Talking about money has always been a sensitive issue. That includes in the church pews, even when it comes to stewardship.

How then to best broach the subject, and is it something to tackle as a standalone subject, or is it better to weave the message of giving and gifts into other sermons? Does the message change when the audience is mostly 40-year-old families versus older retirees?

“I firmly believe stewardship requires transparency and continuity,” said Rev. Jasiel Hernandez Garcia, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, Texas, northwest of San Antonio. “My particular style does not tackle this topic head-on but offers a clear understanding of our resources, ministries, and community needs.

“It usually involves other messages and includes tangible stories that are easy to digest. I spend most of my time trying to help others see why what we do matters and how they can be part of the larger story,” he said.

Simply put, let church members know what is needed and how it will be used to make the church and the community a better place. Then, remind them that everyone has a place, and that time and talents are equally valued.

Another point Rev. Garcia and others make about stewardship asks is that while it usually involves money or financial gifts, giving can take other forms.

“Most of our conversations are grounded in hope and not fear. I remind them that stewardship is more than sharing financial resources. It is a way of life that is grounded in God’s goodness. This way of life requires that we acknowledge our blessings, the beauty around us, and the suffering that many experience. The world is not perfect. Selfishness creates these unjust systems.

“I tell them the facts about our problems and how it takes a village to respond to those needs. Again, I believe in transparency and calling things for what they truly are. And lastly, I remind them that they are vital—whatever effort or commitment they can make matters to the church, to our community, and to the world,” Rev. Garcia said.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Sauer is pastor at Manitowoc Cooperative Ministry, an innovative partnership of the historic Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ congregations serving their community for more than 170 years. The city is located on Lake Michigan, south of Green Bay and north of Milwaukee.

“Our church members are realizing that if they can take on specific tasks in the church based on their interests and passion, then we don’t need as much in financial gifts,” Sauer said earlier this year. “We have a woman who vacuums the entry hallways before Bible study; this allows her to be useful and keeps the church looking beautiful. People who like gardening help with landscaping – and creating gardens instead of just grass.”

For sermons, Rev. Garcia also suggests understanding the audience. For him, that frequently means adjusting his message based on the general age of the congregation or group he is addressing.

“Every generation has a particular way of seeing and interpreting the world,” he said. “Folks aged 65 or older tend to be more generous to causes with an apparent effect and a lasting legacy within their communities. Those 40 and under are more concerned about making ends meet while acting generously in other ways.”

In that vein, one audience will embrace references to Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and movies from the ’60s; the other needs more current names such as Beyonce, Taylor Swift and whatever’s new on Tik-Tok. The key is making a connection.

When he talks to other church leaders about stewardship sermons and sharing the message, Rev. Garcia has one guiding point to keep people focused on moving forward with generosity: “I move away from scarcity and point them towards the good done within the last 12 months.”