Few things make a church service feel more uncomfortable than the moment the sermon turns to giving. You know it’s coming—the pastor starts talking about generosity, the ushers subtly move toward the aisles and suddenly you’re being encouraged to “sow into the kingdom.” Maybe you stare straight ahead, avoiding eye contact. Maybe you shift in your seat, wondering if skipping that latte this week would make a difference. Either way, the vibe is tense.
It’s not that talking about money is inherently weird. We talk about it everywhere else—comparing rent prices with friends, budgeting for trips, debating whether we should finally start investing. But when the conversation happens in church, it somehow feels different, like a mix of obligation, guilt and confusion. Is giving about faith? About responsibility? About keeping the church’s lights on? And why does it always feel like the pressure is on us while financial transparency stays vague?
The church has a responsibility to make conversations about money less awkward, and that starts with changing the way they approach the topic. Instead of only bringing up finances when a new building project is on the horizon or when giving numbers are down, churches should make financial conversations a regular, open and pressure-free part of their community. That means teaching financial literacy, acknowledging the real struggles people face and offering transparency in how church funds are used. When the conversation is about holistic financial wisdom rather than just an appeal for donations, it stops feeling like a sales pitch and starts feeling like something that actually benefits the congregation.
But as church members, there are ways we can make this topic less weird for ourselves too. Here’s how:
1. Get Comfortable Talking About Money With Other People
Money talk doesn’t have to start and end with the church. The more we normalize conversations about finances with friends and family, the less awkward it feels when it comes up in a sermon. Ask people you trust how they budget, save or even give—real talk makes it easier to engage without the weirdness.
2. Set Your Own Giving Plan Ahead of Time
One of the reasons church money talks feel uncomfortable is the pressure of the moment. Instead of making decisions on the fly when the offering plate comes around, decide in advance what you’re comfortable giving. That way, you can approach generosity on your terms without feeling guilt-tripped into making impulsive decisions.
3. Educate Yourself on Financial Stewardship
If the church isn’t talking about money in a way that feels helpful, take ownership of your financial education. There are countless resources on budgeting, saving and ethical spending that can help you make informed choices—so when money does come up in church, you’ll feel more confident and less pressured.
4. Support Financial Transparency
Even if you’re not in leadership, you can still advocate for clarity in church finances. Ask questions, attend meetings where budgets are discussed and encourage a culture of openness. The more members hold churches accountable, the more likely it is that financial conversations will become healthier and more transparent.
5. Give How and Where It Makes Sense for You
Giving doesn’t have to be limited to the church offering plate. If you want to support causes that align with your values, consider donating to nonprofits, charities or directly to people in need. Being generous in different ways can take the pressure off the idea that giving only counts if it happens within the walls of a church.
The Bottom Line
Money talks in church don’t have to be awkward, but they will be if they only ever show up when the church needs something. While church leaders have a responsibility to foster better conversations, we also have control over how we engage with money—both in and outside of church. By taking ownership of our own financial habits and expectations, we can make the topic feel less uncomfortable and more empowering.
