Bible college doesn’t prepare you to manage unpaid bills, panic attacks, and financial collapse. I’ve lived that story. I’m done with it. And I don’t want you to go through it alone.
Pastoring in the Red is a guide for pastors facing financial struggles and offers guidance on how to navigate them.
The Problem
Many pastors experience significant financial pressure, often in silence. Statistics show that a large percentage of pastors earn low salaries, lack retirement and health benefits, and have little saved for retirement.
Root Causes
Financial collapse can be attributed to many things. Some of which may include ignoring financial reports, procrastinating on decisions, and downplaying pressure. Leading alone and concealing struggles are fast tracks to collapse.
Solutions and Action Steps:
- Share the Load: Don’t struggle in secret; confide in a trusted elder, mentor, or peer.
- Get Outside Perspective: Seek advice from wise, unbiased individuals to gain clarity.
- Ask the Right Questions: Reflect on whether you’re pastoring alone, if you know church financial needs, if you’re carrying undue pressure, and the condition of your soul.
- Follow Through: Financial stability often comes from discipline and good stewardship rather than a miraculous breakthrough.
- Take Inventory: Identify existing resources, however small, like the widow’s oil in 2 Kings 4.
- Get Back to Basics: Focus on doing small things well, simplifying systems, gathering your team, and trusting Jesus to build the church.
Download the full guide for more, including action steps to get you back on track.