Financial shame is an experience that is universal. We have all experienced it and had it. For numerous families, the less you talk about it the more you will have it.
What is the difference between guilt and shame? Guilt is the feeling, “I did something bad.” Shame is the feeling, “I myself am bad.” The reason financial shame is so important for us to address in COMPASS is because of how it impacts a pastor’s life and ministry.
- Credit card debt decisions
- Feelings of a lack of self-control
It is so important to understand the lies of the evil one. Speaking of him, Jesus states, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.“ (John 8:44)
We encourage every pastor and/or spouse involved in COMPASS to remember:
- You were made by God to be free! Your current situation does not define you.
- Every pastor has to start sometime onto this same road.
- There have been hundreds of pastors before you who have faced these same
- financial challenges and they have overcome.
If you are enrolled in COMPASS 2.0, a healthy relationship with your spouse is of utmost importance. We need to understand that emotions play a critical role in our financial decisions, actions, and reactions. Its also important to understand how pastors are uniquely affected by financial shame in our work of leading the church.
- If a pastor struggles with financial shame, they will usually not suggest a
- financial curriculum in small groups for helping members grow in their
- management skills
- If a pastor struggles with financial shame, they will tend not to teach or
- preach about stewardship
- This is a disservice to the congregation, they need all of the above
Financial shame can also impact a pastor’s marriage. This may include fighting or major disagreements about money, power struggles over money and it may cause one marriage partner to disengage while the other bears the emotional weight. We believe everybody has something to learn and has areas for on-going growth in our financial management understanding. We can achieve our goals by making simple changes in personal and family behavior. We want EVERY pastor to be encouraged. You can overcome any financial shame you may feel. God has a word for you…
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
In partnership with NBUSA and Districts, our commitment as a COMPASS Leadership Team is to serve you with excellence in everything we do, if there is any way we can do that better, please contact us.