Donald Distelberg

In my experience working with churches on capital campaigns it seems no one likes to have debt at not-for-profit ministries. This is especially true in churches. The best response is to put debt into context. If it is possible to combine some capital or program expansion with debt reduction it often makes giving to debt mor palitable. The focus should not be on the debt itself but what will be possible to do as a result of reducing the debt. Will you be able to increase programming? You must cast a vision for the future. That is what people respond to. Also you need to focus more on biblical stewardship than on debt.    

I don't think churches have done a good job at teaching stewardship because at least in the past pastors were not taught how. Too often church finances are left to deacons who are also untrained in this area. Deacons who ask a Pastor to preach a sermon on giving because the church is short of money are going about things the wrong way. So its trying to encourage giving by pointing out how short of the budget the church is. While budgets are needed, they do not promote an understanding of stewardship. The worst thing to do is to try to make people feel guilty. Done right good stewardship training can make a great difference in a church and kingdom finances. There are lots of resources available.