unSeminary Podcast Summary

Episode: Teaching on Money Without Being Weird: 5 Churches Doing It Right

Host: Rich Birch
Date: October 7, 2025

Overview

This solo episode of the unSeminary Podcast, hosted by Rich Birch, tackles the sensitive but crucial topic of teaching about money in church without making it awkward or “weird.” Rich’s goal is to offer church leaders practical, proven ways to talk about generosity and financial discipleship by providing real-world examples from five diverse churches. The episode emphasizes the critical pastoral responsibility to address money—and provides actionable tools and memorable teaching methods to do so authentically, biblically, and helpfully for congregants.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Biblical and Cultural Imperative

• Money as a Discipleship Issue: Rich points out that the Bible contains over 2,300 verses about money, and Jesus talked frequently about wealth, stewardship, and possessions. (00:03–02:31)
• Culture Is Already Discipling Your People: With US household debt nearing $19 trillion, the culture (Visa, Amex, etc.) is powerfully shaping how church members think about and use money.

“If you are not talking about money, Amazon, Amex, and Apple are happy to talk about it.” — Rich Birch (03:13)

• Church Silence is Harmful: About 25% of churches do not address money at all from the pulpit—a missed opportunity for healthy discipleship.

2. Rich's Personal Journey

• Vulnerability and Authenticity: Rich shares a story from early in his marriage, facing financial hardship and contemplating skipping tithing, only for his wife to say: "Of course we’re going to tithe." This became foundational for their journey and his conviction on the importance of generosity. (00:18–01:28)
• Principle: Tell your own story—churches need leaders to be transparent and authentic about financial struggles and faith.

3. Five Churches Doing It Right

1. Crossroads Church (Cincinnati, OH)

• Strategies:
  • 90-Day Tithe Test: A “money-back guarantee” for new tithers, applying the “test me in this” invitation from Malachi 3.
  • The Blue Team: Members who commit to tithing get community, encouragement, and special content.
• Clip [05:49–09:04]:
  • Focus on “test me in this” from Malachi and framing tithing as the starting point for biblical generosity.
  • Powerful distinction between tithing (returning what is God’s) and offerings (true generosity from your 90%).

“I don’t want your money. I want you to have God. And you’re not going to get God’s best if you’re not giving him your first.” — Crossroads Pastor [05:49] “Tithing isn’t giving so much as it is returning...because it’s his. You can’t give what’s not yours.” — Crossroads Pastor [08:54]

2. Liquid Church (New Jersey)

• Strategies:
  • Annual 90-Day Tithe Challenge: Bold, recurring invitations with a guarantee, plus supportive videos, emails, and practical workshops.
  • Budget Classes & Coaching: Emphasis on practical support, not just teaching.
• Clip [10:11–13:57]:
  • Malachi’s call to “test me in this” as a promise of God’s abundance—not just obligation.
  • Framing tithing as an act of trust, not just giving.

“Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty—and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” — Liquid Church Pastor [10:11] “You’ll never live more generously than God.” — Liquid Church Pastor [13:37]

3. Pantano Christian Church (Tucson, AZ)

• Strategies:
  • $10 Per Week Challenge: Makes giving approachable—asking everyone to increase by $10/week regardless of current giving level.
  • Giving as Worship: Teaching that generosity is a form of worship, not just a financial transaction.
  • Support Resources: Budgeting, estate planning, etc., to help members take practical next steps.
• Clip [15:09–16:05]:
  • The cumulative power of small incremental giving, showing what could happen if everyone participated.

“If everybody...were to give an extra $10 a week, what would we be able to do? ...Not one of us has to give that gift, but if all of us give 10 bucks...” — Pantano Pastor [15:38]

4. Life.Church

• Strategies:
  • 'Making Change' Series: Teaching finances around four key slogans—memorable, simple, sticky.
    • Less is More
    • Stress is Bad
    • Giving is Good
    • Tomorrow Matters
  • Layered Discipleship: YouVersion devotionals, group studies, and Financial Peace courses reinforce messages.
  • Simplification: Focused, repetitive messaging; “put the cookies on the bottom shelf.”
• Clip [17:11–23:51]:
  • Highly memorable teaching on “Less is More”—using humor, personal stories, and a single verse (Ecclesiastes 4:6) to internalize the point.

“If I have one hand full...someone needs a hand up, what can I do? I can give them a hand up.” — Life.Church Pastor [20:48] “Better is one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and a chasing after the wind.” — Life.Church Pastor [18:20, repeated]

5. Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA)

• Strategies:
  • Resource Hubs & Workshops: Robust educational supports (workshops, financial freedom groups, series content).
  • Naming Financial Barriers: Recognizes emotional, practical, and spiritual challenges to generosity.
• Clip [24:44–31:21]:
  • Focuses on the parable of the talents and the servant’s stewardship.
  • Connects the dots between biblical teaching and the freedom that following God’s financial principles brings.
  • Emphasizes “stealth wealth”—wise management vs. flashy appearances.

“There is a part of you that wants to be more generous...but there’s something in your life that’s holding you back.” — Saddleback Pastor [25:25] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — Saddleback Pastor quoting John 8:32 [26:40]

Practical Tips: How to Teach About Money with Clarity & Zero Cringe

[31:21–End]

1. Lead with Purpose, Not Pressure: Show connection between finances and genuine freedom, margin, mission.
2. Name Cultural Liturgies: Make people aware of how debt, one-click shopping, etc., are “discipling” them.
3. Make the Ask Measurable: Use clear calls to action—the $10 challenge, the 90-Day Tithe Test, etc.
4. Pair Every Sermon With a Tool: Handouts, apps, coaching, and workshops provide practical support.
5. Use Memorable One-Liners: Short, sticky phrases (e.g., “less is more, stress is bad...”) make messages unforgettable.
6. Tell Stories—Yours Included: Authenticity about your own journey creates credibility and connection.

“There’s an elephant in your auditorium, and it’s that you’re not talking about resources...don’t be shocked when Wall Street disciples your people instead of...Jesus.” — Rich Birch [31:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Of course, we’re going to tithe.” — Christine Birch, changing the trajectory of their marriage and generosity. [00:20]
• “I want you to have God, not your money... Test me in this.” — Crossroads clip [05:49]
• “You can never outgive God.” — Liquid Church [13:37]
• “If all of us give 10 bucks...look at what God can do.” — Pantano [15:38]
• “Less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, tomorrow matters.” — Life.Church [17:25]
• “Stealth wealth”—wise, unseen stewardship over flashy spending. — Saddleback [27:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rich’s personal story: 00:18–01:28
• Crossroads 90-Day Tithe Test: 05:49–09:04
• Liquid Church Tithe Challenge: 10:11–13:57
• Pantano $10 Challenge: 15:09–16:05
• Life.Church 'Making Change' Series: 17:11–23:51
• Saddleback Uncommon Sense: 24:44–31:21
• Six practical tips: 31:21–End

Conclusion

This episode provides a toolbox of approaches for any pastor or church leader who wants to disciple congregants well in the area of money—without strangeness or guilt. By learning from five diverse churches and combining biblical conviction with practical, actionable steps, leaders can move their churches toward abundant generosity, freedom, and mission.

For full show notes and links to referenced resources, check the episode page.