Ep. 39: Your Church Doesn’t Need Another Giving Push

<h2>Summary</h2><p>Many churches treat money problems as financial problems—but Leo Sabo, President and CEO of Christian Stewardship Network, argues they’re often spiritual problems first.<br /></p><p>In part one of this conversation, Leo joins Dan and Kira to unpack the difference between <b>financial education</b> and <b>financial discipleship</b>. Teaching people how to budget, save, get out of debt, and invest is valuable, but those skills alone don’t necessarily form someone into a more faithful follower of Jesus. Financial discipleship goes deeper by addressing trust, ownership, surrender, and the heart behind financial decisions.<br /></p><p>Leo also explores the danger of an unhealthy “poverty mindset,” where Christians may believe that giving more automatically makes them more spiritual or more pleasing to God. Instead, healthy stewardship begins with recognizing that God is the owner and we are the stewards—then learning to manage what He has entrusted to us with wisdom, faith, and obedience.</p><h2>Key Takeaway</h2><p><b>Financial education changes behavior. Financial discipleship aims for transformation.</b><br /></p><p>Churches shouldn’t stop teaching practical money skills, but those lessons need to be rooted in biblical stewardship. The goal isn’t simply to help people become financially healthy—it’s to help them grow in trust, surrender, and faithful stewardship as followers of Jesus.</p><h2>Resources Mentioned</h2><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/" target="_blank"><b>Christian Stewardship Network</b></a> — An organization led by Leo Sabo that helps pastors and church leaders cultivate cultures of biblical stewardship and generosity.</li></ul>