Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances

Think of the role of a shepherd to protect and nurture the sheep. So, in the Body of Christ, God entrusts church leaders to do the same with His flock (1 Pet. 5:1-4). How do we do that in regard to finances?

Shepherd Leaders Protect the Flock in the Area of Finances

God wants leaders to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them” (1 Pet. 5:2). Here’s why that needs to include the area of finances:

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Tim. 6:9-10)

Where Your Treasure is So Is Your Heart
We protect people by warning them about the lure of money, using Scripture like the above. Money itself isn’t evil but the love a money leads to idolatry wherein it becomes the center of our lives rather than God. Jesus taught, “No one can serve two masters. … You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matt. 6:24)

Guarding the way we spend people’s money is also a way we protect people. How can we expect people to give cheerfully and willingly if they see a mishandling of funds through poor stewardship or misaligned priorities?

Another way we protect people is to guard against church practices that make it too easy for those involved in church finances to embezzle or misuse money. We don’t want to think it would happen in our churches but we are all humans who can do the unthinkable when desperate.

We need to provide safeguards and warnings because we have an enemy who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). We proactively protect the sheep from the lies and lures of the devil by wearing God’s spiritual armor at all times.

Shepherding the Flock Toward Generosity Takes Nurturing

God wants His people to give generously.

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:6-7)

Help people learn to care about what matters to God. When they do, their finances will follow.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:20-21)

As shepherds we will nurture the flock accordingly, “not lording it over those entrusted to you” (1 Pet. 5:3). Arm twisting or control tactics aren’t necessary when people’s hearts are prepared to give.

Let’s also remember the impact of our own example and attitudes in nurturing others. A heart of generosity is as much caught as it is taught. Feed the flock from God’s Word and reinforce what they’re learning by modeling it.

For More on These Topics:

Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances

Shepherd Leaders Protect the Flock in the Area of Finances

Shepherding the Flock Toward Generosity Takes Nurturing

All Posts about Budgeting and Finances:

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