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EP 305 – How should we talk about giving at church?

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EP 305 - How should we talk about giving at church?
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We don’t give to rescue a budget. We give because Jesus is Lord. Giving is worship that forms us, fuels mission, and frees us from idolatry.

How do we talk about money without fear, guilt, or fundraising vibes? My aim is simple—to reframe giving as discipleship, not desperation. Jesus said we cannot serve God and money. Regular, sacrificial generosity is one of God’s gifts to free our hearts from lesser masters and re-train our loves toward the kingdom.

Why This Matters

  • Fear-based appeals miss the heart of discipleship.
  • Avoid “dues for services.” The church is a family on mission, not a club with fees.
  • Kingdom urgency ≠ panic. God richly provides; we steward with faith and transparency.

My Story

Early in marriage, we could barely make ends meet. I fasted and prayed, and Matthew 6:33 kept pulling me back: seek first the kingdom. We started giving at a level that “pinched.” God used it to reorient our trust.

How I Teach It

  • Give as worship and formation, not compulsion.
  • Use the “pinch principle” (C. S. Lewis): if it never pinches, it may be too small.
  • Resist weaponizing percentages. For some, 10% isn’t sacrificial; for others, it’s crushing. Aim for cheerful, sacrificial faith.
  • Praise God for how he works through his people, rather than congratulating people for “their generosity.” We’re stewards, not owners.

Gospel Orientation for Replanters

  • Formation over fundraising: preach Christ as both reason and resource for generosity.
  • Identity before activity: call saints to live who they are in Christ.
  • Repentance and renewal: let the gospel confront control, nostalgia, and fear around money.
  • Pace with patience: teach, model, and testify toward a culture of openhandedness.

Practical Language Swap

  • From “We’re behind; please help” to “Here’s how God is at work among us—let’s respond in worship.”
  • Tell redemption stories, not revenue gaps.
  • Tie practices to promises: firstfruits, seasonal generosity, automation paired with God’s provision and the joy of cheerful giving.

Missions Vision

Connect giving moments to mission moments. Show how sacrificial gifts become mercy, mission, and formation—at home and to the nations.

Scriptures

  • Matthew 6:19–24, 33
  • 1 Timothy 6:6–10, 17–19
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
  • Acts 20:35
  • Philippians 4:19

EP 193 MINISTRY MAXIMS PT. 2 OF 3

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EP 193 MINISTRY MAXIMS PT. 2 OF 3
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Hey there Bootcampers! Summer is well under way, Bob and Jimbo have been taking some down time to renew and refresh, but they have some great content ready for you. In this second installment of Ministry Maxims they highlight some important shifts for pastors to consider as they lead.

One of the first steps is to re-evaluate your score card (especially during summer.)

Maxim #4: Measuring Actions vs. Counting Outcomes:

  • How many gospel conversations are your people your having on a regular basis? (Shout-out to Jason Lawson on his April 3rd Post) Identifying new things to count: Reggie McNeal
  • Celebrate the activity (actions) done unto the accomplishment of the vision or the goal

Maxim #5: Multiple financial streams vs. single financial streams

  • Resourcing mission and ministry may require more than tithes and offerings
  • The people of God are called to resource the mission and ministry God has called your church to fulfill
  • Here is a great resource for thinking through the development of additional economic streams: The Coming Revolution in Church Economics

 

This summer is a great time for you to consider your church branding and website. Our great partners at One Eighty digital have the expertise to get you heading in the right direction. Contact them and let them know you are a Bootcamp listener.

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EP 186 STEWARDSHIP w/ SPECIAL GUEST RICK WHEELER

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EP 186 STEWARDSHIP w/ SPECIAL GUEST RICK WHEELER
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Hey there Bootcampers!  The guys are back for a brief rest from their travels before heading out on the road again and they took time to catch up with Rick Wheeler, Director of the Florida Baptist Foundation (Stewardship Simplified.)

Together with Rick, we spent some time talking about church finances, a topic that may be overlooked until there are issues. But, we need to be proactive in our talk about finances. Grab a notebook, listen in and glean some great insights in the world of finance.

Stewardship: is the God honoring management of resources as an obedient and a faithful disciple of Jesus.

Here are some other great insights from Rick:

  • Be Intentional in talking about Stewardship
  • Ensure appropriate and adequate financial controls and accountability (2 sets of eyes and hands, accurate reports, separation of duties)
  • Bring in an outside voice and eyes to assist your church in setting policies and practices. (State Convention, Association, organization.)
  • Communicate with the congregation-let them know about your financial controls and accountability structures.
  • Understand what a budget is:
    • A goal-something you are leaning toward-make it faith oriented
    • A guess-it is not for sure or certain
    • A guide-it helps you know the boundaries and it serves as a guide
    • It is not a “god”

Listen all the way to the end for more great info from Rick on this important topic.

Steward your web presence by contacting our sponsor, One Eighty Digital, they can help your church communicate and connect with your community.

 

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