Courageous Faith Leadership: 5 Strategies for Growing Congregations the World Needs
- Karen Kuykendall
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
This is the third in a three-part series on courageous leadership. To access the first two parts, click here for courageous business leadership and here for courageous academic leadership.
Being a pastor is not a job for the faint of heart. I know this from personal experience, not because I'm an ordained minister (our Better Capitalism CEO is), but because I grew up in the church. I also spent 10 years as an executive church administrator, supporting clergy through their most difficult challenges.
It takes a great amount of courage to speak truth to the pews. This became especially clear to me during the long, hard months of Covid, when the normality of church (small and capital "c" interchangeably throughout) was interrupted along with everything else. While trying to navigate the effects of the illness on gatherings, many pastors found themselves also navigating a minefield of politically-charged opinions. Surprisingly, how to protect the congregation's physically vulnerable members became a major point of contention rather than a rallying point of unity. The battle around Covid-related issues became so exhausting that some pastors considered leaving the ministry altogether, and too many did.
The pandemic seems like a distant memory now, but strong opinions are still ever present. The American church has become polarized on many issues, one of which is economics. Addressing economic inequalities or injustices these days can seem like navigating another minefield. In the current environment, ministers may face pressure to either validate the current system as is or advocate radical change. For many of them, it might seem better to keep this subject to a once-a-year sermon about tithing or the annual pledge drive.
Understanding Scripture, however, leads to the undeniable conclusion that God cares deeply about how people treat each other financially. Throughout the Old Testament, greedy practices of the privileged and abusive treatment of the underprivileged are condemned by many prophets. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the plight of the poor a number of times. He equates serving the needy with serving Him, warns against the dangers of greed, and instructs his followers to share their resources with the less fortunate.
From the many Scriptural passages regarding riches and wealth, it is clear that talking about economics is just as vital as addressing any other moral issue. How does a minister do so in the current environment? Courageous leadership in this area is defined by a number of distinctive actions. We've developed a practical checklist of five ways in which pastors can address economics while staying faithful to the Gospel message.
1. Teach Holistic Biblical Justice Over Partisan Ideology
First, rejecting partisan politics is essential for the church to maintain its integrity and authenticity. It is crucial for the church's message to be relevant but remain untainted by the agendas of any party. Economic justice cannot be relegated to political talking points; it is a core moral imperative that must be practically addressed by the church.
For members who lean politically left, a minister can examine economic systems in the light of fairness and justice for everyone, as well as focusing on personal and community transformation rather than state-enforced wealth redistribution. This illuminating study brings a balanced view to this issue and reinforces the command of Leviticus 19:15: "You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor."
Equally important is the need to guide those who lean politically right, confronting issues like hyper-individualism and systemic greed. The church must not endorse narratives that dismiss material poverty as merely the result of personal failure or lack of faith. Instead, by highlighting texts such as Micah 6, Amos, and the teachings of Jesus in Luke, the church can ground its message in biblical principles that emphasize fair wages, debt relief, and the importance of addressing exploitation.
2. Integrate the Church Along Socioeconomic Lines
Breaking down class barriers is essential for creating an inclusive church environment. This involves intentionally fostering a culture where people of diverse socio-economic status can come together to worship, serve, and share meals at the same table. By doing so, the church promotes unity and understanding, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to connect on a deeper level. The rich and the poor are often wary of each other; in connecting we create the opportunity to overcome those apprehensions.
It may be that your church is currently a socially homogenous group. In that case, integrating people of different backgrounds might mean seeking out a nearby church with members unlike your own to work together on a shared project. My former church (Presbyterian, white collar) did this very successfully with a nearby congregation (AME, blue collar) by putting together a joint VBS program.
3. Move Beyond Charity to Systemic Care
Moving the church beyond benevolence funds or holiday charity requires a deeper understanding of the barriers to upward mobility. These obstacles may include a lack of affordable childcare, predatory lending practices, and unequal access to education. By focusing on these root causes, the church can play a pivotal role in fostering long-term change in the community rather than merely providing temporary relief.
To effectively overcome a lack of economic mutuality, the church must engage with outside partners. Collaborating with local businesses, civic leaders, and community non-profits can help create jobs and establish financial literacy programs. These initiatives can pave sustainable paths out of poverty, empowering individuals and families to build a better future. Through these collective efforts, the church can contribute to a more equitable and thriving community.
4. Educate Yourself and Your Congregation
Understanding basic economic systems is essential for evaluating how policy decisions impact people. By developing economic literacy, individuals can prevent misinterpretations of the Bible and better diagnose the root causes of personal and systemic poverty. This foundational knowledge helps church members to engage thoughtfully with economic issues, fostering a more informed and compassionate community.
To move beyond the confines of Sunday sermons and truly bridge the Sunday-Monday gap, it is essential to provide practical resources that aid congregants in connecting your 30 min./week sermons to their 40-60 hr./week businesses, where so much of their spiritual development takes place. One of these tools is our book, Better Capitalism. Along with its small group study guides, Better Capitalism helps members delve deep into the connection between faith and finances. By equipping members with these types of tools, the church can play a vital role in contributing to the economic wellbeing of its congregants and community.
5. Foster Pastoral Resilience
Courageous faith leadership can bring resistance and contention. By connecting with other faith leaders who share a commitment to economic mutuality, pastors can find support and encouragement in their efforts. In addition to emotional backing, this network can also foster collaboration, enable resource sharing, and create accelerated change.
To further bolster their efforts, leaders should utilize the larger support networks available to them. Grants and other types of support are available through a number of denominations such as the the Catholic Church, the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Covenant Church, the ELCA, and the Episcopal Church, as well as non-profits such as The Gospel Coalition and the Multi-Faith Action Coalition. These resources can make it possible for leaders to focus on their mission of promoting economic mutuality and opportunities within their communities.
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