites, church management software, digital giving, and so much more… it’s no wonder why over 37,000 churches in 50 countries trust Tithely to help run their church.
Preaching about money can be one of the most challenging topics for pastors to tackle. Even Jesus talked about money in over 15% of His recorded teachings, and it’s clear that stewardship and generosity are an integral part of discipleship. There are over one hundred scriptures about giving in the Bible, and many pastors still hesitate to address finances from the pulpit.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about preaching on money, you’re not alone. This article will explore 14 reasons pastors often avoid this topic and offer encouragement to help you approach it with confidence, grace, and biblical truth.
Fear of Being Labeled “Money-Hungry”
Many pastors worry that discussing finances will make them seem like they’re only after the congregation’s wallets. This fear often stems from high-profile scandals involving misuse of church funds or pastors living extravagantly.
How to Overcome It:
Transparency is key. Regularly share your church’s financial practices, show how funds are used for ministry, and teach from a position of stewardship rather than personal gain. Explain that your goal is to guide the congregation toward financial faithfulness, not self-enrichment.
Concern About Losing Members
Pastors may hesitate to preach on money out of fear that it will upset members and cause them to leave the church. In a culture where giving is often a sensitive topic, this fear is understandable.
How to Overcome It:
Focus on the heart behind giving. Remind your congregation that generosity isn’t about obligation; it’s about joyfully participating in God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). When approached with humility and love, even sensitive topics can strengthen your church.
Misunderstanding of Biblical Stewardship
Some pastors feel unequipped to teach on money because they themselves have never received in-depth teaching about biblical stewardship. Without a clear understanding of what the Bible says about finances, it’s easy to avoid the topic altogether.
How to Overcome It:
Invest in your own education. Books like The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn and programs like Financial Peace University can help deepen your understanding of biblical financial principles. Read these ten Bible verses about stewardship to help you get started on your next message.
Personal Financial Struggles
Pastors, like anyone else, can face financial challenges. Teaching on money may feel hypocritical or uncomfortable if they’re struggling to manage their own finances.
How to Overcome It:
Be transparent—but not overly vulnerable—about your journey. Share biblical truths you’re working to apply in your own life, and emphasize that no one, including pastors, is perfect.
The "Prosperity Gospel" Stigma
Some pastors shy away from preaching about money to avoid being associated with the prosperity gospel, which equates financial blessings with spiritual maturity.
How to Overcome It:
Clearly differentiate biblical teaching on stewardship from prosperity theology. Focus on the biblical principles of generosity, contentment, and trust in God, not material gain.
Cultural Taboos About Money
In many cultures, money is seen as a private topic. Pastors may worry about offending cultural norms by addressing financial matters.
How to Overcome It:
Frame the conversation biblically, not culturally. Point out that Jesus frequently addressed money and emphasize that financial discipleship is essential to spiritual growth.
Lack of Practical Application
Pastors sometimes avoid preaching on money because they don’t know how to provide practical takeaways for their congregation.
How to Overcome It:
Incorporate actionable steps into your sermon. For example, teach on budgeting, giving as an act of worship, or tithing as a starting point for generosity.
Fear of Alienating New Believers
New believers may feel overwhelmed if the first thing they hear is a message about giving. Pastors often worry that financial teaching could push them away.
How to Overcome It:
Frame financial stewardship as part of the larger picture of discipleship. Highlight that generosity flows from gratitude for what Christ has done, not as a legalistic requirement.
Uncertainty About How to Approach the Topic
Pastors may simply not know how to start a conversation about money without it feeling awkward or forced.
How to Overcome It:
Begin with Scripture. Use stories like the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) or the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to ground your message in biblical truth.
Fear of Pushback from Wealthy Members
Some pastors avoid preaching on money because they’re afraid of offending wealthy donors who may feel targeted.
How to Overcome It:
Preach to the whole congregation, not specific individuals or income levels. Emphasize that God’s principles of stewardship apply to everyone, regardless of financial status.
Past Hurt or Criticism
If a pastor has previously received criticism or backlash for preaching on money, they may be reluctant to revisit the topic.
