An Open Letter to Church Leaders
It's time to step up.
Photo: Unsplash
Greetings Prosperous Souls,
Meet Hope, a regular client at Financial Sozo. She’s poised, articulate, and exudes confidence—qualities that have always stood out in our sessions. But recently, something’s changed.
Despite being highly skilled, intelligent, and well-trained in the medical field, her employers refuse to give her enough hours.
In our most recent meeting, Hope’s smile fades when I ask, “How can I help?”
She begins her heartbreaking story. It’s a tale of desperation that’s become all too familiar in my mentoring sessions.
The Church is Struggling
In the past few years, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend: Christians seeking financial help from their churches and receiving nothing in return.
Many church members are facing severe financial struggles, and according to reports, this will only get worse. One study claims that “fewer than half [of Americans] (40%) feel they are in good or great financial shape, and one in four (23%) say they are in poor shape.”
As a retired CPA and CFO, I realize that churches operate under strict budgets. Pastors manage countless demands, but there’s a crucial aspect of stewardship that’s often overlooked: supporting our people.
The Role of Benevolence Programs
Allocating resources to support church members is not only essential; it’s required. By investing in financial education and direct assistance, we can stabilize our flocks. This includes providing funds for groceries, rent, and auto repairs. The body of Christ must lift people out of poverty. Some cannot do this on their own.
Challenges Faced by Church Members
Daily, I receive cries for help. While this isn’t new, the frequency of these calls is alarming. Christians are desperate for financial assistance. People like Hope, unable to cover rent, are turning to their churches for help, but are often met with resistance.
A recent Wells Fargo survey revealed, “almost half [of Americans]… [have] more debt than they feel comfortable with…” and a polling firm, KFF, claims “about half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford health care costs…” These statistics highlight a dire need for intervention.
A Call to Action for Church Leaders
Church leaders must ask themselves if they’re genuinely serving those in need. Or are they diverting funds away from those who are truly suffering? Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.” We are called to support our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Responsibility of Religious Organizations
I urge churches to quadruple their benevolence budgets. I’m calling for a revival in the Body of Christ’s involvement in welfare, development, and stability programs. Let’s partner with government agencies when needed and do our part in the gospel story. Galatians 6:2 states, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Body of Christ must provide assistance. James 2:15-16 emphasizes this duty: “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?”
Urgent Need for Support
Those who love Jesus require our help. They can’t wait until their rent is due or their landlords extend grace. Many churches depend on their donors for support. But part of this backing must now return to those who, despite giving small, have given in faith. Let’s meet their faith now, like bread returning after many days (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
Final Appeal and Conclusion
It’s time for church leaders to embrace generous stewardship for their people. As we pray for the Holy Spirit to heal our nation, we must also heal our congregations—not the buildings, but the people. Let’s come together and provide the assistance our flocks need.
Hop on to our live coaching session
We’re meeting live today at 3:30 PM (CA time). Bring in any questions. Download my free handout here. I’ll see you soon!
God bless your Prosperous Soul,
Stephen K. De Silva, CPA (retired)
Founder of Prosperous Soul® and Financial Sozo®
Author of Money and the Prosperous Soul
About: Stephen K. De Silva is an author, speaker, and financial coach. From 1995 until 2017, he served as the CFO of Bethel Church, and a member of the senior leadership team. Stephen’s blend of experience, training, and gifting make him a pioneer in the subject of money. You can reach Stephen at hello@prosperoussoul.com
Steve, I can feel that your heart is in the right place by posting your call to action.
However, don't you think it would also be valuable for you to state the importance of Financial Sozo Leadership Training for Church Leaders?
You can "Teach the Teachers" or "Lead the Leaders," they in turn would receive the blessings from Christ to teach, lead, and support their church members better.
They also would be able to receive financial sozo healing, blessings and overcome poverty programming or lack programming.
Would you be opposed to writing another post about inviting Church Leaders to a Financial Sozo?
Excellent, Steve. A timely, prophetic word. May the Church at large rise to the example of the early Church in Acts 2: 43-47 and foster genuine revival.