Pastors troubled by poor financial models in society

It’s a slam dunk! The most important financial stewardship need of children and youth is confrontation of the cultural pressure to consume, according to Teleios interviews with 20 pastors.

Fifteen of the pastors noted the pressures of increased advertising, self-centeredness, and a softening work ethic as challenges for home and church. And, a few pastors even wondered if some households are giving up the role of providing Christian financial models and asking the church to assume more responsibility.

Debt looms
Interviewed pastors said the most troubling result of this cultural trend is increased debt. This debt, which affects younger generations directly and indirectly, shows up in families’ budgets, in running family farms and businesses, and in loans to attend college.

Seven interviewed pastors said the greatest need is teaching money management and avoiding bad debt, four said congregations must more intentionally teach youth to give, and two emphasized modeling service to others.

Model power
What are the pastors doing to offer a counter-cultural view of Christian financial stewardship? They were most passionate about the need for intentionally modeling stewardship for children and youth in their church. They listed these congregational activities – when made visible to younger generations – as having the most significant impact:

• Supporting mission and relief agencies;
• Responding to acute local needs;
• Participating in short-term service work;
• Walking forward to contribute to alms funds at communion or other special services;
• Using mission banks to save money for mission offerings; and
• Strongly supporting youth activities financially.

Stewardship education
Teleios asked pastors about financial stewardship education among children and youth within their congregations. Some pastors provide it for young age groups, but adult education was more prevalent. Here are the numbers of congregations that provided each:

Children: 2

Youth: 5

Pre-marital counseling: 13

Adults/All ages: 13
(Note: Three of the 20 pastors had no children in their churches.)

Interviewed pastors use a variety of programs and materials. Some use materials they created; others purchase prepared material. Congregation-created material is used in Sunday school classes in three of 20 churches; two others rely upon the youth pastor or youth ministries to offer customized stewardship education. Two pastors noted they have an annual stewardship series of worship services with stories geared toward children.

Churches that use packaged curriculum for financial stewardship education mentioned:

Good Sense Budgeting course (two)

Financial Peace University or other Dave Ramsey materials (five)

MMA’s Stewardship University (one)

Larry Burkett materials (one)

MMA’s Thirty Days of Generosity sermon/worship materials (two)

To move forward on financial stewardship for your congregation’s younger generation, pause and consider:

• Does the culture or the Scriptures have the greatest influence upon the financial stewardship “teaching” influencing your church’s younger generation?
• Does individual household debt remain an obstacle to joyful sharing and ministry?
• How does your congregation’s use of money create a model for children and youth?

Profile of 20 interviewed pastors

Offspring

• 19 Have children
• 6 Have grandchildren

Age

• 2 - 35 or younger
• 4 - 36 to 50
• 12 - Over 50

Denomination

• 12 Mennonite Church USA
• 2 Evangelical Friends
• 1 Bible Mennonite Fellowship
• 1 Brethren in Christ
• 1 Fellowship of Evangelical Churches
• 1 Mennonite Brethren
• 1 Missionary Church
• 1 Nationwide Mennonite Fellowship