
Financial Well‑Being
…deals with awareness of one’s ‘money story’ from their family of origin, as well as management of financial resources and debt, and self-advocating for fair compensation.
“Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name. ‘But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.’” (I Chronicles 29.12-14)
One thing that I can do right now:

Author Margaret Marcuson suggests “Make a list of five things you are thankful for daily. This practice will help you focus on what you have, not what you do not have.” For more spiritual practices from Marcuson connected to financial wellbeing, see below.
Spiritual practices for financial wellness:
- Find a way to connect your spiritual life with your personal financial life. Integrating your life in this way will help you lead more effectively around money.
- Read Scripture about money devotionally. Pick a passage such as Matthew 6:25 (“Do not worry about your life . . .”) and use a practice such as lectio divina (meditative reading of Scripture).
- Practice noticing your reactive responses around money (fear, wanting, envy). Don’t try to change them, simply notice. Over time (a long time) this practice can deeply affect you for the better.
- Pray for members of your (ministry setting) who are struggling financially. One effect of offering their names to God is to help you gain clarity about what you can and cannot do to help. It can also help you let go of any judgmental attitudes you may have. Pray for members of your (ministry setting) who have ample resources. This can help you let go of any judgmental attitudes you may have toward them. Pray for members of your (ministry setting) who have a different view of how to handle the congregation’s resources. This can help you let go of any judgmental attitudes you may have toward them, and will help you work more productively with them.
Excerpted from chapter 7, “Pray about the Money,” in Marcuson’s book Money and Your Ministry

A few books about financial wellness:
- Olson, Richard P, et al. A Guide to Ministry Self-Care: Negotiating Today's Challenges with Resilience and Grace. Lanham, Maryland, Rowman & Littlefield, 2018. Available on Amazon.
- Marcuson, Margaret J. Money and Your Ministry: Balance the Books While Keeping Your Balance. Portland, Oregon, Marcuson Leadership Circle, 2014. Available on Amazon.
- Hamilton, Adam. Enough Revised Edition: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity. Nashville, Tennessee, Abingdon Press, 2012. Available on Amazon.
A person I could talk to:

If your ministry context supports partnership with the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, an advisor can be an important part of your financial health. If you are not a member (or don't know if you are), fill out this form to learn more.
A Ministers Council resource available to me:
Finally, over the years the Ministers Council has gathered resources for financial (and vocational) health. Visit Best Practices for information on position descriptions, compensation, pastoral evaluations, retirement, pastoral relations committees, and much more.
Other denominational resources to explore:
The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board offers a host of financial wellbeing resources, including their flagship Strategic Pastor Excellence Program. Please click below for a list of resources available: MMBB Financial Education Programs
In addition, the Center for Continuous Learning, offered by ABHMS, has several courses that might be helpful, as well: