Money. It’s a problem if you have it and if you don’t.
Today, I sit down with Chris Brown, who each week speaks to millions of people through radio and his podcasts about getting through the struggle of money.
We dig into why church leaders often have such a strange relationship with money.
Welcome to Episode 67 of the Podcast.
Guest Links: Chris Brown
The Leadership Momentum Podcast
Chris Brown’s True Stewardship
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Dave Stone on The Leadership Momentum Podcast
3 Things You Can Do Right Away
Talking about money is about as comfortable as talking about politics. No one wants to do it, and it’s easy to shy away from the subject. Chris Brown talks about how to turn those tense moments into productive conversations.
1. You need to bring up money. It’s an uncomfortable subject, and if you’re a church pastor, you either like money too much, or you’re afraid of it. There’s a stigma with pastors bringing up money because of the history of misuse and financial struggle, but we need to overcome the awkward conversations because it’s not just about money. It’s about living what you’re speaking, because at the end of the day, if we’re not being vulnerable about it, we’re not giving ourselves the opportunity to learn and grow.
2. Be vulnerable with the appropriate audience. While there is strength in being vulnerable, you still need to maintain boundaries with financial information. Find someone you trust. Maybe it’s your church leadership, your elders or a mentor. When you’re being forthcoming with a sensitive subject, it’s not useful to talk to everyone, but talking to the right people will help you move forward.
3. You must have a vision. If your finances lack vision, implement a budget and come up with an investment plan. A lot of people look at what they’ve spent after they spend it, and people don’t realize how much money they’re wasting until they look at what’s going out vs. what’s coming in. The quickest way to give yourself a raise it to sit down and work on a budget. When you implement a solid financial strategy, and your modeling it, it will be easier for your congregation to follow your example, and it will put them in a healthier place financially to fund the church’s mission.
