Start Strong: Stewardship Habits for a New Appointment

By Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries

Beginning a new pastoral appointment is an exciting and humbling moment. You step into a congregation with its own history, culture, and patterns of ministry, many of which you are just beginning to understand. In the early days, you have much to learn and even more to discern.

Over more than four decades of ministry—and now in my longest appointment as Director of Stewardship and Generosity—I’ve come to believe that how you approach stewardship early in your appointment will shape the culture of generosity for years to come. I wish I had realized that when I arrived at local churches.

What follows are not rules or requirements, but suggestions—practices that can help you begin well. You are, after all, the context expert for your local church. You will know what fits, what needs adapting, and what might need to wait. But starting with stewardship in mind can make a lasting difference.

One of the first places you can ground yourself is in the expectations of our shared life together. Take time to read—or reread—¶340.2(2) in the Book of Discipline. It reminds us that stewardship is not an optional part of ministry; it is woven into our pastoral calling.

Very early, make it a priority to attend finance committee meetings, not simply because the Discipline expects it, but because those conversations offer a window into the life of the congregation. You’ll learn how decisions are made, what concerns surface, and how the church understands its resources and responsibilities. These meetings are less about numbers and more about culture.

As you begin to build relationships, you might gently ask a question that can open important conversations: Where are stewardship and generosity talked about in the life of this congregation beyond an annual campaign or a moment of financial need? The answer will tell you a great deal about how generosity is currently understood and where there may be room to grow.

If stewardship is not yet a strength for you, you are not alone. Many of us were not trained in this area. There are excellent resources that can help you build confidence and perspective: Ministry and Money by Janet and Phil Jamieson, Church Finances for Missional Leaders by Bonnie Ives Marden, and Generosity, Stewardship and Abundance by Lovett Weems and Ann Michel provide the church a rich foundation for thinking about stewardship and financial ministry.

In particular, two principles from Weems and Michel have stayed with me:

(1) Never talk about people’s money apart from their discipleship, and (2) Never talk about the church’s money apart from its mission. When stewardship is disconnected from faith, it becomes transactional. When it is rooted in discipleship and mission, it becomes transformational.

You will find that leadership development and stewardship are closely connected. As you work with your committee on nominations and leadership development, pay attention to those whose faith has matured in visible ways. Often, that maturity includes a growing sense of generosity—not just in how much they give, but in how thoughtfully and joyfully they give. These are the people who can help shape a culture of generosity in your congregation.

And then there is your own example.

Model the generosity you hope to cultivate. If you can tithe, do so. If you are not yet there, set that as a goal and take intentional steps toward it. This is not about meeting the church’s needs; it is about your own spiritual grounding. Many pastors carry quiet anxiety about their own giving, wondering if it is enough or if it aligns with what they teach. Moving toward a clear and intentional practice of giving can bring both spiritual clarity and a surprising sense of relief. And when you are open about your journey, you give others permission to grow as well.

In those first months, don’t wait for a campaign season to talk about generosity. Preach gratitude early and often. Help people see that giving is not a response to the church’s need, but to God’s grace. Gratitude is the soil in which generosity grows. Celebrate the joy of generosity, even when your church is not the recipient.

Just as important, tell stories. People are far more likely to give when they can see the impact of their gifts. Share how lives are being touched, how ministries are making a difference, and how hope is taking shape in tangible ways. Connect generosity to transformation. With the changes many churches have made to how the offering is received, the offering moment can be a perfect place to share a story about how our giving makes a difference – locally and across the globe.

You can also begin to normalize consistent giving practices. Whether it’s recurring eGiving, percentage giving, or first-fruits giving, these are not simply financial tools; they are spiritual habits. Many people long for consistency in their giving but have never been shown how to achieve it.

Through all of this, remember that relationships come first. In your early months, focus on listening. Learn the stories of the people, the history of the congregation, and the rhythms of its life. Trust is the foundation on which all leadership is built—including leadership in stewardship.

Starting a new appointment is a sacred opportunity. You are not just inheriting a system; you are helping to shape a culture. When stewardship is approached as a matter of discipleship, grounded in gratitude, and connected to mission, it becomes a source of joy rather than obligation.

Start strong. Start thoughtfully. And trust that the seeds you plant early will bear fruit for years to come.