How can we, as churches, steward our resources, sustain our mission, and bless our communities in a way that feels both generous and sustainable? Many of us grapple with this question, striving to balance the call to radical generosity with the need to steward our resources well.
One principle that’s guided me is rooted in the Old Testament and called pe’ah.
When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 24:19
Found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, this law instructs the people of Israel to leave the corners of their fields untouched and some sheaves unharvested, ensuring that those in need could find provision. This principle reminds us of the power of margin – leaving space for generosity while also reaping a reward from our resources. It’s a model that allows for both giving and growth and one God promises to bless.
In working with churches, I see both ends of the spectrum. Some give away so much that their resources are stretched thin, while others cling tightly to everything they have out of concern for the future. Both approaches come from a good place – wanting to serve and provide. But a sustainable balance exists, one that enables both blessing and growth.
This principle reminds us of the power of margin – leaving space for generosity while also reaping a reward from our resources. It’s a model that allows for both giving and growth.
Balancing Generosity and Stewardship
As we consider our resources, the question becomes: how do we steward what we have well, allowing for radical generosity without exhausting the resources that sustain our mission? In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus speaks of a servant who multiplied what he was given. The lesson encourages us to put our resources to work, making room for growth.
For churches, this might mean creating an intentional strategy for generosity. Without a plan, our desire to help can sometimes stretch resources thin, making it challenging to balance giving with sustainability. By approaching generosity thoughtfully, we can ensure it’s both impactful and manageable, aligning with our long-term mission.
Without a plan, our desire to help can sometimes stretch resources thin, making it challenging to balance giving with sustainability.
Ask the Holy Spirit what giving looks like in this season:
- A limited number of free hires annually for local non-profits or community groups could be made available.
- You might offer discounted hire rates for registered charities or small organisations focused on youth, mental health, or social support, encouraging community-building while covering basic costs and generating a small margin.
- A portion of hire income could be dedicated to church outreach projects so that every paid event directly supports community transformation.
- Consider setting aside specific time slots or dates as priority bookings for charities that need affordable space. Ensuring you are not overbooked with full-price events.
- Each quarter you could also offer one discounted wedding hire to a local couple facing financial hardship, helping them celebrate beautifully while keeping resource allocation manageable.
These intentional gestures are the ‘edges’ of your field—the margin you leave to bless those without access to the same resources. With a clear plan, we can give freely in ways that reflect God’s heart while preserving what’s needed to continue our ministry.
Strategising for Sustainable Impact
Of course, as churches, we often receive endless requests for support simply because we are a church. We love to give, to help, and to be there for our community – it’s core to our calling. But every ‘yes’ we give to a free event or community request is a ‘no’ to potential income that might fund other essential ministry areas. Income from even a few paid hires can make it possible to bring on a community worker, support having a curate, or expand local outreach efforts. ‘On Earth, as it is in Heaven’ is a big vision, and big visions require resources.
It’s possible to achieve both – to create room for generosity while generating income that furthers your mission. By defining your priorities and setting clear margins, you can say yes to what matters most. Keep your field’s edges open, but use the central resources to fund the broader vision God has placed in your heart. What’s essential is knowing your unique balance.
So, I invite you to reflect: Are you stewarding your resources as well as you could? Are you leaving the right margin to bless others while securing the income needed to sustain your mission?
‘On Earth, as it is in Heaven’ is a big vision, and big visions require resources.
If you’re wondering how to balance income with generosity in a way that fits your church’s values and vision, we’d love to help you develop a strategy. Contact us to explore how you can maximise your resources for both community impact and sustainable growth.
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