WHY WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MONEY IN MINISTRY

Recently I was assisting a diocese with their new ministers’ orientation. It’s a day where those just entering into ministry with young people receive training on what it means to lead a ministry and work alongside their pastor. We talk big picture, but also get into some practical steps like planning meetings, communication, and calendaring.

But there’s one topic that always brings the most confusion: budgeting.

Whenever we bring up money, the questions and concerns start rolling in:

• I don’t have a budget…am I supposed to?

• They told me not to worry about the budget, just ask if I need something over a certain limit.

• I don’t mind paying out of pocket, but I’m not sure how long I can keep that up.

• I’ve been told I need to fundraise my own budget—how do I even start?

Maybe that surprises you. Or maybe it doesn’t. For me, it’s not surprising anymore, but it is deeply saddening. Because if ministry leaders don’t know how budgets work—or worse, if they’re paying out of pocket while underpaid or unpaid—it means we’re failing to support the very people carrying the mission forward.

And here’s the truth: parishes can’t fuel mission without financial transparency and training.

THE PROBLEM WE DON’T LIKE TO NAME

Most ministry leaders don’t feel equipped to have conversations about budgets, salaries, or fundraising. Some are afraid their pastors will reject them. Others believe nothing will ever change. Either way, it leaves them stuck—under-resourced and unsupported.

The responsibility doesn’t fall on leaders alone. If you’re in a position of leadership, it’s your role to make sure your staff or team understands how parish finances work—how budgets are set, how salaries are determined, and what input they have in the process. And it’s your responsibility to teach both staff and parishioners about the spiritual connection between God and money.

At the same time, ministry leaders have to step up too. If you don’t know your budget, set up a time with your pastor, business manager, or bookkeeper. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to know enough. And if you’re struggling to run ministry because you’re too focused on raising money or you have no clarity about what you can spend, it’s more than appropriate to bring that to your supervisor.

EDUCATING YOURSELF ON BASIC BUDGETING

If you feel intimidated by money—or you struggle to manage it at home—take the time to learn. Sign up for a finance course or connect with someone who knows money management. Learn how to track expenses, set a budget, and understand where your ministry income comes from. You don’t need to become an accountant, but confidence with finances will make you a better steward of the resources entrusted to you.

SIT DOWN WITH LEADERSHIP

(Pastor, Business Manager, Finance Council)

Learn how money flows in your parish and how decisions are made. Does your parish own property? How does tithing work? What other sources of income exist? Find out when budgeting decisions happen so you know the right time to make requests. You don’t need to get into every detail, but a basic awareness of your parish’s financial reality will give you clarity—and appreciation—for what you’re working with.

MAKE MONEY A PART OF THE FORMATION PATH

Our relationship with money impacts our relationship with God. If we want to raise disciples who give their whole life to Christ, they need to understand money’s role in discipleship. As a staff, talk openly about tithing, worship offerings, and the spiritual side of giving. When young people and families develop a healthy relationship with money, they become cheerful and generous givers.

Talking about money will always feel a little uncomfortable—but avoiding it only makes things worse. Silence leads to confusion, frustration, and burnout. Transparency and training lead to clarity, confidence, and generosity.

The Church has the people and the resources we need. It’s a matter of unlocking them.

And the more we normalize conversations about budgets, stewardship, and generosity, the more we equip our parishes to live out the mission God has given us. If we want the mission to thrive, we need to get comfortable talking about money.