Is the financial health of your church more about your efforts or God’s blessing? I know this is a difficult question, and many people would say that both are necessary. However, I have a bit of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complex when it comes to church finances. When asked, I always give the spiritual answer that God can do all things, yet if you observe my daily routine, it’s clear I work as if everything depends on me.
Do you know George Muller?
The story of George Muller challenges my type A mentality of always having to keep the ball moving. Muller was a dynamic figure in the 19th century who demonstrated God’s power, goodness, and faithfulness to his generation. He revolutionized orphan care and showcased the impact of faith-based ministry by establishing five large orphanages. In addition, he developed a global preaching ministry, supported missionaries, and raised significant funds—all through prayer alone, without soliciting donations or publicizing needs. (Read more about the life of George Muller here.)
Muller’s faith was remarkable. It was not uncommon for him and his staff to pray for their very literal daily bread, yet no one ever went hungry. Throughout Muller’s life, there were both struggles and times of abundance, but God consistently grew his faith, showing that He would provide for the work He calls His people to do.
Muller’s principles of faith were straightforward:
- Align yourself with the will of God by dedicating yourself to prayer and the study of His word.
- Ask God to provide what you need to fulfill His purpose.
- Trust solely in God for support, and do not attempt to accomplish this on your own.
What is the role of faith and prayer in church business?
Are you willing to walk into your next business meeting and declare that we should not discuss our financial needs but rather go home and pray. Perhaps there is a significant repair needed, a major renovation on the horizon, or you simply can’t make ends meet financially. If you’re like me, your first instinct may be to consider giving strategies and marketing campaigns rather than turning to private prayer.
No one can deny that we are reliant on the Lord’s provision within the ministry. Churches depend on the faithful tithes of their congregations to meet financial needs. Anyone with enough experience has likely felt the joy of receiving a surprise large donation at just the right moment, as well as the challenges that come during lean seasons. I trust that any devoted church incorporates strong elements of prayer and seeking the Lord in their ministry planning.
However, I am challenged by this thought: If we struggle to rely on God’s supernatural work through prayer for our church finances, how can we expect our congregation to trust Him with their own finances?
Reflect on these questions as you consider your views on church finances.
- Do I spend more time marketing my needs to donors, or do I ask God to work in the hearts of people to lead them to give?
- Am I neglecting meaningful time in prayer in order to get more “ministry work” done?
- Am I willing to endure difficult times or wait for years if it strengthens my faith and improves the testimony of my ministry?
- Am I willing to sacrifice personal luxuries if it allows for a greater glorification of God’s kingdom through my faith?
The modern church needs to remember and contextualize the witness of George Müller.
I recognize that I could not replicate what Müller achieved; he operated in a different era, without the expectations, regulations or legal concerns that 21st-century ministries face. However, we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss Müller’s straightforward approach.
While I believe he was a unique example for his time, I cannot discount the incredible ways God worked through him. His story challenges me to reconsider my tendency to rely too much on my own efforts. God honored Müller’s sacrificial lifestyle give Him a legacy far greater than anything he would have accomplished Theologically, I affirm I am aligned with Müller that God’s capabilities surpass my own, yet I often live as if the opposite is true.
As you strive to lead with wisdom and faith, consider the following actions:
- Recommit to spending relational time with God.
- Speak less about your needs and pray boldly for God to provide.
- Commit to a season of waiting and discernment before making significant financial decisions.
- Practice gratitude by regularly thanking God for His provision, even in lean times
Perhaps we can begin to rekindle Müller’s simple faith by seeking the Lord daily, living with purpose, and believing that God will provide for the work He has ordained. This doesn’t mean we abandon strategy or wise stewardship; rather, it means we start by surrendering our plans to God, allowing our faith to shape our efforts rather than the other way around. For me, this is the heart of that “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” tension—learning to hold my strategic planning loosely, trusting God to do what only He can, while being faithful in what He’s called me to do. It’s not about silencing my work ethic but about bringing it under the direction of God’s leading and timing.
