There is no shortage of books, blogs and programs to help pastors raise money. Why is that? Because funding your ministry is a vital part of making sure your vision comes to pass. Without adequate resources, no ministry can last long. But there is one intangible resource that is worth more than money, and that’s trust.

Successfully raising support and maintaining giving year after year requires trust. More crucial than every technique, pledge drive or building program is the responsibility of the pastor, staff and board to prove they will use these funds the right way. That takes earning and keeping the trust of your people.

I’ve heard stories of church members withholding large gifts from their church because of trust issues. Instead of giving a large offering, they donated to secular institutions because they felt their home church was not ready for such a gift. Have you proven yourself trustworthy with your congregations’ giving?

Trust is more easily lost than gained.

Trust is more easily lost than gained. Don’t let the push to reach a funding goal overshadow the need for integrity when it comes to finances. When pastors and leaders are trustworthy, people will take notice and feel more comfortable about giving.

Consider these simple but important ways to earn and keep the trust of your congregation.

 

Start Small

Being faithful with the little things is how you establish, grow and mature trust with your people.

Jesus makes that clear in Luke 16:10–11: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”

Jesus was teaching us a spiritual lesson while connecting it to material possessions. When we show our faithfulness in small financial matters, we stand to reap large spiritual blessings — the true riches. Maintaining integrity while we’re starting out, when we’re dealing with a smaller budget and working through humble beginnings, can lead to massive results later. And when we are faithful in what God gives us at this juncture, it lets others know we are ready for more.

 

Follow Through

Keep your word. Do what you promise you’ll do. If you ask for money for a specific purpose, follow through with it. And if you intend to spend money in a different way, be upfront about it.

It seems obvious, but there are countless stories of misapplied funds wrecking a church’s or pastor’s reputation.

Follow through with your congregation about how their funds are being used. One of the best ways to make sure you’re effectively earning and keeping trust is to attach giving to the vision of the church. Provide regular updates on your church’s use of money, locally and globally, how missions pledges are being used and how even more funding could increase your church’s reach.

This follow-through is not only a great way to give thanks to God, but it also builds trust.

 

Be Transparent

Transparency is vital to trust in any relationship. Be open about your financial situation. That doesn’t mean you complain when there is a shortfall or worry openly when funding is low. But it does mean that you are upfront about the resources required to accomplish your vision.

Offer your church members access to annual budgets. These can be as detailed or as simple as you prefer, but they should always be accurate. This is just one way to let others know you are maintaining a high level of integrity.

 

Talk about It

Don’t be afraid to talk about money. Avoiding the topic may give your people the idea that you have something to hide.

However, make sure you’re talking about it in the right spirit. Instead of browbeating people for not giving, show them the great benefits of generosity.

Go beyond talking about it from the platform; sit down and talk with people one-on-one about money. Don’t shy away from personal conversations about the church’s needs and how individuals can help. And in those conversations, let your people know you understand the responsibility and burden of money. Openness creates an atmosphere of trust.

 

Maintain Excellence

People love winners. And they love to give to people, places and programs that demonstrate a winning attitude and accomplish things for God. Churches that operate with a high level of excellence are more likely to see great gains for the Kingdom — including more decisions for Christ, more baptisms and more volunteer involvement.

Excellence doesn’t always require spending more money. It involves making sure the right people fill key positions. Excellence happens when people work hard with a positive attitude and a willing spirit. Those things don’t cost a dime.

Evaluate your church. How are you at achieving excellence with what you currently have? Are your ministry areas clean and well kept? Are minsters on time for meetings and service, and are they available to meet with people when needed? Do the members of your church feel important and appreciated? These are just a few key aspects of excellence in ministry.

It’s easy to think, If we only had more funds, we could do so much more. Instead, instill in your church members and staff the idea that God will provide what you need for making a difference every day.

If you work hard with what He gives you right now, He will prepare you for what’s next. But the only way to get there is by earning — and keeping — your church’s trust.