How a leader relates to money is contagious. Whether you lead a small group or the entire church, how you handle money influences others and impacts your ministry.
Money is highly spiritual in nature. Scripture speaks about money hundreds of times and it is directly connected to the disposition of our heart. We cannot lead well without engaging finances on God’s terms.
Interestingly, we sometimes attach personality traits to money and people. Leaders say of themselves things such as:
- “I’m definitely frugal.”
- “I love giving.”
- “I’m really cautious about money.”
- “I’m strong at raising money for vision.”
- “I’m not good with money.”
- “I’m a high faith risk-taker with money.”
- “Generosity is a core value for me.”
How would you describe your personality as it relates to money? Do you relate to any of these or something different?
3 Mindsets for Leaders and Money
Allow me to present three (admittedly generalized and broad) categories I have seen leaders and in many cases their churches live in. Of course, there are varying degrees in each one.
Note: Please resist attaching any one of these to a particular group. Any of these can be in any leader or any church.
1. Scarcity Mindset
The scarcity mindset inherently believes there aren’t enough financial resources to meet the needs, the ability to develop resources is unlikely and therefore rejects the idea of materialistic gain. And some believe that having little or less helps you be humble and Godly.
Possessions and material blessing are seen as a burden and often unnecessary.
Key tenants: Scarcity & Austerity
Churches with a scarcity mindset are protective of money, reluctant to take a risk, live within a framework of austerity, and though they would value helping those in need, the practice of austerity leaves them with little to nothing to give. They would typically not have confidence that resources can be cultivated or that God will provide.
2. Prosperity Mindset
The prosperity mindset adopts the belief that material blessing and financial success is the will of God for those with great faith and who are generous toward the church. In some cases, the belief is that if you lack blessing, you lack faith.
Possessions and material blessing are seen as a promise from God.
Key Tenants: Faith & Blessing
Churches with a prosperity mindset often focus on a platform of health, wealth and happiness. If you are generous with the church God is generous with you. These churches believe big for God’s blessings and miracles, adopting positive thought and declarations as a pathway.
3. Stewardship Mindset
The stewardship mindset believes that material blessings are given by God and we are the managers (or stewards) not owners, who are trusted to use them wisely. On a personal basis possessions are to be enjoyed and held loosely rather than coveted. The expectation is that gifts and talents are utilized to be industrious for Kingdom purposes.
Possessions and material blessing are seen as a gift from God.