There are dozens of misconceptions swirling around when it comes to connecting with financial leaders in the church today. Some church leaders feel like they have nothing in common with financial leaders. Others are afraid that beginning a discussion with them about money will drive them away from the church. These ideas prevent church leaders from ever cultivating a ministry of giving. However, from our experience, these misconceptions simply aren’t true.
Based on some common observations about how financial leaders see the world, here are a few things you should know as a church leader:
1. Financial leaders want a relationship with senior leaders of the organizations they support—including their church.
2. Financial leaders see giving as a privilege, not an obligation. They have been blessed and want to give back, but they will not give significantly out of any sense of duty.
3. Financial leaders understand the need for things like technology, buildings, and staff. They understand the costs and benefits of assembling the right set of tools to accomplish the task at hand.
4. Financial leaders desire to be part of something bigger than themselves and to play a role in solving a specific problem they are passionate about.
5. Financial leaders are never offended when someone asks them for money. The greatest offense would be not asking at all.
6. Financial leaders want to use their financial resources to establish a legacy.
7. Financial leaders covet a personal relationship with their pastor. As key leaders, who else could they trust enough to seek advice, ask for help, or just voice frustrations?
8. Financial leaders want their pastor and church leaders to see them as ordinary, not superhuman.
9. Financial leaders believe they have a lot more to offer than just money. They’ve been at the decision-making table at critical junctures and would love to be able to contribute to the success of their church in that way.
10. Financial leaders understand that you don’t talk to everyone the same way. Speak to financial leaders about specifics, results, expectations, and plans. This is their language.
If you’ve never spent enough time with financial leaders to know these things firsthand, we hope this list gives you insight into the financial leader mindset. Financial leaders are human, too. The difference is they have significant life experience and bring a great deal of success to the table. Because of their success, they want to make sure they make the most of the resources they have to give.
Have you learned any of these things first-hand after connecting with financial leaders?