How to Overcome It:
Don’t let past experiences dictate your ministry. Approach the topic prayerfully and ask God for wisdom and courage to lead your church faithfully.
Lack of Positive Role Models
If a pastor hasn’t seen other leaders handle financial teaching well, they may lack the confidence to do it themselves.
How to Overcome It:
Seek mentorship from pastors who excel in teaching stewardship. Watch sermons or attend conferences where financial discipleship is addressed.
Fear of Legalism
Pastors may worry that teaching on money will come across as legalistic, focusing on rules rather than the gospel.
How to Overcome It:
Teach giving as a response to grace, not a requirement for earning it. Highlight verses like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which emphasize cheerful, voluntary giving.
Lack of Trust in God’s Provision
Sometimes, pastors hesitate to preach about money because they themselves struggle to trust God with finances.
How to Overcome It:
Lean into God’s promises. Preaching about money can deepen your own faith as you remind yourself and your congregation of God’s faithfulness (Philippians 4:19).
Final Thoughts: The Power of Preaching on Money
Avoiding the topic of money can leave a spiritual void in your congregation. When pastors fail to address financial stewardship, they miss an opportunity to disciple their members in a critical area of life. By overcoming these common fears and challenges, you can help your church grow in generosity, faith, and trust in God.
podcast transcript
Tithely provides the tools you need to engage with your church online, stay connected, increase generosity, and simplify the lives of your staff.
With tools like text and email messaging, custom church apps and websites, church management software, digital giving, and so much more… it’s no wonder why over 37,000 churches in 50 countries trust Tithely to help run their church.
Preaching about money can be one of the most challenging topics for pastors to tackle. Even Jesus talked about money in over 15% of His recorded teachings, and it’s clear that stewardship and generosity are an integral part of discipleship. There are over one hundred scriptures about giving in the Bible, and many pastors still hesitate to address finances from the pulpit.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about preaching on money, you’re not alone. This article will explore 14 reasons pastors often avoid this topic and offer encouragement to help you approach it with confidence, grace, and biblical truth.
Fear of Being Labeled “Money-Hungry”
Many pastors worry that discussing finances will make them seem like they’re only after the congregation’s wallets. This fear often stems from high-profile scandals involving misuse of church funds or pastors living extravagantly.
How to Overcome It:
Transparency is key. Regularly share your church’s financial practices, show how funds are used for ministry, and teach from a position of stewardship rather than personal gain. Explain that your goal is to guide the congregation toward financial faithfulness, not self-enrichment.
Concern About Losing Members
Pastors may hesitate to preach on money out of fear that it will upset members and cause them to leave the church. In a culture where giving is often a sensitive topic, this fear is understandable.
How to Overcome It:
Focus on the heart behind giving. Remind your congregation that generosity isn’t about obligation; it’s about joyfully participating in God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). When approached with humility and love, even sensitive topics can strengthen your church.
Misunderstanding of Biblical Stewardship
Some pastors feel unequipped to teach on money because they themselves have never received in-depth teaching about biblical stewardship. Without a clear understanding of what the Bible says about finances, it’s easy to avoid the topic altogether.
How to Overcome It:
Invest in your own education. Books like The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn and programs like Financial Peace University can help deepen your understanding of biblical financial principles. Read these ten Bible verses about stewardship to help you get started on your next message.
Personal Financial Struggles
Pastors, like anyone else, can face financial challenges. Teaching on money may feel hypocritical or uncomfortable if they’re struggling to manage their own finances.
How to Overcome It:
Be transparent—but not overly vulnerable—about your journey. Share biblical truths you’re working to apply in your own life, and emphasize that no one, including pastors, is perfect.
The "Prosperity Gospel" Stigma
Some pastors shy away from preaching about money to avoid being associated with the prosperity gospel, which equates financial blessings with spiritual maturity.
How to Overcome It:
Clearly differentiate biblical teaching on stewardship from prosperity theology. Focus on the biblical principles of generosity, contentment, and trust in God, not material gain.
Cultural Taboos About Money
In many cultures, money is seen as a private topic. Pastors may worry about offending cultural norms by addressing financial matters.
