The 5 Money Questions Every Pastor Should Be Asking Right Now

Sometimes it’s not a new strategy you need.
It’s the right question.

Pastors carry a unique calling. One that blends faith, responsibility, and often financial complexity. Whether you’re full-time, bi-vocational, or juggling multiple roles, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day without pausing to ask the bigger questions.

Today, I want to give you five simple but powerful questions that can shift the way you think about money. You don’t need to answer them all in one sitting. But carve out space this week to reflect on them and let them shape your next steps.

1. Are my finances aligned with my calling right now?

This one cuts deep.

It’s easy to drift into financial patterns that don’t match your priorities. Maybe you’re overcommitted, under-saving, or stuck in survival mode. Maybe you’re pursuing security but not purpose.

Take a step back and ask:
Does the way I earn, spend, save, and give reflect what God has called me to?
Am I building a life that fuels ministry or one that constantly drains it?

2. Is my giving scheduled and intentional or reactive?

Most pastors are givers. That’s not the issue.
The issue is often consistency.

If your giving varies wildly from month to month or gets pushed aside when things get tight, it might be time to build a system. Scheduled generosity helps you prioritize kingdom impact, even when life gets busy.

Giving on purpose always beats giving on impulse.

3. Do I know my actual margin each month?

Not your income. Not your budget.
Your margin.

Margin is what’s left after everything else is paid. And for many pastors, it’s easy to confuse “we’re not overdrafting” with “we’re doing fine.”

Knowing your margin gives you clarity and a foundation to make wise decisions. You don’t have to guess. You can know.

4. What do I want to be true of my money 12 months from now?

Forget 10 years for a moment. What about one year?

Do you want to:
Pay off a credit card?
Have $5,000 in savings?
Give more consistently?
Take a vacation without debt?

Clarity creates motivation. Don’t just survive this year. Set a target that reflects who you want to become.

5. What would I do if a financial emergency hit today?

Not someday.
Not “if things get bad.”
Today.

Could you cover a car repair? An unexpected medical bill? A few months without a paycheck?

This isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation. Emergency funds aren’t unspiritual. They’re wise. And they help you stay focused on ministry when life takes a left turn.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need all the answers today. But the right questions can create the space for clarity to grow.

If even one of these questions hit home, don’t ignore it. Let it start a conversation with your spouse, your board, or your own journal.