The Silent Shortfall: Why Pastors Aren’t Equipped to Teach Stewardship—and What It’s Costing the Church
In many churches today, discussions about giving arise only during fundraising drives or budget shortfalls. This reactive approach often stems from a deeper issue: pastors themselves frequently lack formal training in financial stewardship.
A Startling Gap in Seminary Education
Despite the critical role pastors play in guiding congregations on matters of generosity, most seminaries offer little to no instruction on financial stewardship. A comprehensive study funded by the Lilly Endowment revealed that over 95% of seminaries in the United States do not provide courses on biblical stewardship, personal finance, or church funding. Consequently, 85% of pastors reported they had never been equipped to understand, practice, or teach these principles. Source
This educational gap leaves many pastors unprepared to address financial topics confidently, leading to a reluctance to discuss money matters from the pulpit. In fact, only 39% of pastors report regularly speaking about tithing or donations, with the majority addressing these topics only occasionally or not at all. Source
The Consequences for Congregational Giving
The lack of consistent teaching on stewardship has tangible effects on church giving. While 99% of pastors are familiar with the concept of tithing, only 42% of practicing Christians set their giving at 10% or more of their income. Moreover, 72% of Christians believe there are alternative ways to tithe besides financial contributions. Source
This disconnect suggests that without clear, consistent guidance from church leaders, congregants may develop a fragmented understanding of stewardship, leading to decreased financial support for church missions and operations.
Bridging the Stewardship Education Gap
Recognizing this issue, some institutions are taking steps to equip pastors with the necessary financial literacy. For instance, the Presbyterian Foundation, supported by the Lilly Endowment, has developed programs like the Stewardship Navigator and the Church Financial Leadership Academy. These resources aim to provide pastors with tools and training to lead their congregations in financial matters effectively. Source
Similarly, the Georgia United Methodist Foundation hosted a Clergy Financial Literacy Academy, offering practical tools to enhance pastors’ leadership skills in financial areas. Source
The Path Forward for Pastoral Stewardship
The lack of stewardship education in seminaries has long-term implications for church health and sustainability. By prioritizing financial literacy and stewardship training for pastors, churches can foster a culture of generosity that supports their mission and growth.