Stewardship Leader

Christian Stewardship Network

CSN exists to encourage, teach and connect church and stewardship leaders and help them build and lead healthy stewardship ministries in their church. You can learn more about CSN @ christianstewardshipnetwork.com.

  1. Jul 7

    What Church Giving Data Reveals: Participation Is Up, But Something Is Missing

    Key Takeaways Giving is finally outpacing inflation, providing encouraging news for churches. Participation in giving is increasing, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. Younger generations are giving more frequently, but their average gifts remain significantly smaller than those of previous generations. The greatest challenge facing churches today is not fundraising—it is stewardship discipleship. Most churches lack a comprehensive discipleship strategy that helps people grow from first-time givers to generous disciples. Fifty percent of people who gave in 2022 did not give again to the same church by 2025, revealing a significant retention challenge. Many churches excel at welcoming first-time guests but fail to acknowledge and encourage first-time givers. Churches need a shared theology and common language around stewardship, tithing, offerings, and generosity. Financial stewardship should be taught consistently, not just during annual giving campaigns. Stories of generosity should reflect every stage of the giving journey, not just large gifts from wealthy donors. Security and contentment are discipleship issues that directly influence generosity. Churches must intentionally disciple younger generations if they hope to sustain future ministry. Dependence on a small percentage of high-capacity donors continues to increase and presents a long-term risk. Stewardship conversations are ultimately about heart transformation, not simply meeting a budget. Resources Mortarstone Website - https://mortarstone.com/Get the Annual Giving Report - https://mortarstone.com/annual-generosity-report-landing Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network - https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Become a CSN member - https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/

  2. Jun 23

    How to Have Conversations That Actually Change Financial Behavior

    Key Takeaways Lasting change begins with understanding people, not simply solving financial problems. Coaches and church leaders must learn to manage their own emotions before helping others navigate theirs. People move through six distinct stages of change, and each stage requires a different coaching approach. Pushing someone to change before they are ready can actually move them backward. Relapse is a normal part of growth and should be met with grace rather than judgment. Many coaching frustrations stem from misunderstanding where someone is in the change process. The "Fawn" response often causes people to agree to action steps they never intend to complete. Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn are common emotional responses that can surface during financial conversations. Emotional overwhelm is often mistaken for resistance or lack of commitment. Motivational Interviewing helps people discover their own reasons for change rather than being told what to do. Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools a coach can develop. Replacing "what" and "why" questions with phrases like "tell me about" or "help me understand" creates safer and more productive conversations. Trauma affects a significant percentage of people and should be considered in every coaching environment. Small environmental details—such as seating arrangements, room setup, and body language—can influence trust and openness. Better questions often lead to better outcomes than better advice. Resources DonJay’s Website (sign up for his newsletter) - Drumbeatofwealth.comConnect with DonJay - donjay@drumbeatofhealth.com, Instagram, LinkedIn Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network - https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Become a CSN member - https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/

  3. Jun 16

    Why Behavior, Not Budgeting, Is the Real Money Issue

    Key Takeaways Financial problems are often behavior problems, not knowledge problems. The emotional side of the brain processes information faster than the logical side, often driving financial decisions before reason can catch up. Budgeting is important, but budgeting alone rarely changes deeply rooted money behaviors. More financial education can create the illusion of progress without producing actual behavior change. Willpower and restriction often backfire, making unwanted behaviors stronger rather than weaker. Christians frequently carry unique forms of shame around money, generosity, and financial stewardship. Many financial behaviors are rooted in deeper fears such as rejection, conflict, inadequacy, insecurity, or lack of control. The same financial behavior can be driven by completely different emotional causes, making curiosity more important than assumptions. The "180 Effect" reminds coaches and church leaders not to assume they know why someone behaves the way they do. Visualization can be a powerful tool for rewiring financial habits and preparing for healthier decisions before temptation arises. Lasting financial transformation happens when we address both behavior and discipleship, not just budgets and numbers. Resources DonJay’s Website (sign up for his newsletter) - Drumbeatofwealth.comConnect with DonJay - Instagram, LinkedIn Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network - https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Become a CSN member - https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/

  4. May 5

    What is Gospel-Driven Stewardship?

    Key Takeaways Stewardship is not primarily about money—it is about discipleship and worship Financial behavior change without gospel transformation can lead to misaligned desires and priorities Biblical stewardship must be rooted in a robust understanding of the gospel, not just practical tools Money is a means of serving and worshiping God, not simply meeting personal needs A gospel-centered approach to stewardship frees people from materialism and greed True generosity flows from understanding God’s generosity toward us (John 3:16) Churches must move beyond events and programs to create a culture of stewardship Practical tools (budgeting, debt reduction) are important but incomplete without spiritual formation Stewardship discipleship leads to: increased generosity reduced financial stress stronger marriages decreased selfishness greater joy and purpose Many churches focus primarily on financially struggling individuals, but fail to disciple those with greater capacity Generosity is not something we do—it is an identity rooted in being like God Stewardship ministry must address both: present faithfulness future planning and investment The goal is not just financial health, but life transformation and Kingdom impact Resources Connect with Life InstituteWebsite: https://lifeinstitute.orgStewardology Podcast: https://stewardologypodcast.comThe Good Steward: Biblical Principles of Wealth Management Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network - https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Become a CSN member - https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/

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CSN exists to encourage, teach and connect church and stewardship leaders and help them build and lead healthy stewardship ministries in their church. You can learn more about CSN @ christianstewardshipnetwork.com.

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