In an article for Sermon Central, Bob Russell writes about what he has learned about stewardship sermons, including the best time of year to preach them: “The timing of a stewardship sermon dramatically affects how it is received. If people are reconsidering their spending priorities, they’re more likely to welcome biblical teaching on money. If they’re overwhelmed with charities, events and school expenses, for example, they’ll likely resent a church asking for more money, too.
“For 40 years, our church’s fiscal year ran from July 1 to June 30. We voted on the proposed budget and made pledges the third Sunday in May. That was when I preached the dreaded sermon on stewardship.
“Few people were interested in reviewing their financial commitments in May. We competed with the Kentucky Derby (which is huge in Louisville), Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekend. Other things demanded our people’s time, thoughts and commitment.
“January proved a much better month for us to consider stewardship. During January, people make New Year’s resolutions, they’re chastened by Christmas bills to be wiser money managers, and they feel little pressure from other church and community activities.
“Even though we moved our fiscal calendar to begin in January, we stopped asking for pledges toward the budget. We don’t want people to regard the sermons as fundraisers. We want them to consider their attitude toward possessions as a personal and spiritual matter, vital to their relationship with God. For us, the beginning of the year is the best time for that.” (Click here to read the full article.)