• Inspiration
Inspiration is not hype. First and foremost, it’s about communicating how God changes a person’s life when they trust Him with their finances.
I remember well the first few weeks I was a Christian. After saying yes to Jesus on an Easter Sunday, I sat in back of the auditorium and listened to the sermons. I literally shook my head the whole time thinking: “All this guy wants is my money.” The funny thing was that I was a college student and didn’t have any money! And the pastor never mentioned money during those weeks. I was so messed up in my thinking. There was nothing overt or strong-armed or guilt oriented about money at all. They took an offering each week and that was it. It was me. I was young and brash. I actually challenged the pastor on it! He very lovingly and patiently explained what giving was really about and made two things clear. First, the church would do quite well without my money, and second it would be me who would benefit by giving. It wasn’t until I understood what God had in mind that my heart changed and I began to give.
So, first, it’s about a changed heart. Then, it’s about communicating a compelling vision about what you believe God desires to see accomplished in your church. Inspiration communicates a picture of a preferred future. As the leader, you must be clear on where you are headed, why you are going in that direction, and how you will get there. It is also important to provide hope, because hope is the element that helps people connect faith to reality. Inspiration that finds its way to the heart allows people to understand that when it comes to Kingdom priorities, their money is flowing in the “right” direction … upwards!
• Invitation
Many pastoral leaders are uncomfortable “asking” their people to give, especially above a tithe. Keep in mind, Jesus was never bashful about asking people to make sacrifices. You are not asking for yourself, you are asking on behalf of the mission that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19-20. Remember, it’s not really about money, it’s about heart and mission. It’s about living life better now and for eternity.
When you encourage, inspire and challenge people to give, it’s important to do your best to separate yourself from the financial pressures of your church. You will “teach” different if you talk about money from the need of money. It is essential that you teach about God’s stewardship principles with faith and a knowledge that it is through giving that the hearts of your people will grow and mature in their faith. This isn’t always easy, but it is essential. Even if you say all the right words, what you say will feel different. People can smell “desperate,” and desperate never inspires. Faith, hope and truth lead the way and inspire people to give.
