By Ania Norori
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5,NIV)
This scripture, attributed to Solomon, is as true now as it was when it was written thousands of years ago.
Every week, pastors minister to their congregations spiritually, but many are silently aware of church members who struggle with debt, financial anxiety, and a lack of knowledge about how to steward what God has given them.
Pastors often feel empathy for congregants facing financial hardship, and many churches offer programs to help families who are dealing with the realities of today’s fiscal challenges. At the same time, clergy might recognize that additional financial acumen could offer increased empowerment. Financial literacy is not just a practical skill; it’s a form of discipleship rooted in biblical stewardship principles.
Jesus taught that being faithful in small matters, including finances, reflects one’s ability to handle greater responsibilities. Scripture is rich with pearls of wisdom on finances. From Jesus’ parables to Proverbs’ practical guidance, stewardship is about much more than tithing. It is about managing every resource God has entrusted to us with faithfulness and prudence. And this includes wise money management.
What can churches do?
According to a 2024 survey by the National Financial Educators Council, Americans lost an estimated $243 billion due to lack of financial knowledge, with the average person losing $1,015. These aren’t just statistics; they represent individuals and families in our pews who are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to save for emergencies, fund financial goals, give generously, or dream and plan for the future.
If churches began to address this problem head-on, the collective impact could be considerable.
Pastors have the unique opportunity to integrate financial education into the fabric of their ministries. Financial education anchored in biblical principles can foster generational transformation and help end the cycle of deep financial struggle.
But how do you start teaching financial literacy in your church? Here are four ways to begin.
#1: Launch a small group series on financial stewardship
Create or use a Bible-based small group curriculum focused on money management. These intimate settings allow for deeper discussions, accountability, and spiritual growth around financial topics. Groups can meet weekly or monthly and walk through topics like budgeting, financial planning and giving.
#2: Incorporate financial wellness in leadership training
Add a financial literacy component to your church’s leadership development programs. This is not only essential for trustees or leaders who are responsible for the financial matters of the church; teaching stewardship to all church leaders also builds a financially conscious culture and helps them model good financial habits for others.
#3: Host financial workshops
Partner with financial professionals to provide practical, biblically grounded training on topics like budgeting, debt reduction and retirement planning.
#4: Create a church financial resource center
Set up a small physical or digital library where members can access books, budgeting tools, sermon recordings and videos on money management. Update it regularly and feature it on your website or church app and in your bulletin or Sunday announcements to keep financial wellness top of mind.
It’s important that no matter which of these steps you incorporate into your ministry, you encourage your congregation to partner with certified financial planners along their financial journey. Consulting with financial experts whenever making decisions about money is key to helping build financial wisdom.
Teaching financial literacy is not a distraction from your calling; it’s an extension of it. Believers who are financially healthy are better equipped to serve boldly and give generously.
Imagine the transformation that can happen when your congregation learns to handle money God’s way — families freed from debt, members walking in peace, and churches resourced to do more kingdom work than ever before.
By offering financial education to your church members, you can build congregations that are not only spiritually strong but financially sound.
Ania Norori is the Director of Ministry Services at MMBB. She served in business operations and financial advising at Lehman Brothers, Barclays Capital, Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch. Norori has also held leadership positions with New Jersey’s Latino Ministries, the “Concentracion de las Iglesias Bautistas Latinas,” the ABCUSA National Hispanic Caucus, and ABCNJ. She holds an MBA of Finance, a B.S. in Business Administration — Marketing from New Jersey City University, NJ; a Certificate in Christian Ministry from New York Theological Seminary; and is a Chartered Financial Consultant®.
