Why do pastors and churches talk about money? Is it meant to make people feel uncomfortable or guilty? Do we do it too much? Here are three reasons why pastors talk about money at church.

1.      To Invite People To Help The Church Fulfill Her Calling To Impact The Community And World

No business, organization, or ministry survives without money. Businesses charge their customers for the products and services they receive. Churches do not (though they may charge a fee for a particular class or workshop). Instead, churches invite people to give to meet their financial needs so they can accomplish the work God called them to do, and serve people who cannot repay.

2.       Jesus Talked About Money A Lot!  In Fact . . . .

• Jesus talked about money more than anything else except the Kingdom of God.
• Eleven of the thirty-nine parables in the Gospels talk about money.
• One out of every seven verses in the Gospel of Luke talk about money.
• About 25 percent of Jesus' teaching in the Gospels relates to money, stewardship, and the resources God has given us.

Why did Jesus talk so much about money?  Because...

3.      There Is A Direct Correlation Between What We Do With Our Money And What We Truly Believe.

Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34).  In other words, where and how we spend our money is a reflection of where our heart is. But if you think pastors and churches talk too much about money, and ask people to give too often, consider these facts:

• Only 4% of Americans tithe (give 10% of their income to their church) according to a 2011 survey by the Barna Group.
• 25% of American Christians give away no money at all (according to a 2008 Christianity Today article - from which the following points are also taken).
• The average regularly attending churchgoer gives 6% of after-tax income (but it was noted that this figure is skewed by a handful of very generous givers).
• The median annual giving for an American Christian is $200 - just over half a percent of after-tax income!
• About 5% of American Christians provide 60% of the money churches receive (it's these people who skew the average mentioned above).

What this tells us, I believe, is that few Christians really believe that their money belongs to God and that they are stewards of the resources God has chosen to entrust to them. Few make a priority commitment to give from the heart. Most of us just "tip" God by dropping a few coins or bills in the plate here and there.

Where does University Methodist come out in their giving?

Of the 525 possible families who could give to the church, 296 actually make a regular contribution to the church.  Those 296 families have pledged $562,883 toward our 2015 expenses.  If you are still giving what you gave to the church 5, 10, 20 years ago, you need to re-evaluate your pledge. If each family, who already contributes, increased their giving by just $10 a week (one inexpensive lunch a week), we would have an increase in income of $153,920. That small increase would not only fulfill our 2016 budget but give us a little extra. Pray about it, then bring your card to worship November 22 or mail it into the office.

In Christ's love, 

Dr. Jane