How to Overcome It:
Frame the conversation biblically, not culturally. Point out that Jesus frequently addressed money and emphasize that financial discipleship is essential to spiritual growth.
Lack of Practical Application
Pastors sometimes avoid preaching on money because they don’t know how to provide practical takeaways for their congregation.
How to Overcome It:
Incorporate actionable steps into your sermon. For example, teach on budgeting, giving as an act of worship, or tithing as a starting point for generosity.
Fear of Alienating New Believers
New believers may feel overwhelmed if the first thing they hear is a message about giving. Pastors often worry that financial teaching could push them away.
How to Overcome It:
Frame financial stewardship as part of the larger picture of discipleship. Highlight that generosity flows from gratitude for what Christ has done, not as a legalistic requirement.
Uncertainty About How to Approach the Topic
Pastors may simply not know how to start a conversation about money without it feeling awkward or forced.
How to Overcome It:
Begin with Scripture. Use stories like the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) or the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to ground your message in biblical truth.
Fear of Pushback from Wealthy Members
Some pastors avoid preaching on money because they’re afraid of offending wealthy donors who may feel targeted.
How to Overcome It:
Preach to the whole congregation, not specific individuals or income levels. Emphasize that God’s principles of stewardship apply to everyone, regardless of financial status.
Past Hurt or Criticism
If a pastor has previously received criticism or backlash for preaching on money, they may be reluctant to revisit the topic.
How to Overcome It:
Don’t let past experiences dictate your ministry. Approach the topic prayerfully and ask God for wisdom and courage to lead your church faithfully.
Lack of Positive Role Models
If a pastor hasn’t seen other leaders handle financial teaching well, they may lack the confidence to do it themselves.
How to Overcome It:
Seek mentorship from pastors who excel in teaching stewardship. Watch sermons or attend conferences where financial discipleship is addressed.
Fear of Legalism
Pastors may worry that teaching on money will come across as legalistic, focusing on rules rather than the gospel.
How to Overcome It:
Teach giving as a response to grace, not a requirement for earning it. Highlight verses like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which emphasize cheerful, voluntary giving.
Lack of Trust in God’s Provision
Sometimes, pastors hesitate to preach about money because they themselves struggle to trust God with finances.
How to Overcome It:
Lean into God’s promises. Preaching about money can deepen your own faith as you remind yourself and your congregation of God’s faithfulness (Philippians 4:19).
Final Thoughts: The Power of Preaching on Money
Avoiding the topic of money can leave a spiritual void in your congregation. When pastors fail to address financial stewardship, they miss an opportunity to disciple their members in a critical area of life. By overcoming these common fears and challenges, you can help your church grow in generosity, faith, and trust in God.
VIDEO transcript
Preaching about money can be one of the most challenging topics for pastors to tackle. Even Jesus talked about money in over 15% of His recorded teachings, and it’s clear that stewardship and generosity are an integral part of discipleship. There are over one hundred scriptures about giving in the Bible, and many pastors still hesitate to address finances from the pulpit.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about preaching on money, you’re not alone. This article will explore 14 reasons pastors often avoid this topic and offer encouragement to help you approach it with confidence, grace, and biblical truth.
Fear of Being Labeled “Money-Hungry”
Many pastors worry that discussing finances will make them seem like they’re only after the congregation’s wallets. This fear often stems from high-profile scandals involving misuse of church funds or pastors living extravagantly.
How to Overcome It:
Transparency is key. Regularly share your church’s financial practices, show how funds are used for ministry, and teach from a position of stewardship rather than personal gain. Explain that your goal is to guide the congregation toward financial faithfulness, not self-enrichment.
Concern About Losing Members
Pastors may hesitate to preach on money out of fear that it will upset members and cause them to leave the church. In a culture where giving is often a sensitive topic, this fear is understandable.
How to Overcome It:
Focus on the heart behind giving. Remind your congregation that generosity isn’t about obligation; it’s about joyfully participating in God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). When approached with humility and love, even sensitive topics can strengthen your church.
