Financial Discipleship

Some thoughts from Rev. David Crittenden

At some point early my journey as a disciple of Christ I realized that every faith decision I make has financial implications and every financial decision I make has faith implications. Because faith, money and possessions are so much a part of our lives I believe we are called to take a closer look at financial discipleship. Jesus talked more about money and possessions than any other issue. One of the hallmarks of financial discipleship is believing in and fostering biblical abundance.

Biblical abundance is not amassing as much as we can, it is believing and living as if God will always provide enough of everything. We see an example of Biblical abundance when God provides the manna in the wilderness: “But when they measured it with an omer, those who had gathered much had nothing over, those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed.” (Exodus 16:18) Paul shares with the church at Corinthian: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (2Corinthians 9:7-8) Biblical abundance is having just enough and making sure everyone else has enough.

I have been asked to encourage conversation around Biblical abundance in the presbyteries in the Synod of Lincoln Trails in light of the changes in medical coverage the Board of Pensions presented to the church. Change often creates anxiety for individuals and systems. Conversation often helps to ease anxiety. In this case I believe it helps to look closer at Biblical abundance. 

I find it helpful to compare Biblical abundance with scarcity which is often viewed as the opposite of abundance. An abundance mindset focuses on possibilities, opportunities, and the belief that there is enough for everyone. A scarcity mindset, on the other hand, is driven by fear, competition, and the belief that resources are limited.

People with an abundance mindset are more likely to share, collaborate, and invest in others. Those with a scarcity mindset may hoard resources, compete aggressively, and focus on self- preservation. An abundance mindset can lead to more generous and open-handed financial decisions, while a scarcity mindset might result in cautious, risk-averse, and sometimes selfish financial behaviors. Abundance says: “Anything is possible with God’s help”. Scarcity says: “I/We can’t do that”.



At this time of year congregations are looking at budgets. This year some may be wondering how they will cover the changes in the Board of Pensions medical coverage. I encourage all congregations to model abundance for their members this year. Make a budget that includes everything you want – a dream budget – No matter what the bottom line is, look at ways to increase your income believing that it will be covered. You give into scarcity if you start by looking at ways you can cut expenses. Encourage your congregation to increase their contribution as you share your dream budget. Scarcity thinking says don’t talk about money, don’t ask people for an increase. We need to give our members the chance to say “no” instead of saying “no” for them. People want to talk about what excites them and are very willing to give where God has called them to get involved. Contrary to public opinion, people do like to explore faith and money issues, but we don’t give them very many chances to practice their financial discipleship. I hope those reading this will gather together to share their financial discipleship journeys. If you are looking for a way besides a dream budget or in addition to it, to give people a chance to practice their financial discipleship, encourage conversations and Bible study around gratitude, abundance, and generosity.

If you have questions about the Board of Pensions changes for 2025, the Presbytery's Minimum Compensation, or how to have these challenging conversations, please contact the Whitewater Valley Presbytery Office and we will direct you someone who can help!