Misunderstanding of Biblical Stewardship
Some pastors feel unequipped to teach on money because they themselves have never received in-depth teaching about biblical stewardship. Without a clear understanding of what the Bible says about finances, it’s easy to avoid the topic altogether.
How to Overcome It:
Invest in your own education. Books like The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn and programs like Financial Peace University can help deepen your understanding of biblical financial principles. Read these ten Bible verses about stewardship to help you get started on your next message.
Personal Financial Struggles
Pastors, like anyone else, can face financial challenges. Teaching on money may feel hypocritical or uncomfortable if they’re struggling to manage their own finances.
How to Overcome It:
Be transparent—but not overly vulnerable—about your journey. Share biblical truths you’re working to apply in your own life, and emphasize that no one, including pastors, is perfect.
The "Prosperity Gospel" Stigma
Some pastors shy away from preaching about money to avoid being associated with the prosperity gospel, which equates financial blessings with spiritual maturity.
How to Overcome It:
Clearly differentiate biblical teaching on stewardship from prosperity theology. Focus on the biblical principles of generosity, contentment, and trust in God, not material gain.
Cultural Taboos About Money
In many cultures, money is seen as a private topic. Pastors may worry about offending cultural norms by addressing financial matters.
How to Overcome It:
Frame the conversation biblically, not culturally. Point out that Jesus frequently addressed money and emphasize that financial discipleship is essential to spiritual growth.
Lack of Practical Application
Pastors sometimes avoid preaching on money because they don’t know how to provide practical takeaways for their congregation.
How to Overcome It:
Incorporate actionable steps into your sermon. For example, teach on budgeting, giving as an act of worship, or tithing as a starting point for generosity.
Fear of Alienating New Believers
New believers may feel overwhelmed if the first thing they hear is a message about giving. Pastors often worry that financial teaching could push them away.
How to Overcome It:
Frame financial stewardship as part of the larger picture of discipleship. Highlight that generosity flows from gratitude for what Christ has done, not as a legalistic requirement.
Uncertainty About How to Approach the Topic
Pastors may simply not know how to start a conversation about money without it feeling awkward or forced.
How to Overcome It:
Begin with Scripture. Use stories like the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) or the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to ground your message in biblical truth.
Fear of Pushback from Wealthy Members
Some pastors avoid preaching on money because they’re afraid of offending wealthy donors who may feel targeted.
How to Overcome It:
Preach to the whole congregation, not specific individuals or income levels. Emphasize that God’s principles of stewardship apply to everyone, regardless of financial status.
Past Hurt or Criticism
If a pastor has previously received criticism or backlash for preaching on money, they may be reluctant to revisit the topic.
How to Overcome It:
Don’t let past experiences dictate your ministry. Approach the topic prayerfully and ask God for wisdom and courage to lead your church faithfully.
Lack of Positive Role Models
If a pastor hasn’t seen other leaders handle financial teaching well, they may lack the confidence to do it themselves.
How to Overcome It:
Seek mentorship from pastors who excel in teaching stewardship. Watch sermons or attend conferences where financial discipleship is addressed.
Fear of Legalism
Pastors may worry that teaching on money will come across as legalistic, focusing on rules rather than the gospel.
How to Overcome It:
Teach giving as a response to grace, not a requirement for earning it. Highlight verses like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which emphasize cheerful, voluntary giving.
Lack of Trust in God’s Provision
Sometimes, pastors hesitate to preach about money because they themselves struggle to trust God with finances.
How to Overcome It:
Lean into God’s promises. Preaching about money can deepen your own faith as you remind yourself and your congregation of God’s faithfulness (Philippians 4:19).
Final Thoughts: The Power of Preaching on Money
Avoiding the topic of money can leave a spiritual void in your congregation. When pastors fail to address financial stewardship, they miss an opportunity to disciple their members in a critical area of life. By overcoming these common fears and challenges, you can help your church grow in generosity, faith, and trust in God.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Tithely provides the tools you need to engage with your church online, stay connected, increase generosity, and simplify the lives of your staff.
With tools like text and email messaging, custom church apps and websites, church management software, digital giving, and so much more… it’s no wonder why over 37,000 churches in 50 countries trust Tithely to help run their church.
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