Should Pastors Know Who Gives What in the Church?

A frequently asked and strong opinion question we frequently have directed our way

Should Pastors Know Who Gives What in the Church?

Few questions provoke as strong a response among church leaders as this one: Should the pastor know who gives what in the church? Opinions often fall on either side of the debate, and it’s no surprise—the topic intertwines personal convictions, pastoral responsibilities, and the messy realities of human nature. Yet, it’s an important conversation, and one worth engaging in deeply.

If you’re a pastor, you may have wondered where you stand on this issue. Who should know what people give? Your financial administrator or executive pastor almost certainly does, as someone has to process giving statements and manage records. But what about you, the senior pastor? Should you have access to this information? And if not, what are the reasons behind that decision?

The truth is, many pastors choose not to know. They ask, “Could this knowledge lead me to favor some people over others?” or “What if it affects how I interact with members of my congregation?” These are understandable concerns. No one wants to be seen as biased or unfair in their leadership. However, not knowing may also mean missing out on vital insights that can strengthen your ministry and support the spiritual growth of your people.

Let's explore these concerns, examine some common misconceptions, and consider why this touchy issue might be worth revisiting.

Is This a Biblical Issue?

First, we need to clarify an important point before going further. This question isn’t necessarily a biblical one. The Bible doesn’t explicitly say, “Pastors should know what people give” or “Pastors shouldn’t know.” Instead, this is largely a matter of personal preference or conscience. If you feel convicted not to know, that’s your decision, and it can be valid if it comes from a genuine posture of humility and trust in God.

But, could there be unintended consequences to pastors remaining intentionally uninformed? If the choice not to know is driven by fear of favoritism or a misinterpretation of Scripture, then it’s worth considering whether these fears are actually rooted in biblical truth—or if they could limit your ability to shepherd your church well.

Misinterpreting Scripture on Giving

When I speak with pastors who prefer not to know, they often point to specific Bible passages. "Doesn't Jesus say not to ‘let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’ when it comes to giving?" they ask. Yes, Matthew 6:3-4 is one of the most frequently cited verses in this conversation. At first glance, it can feel like a clear directive to keep giving private—even from church leadership. But is that really what Jesus is teaching here?

Context matters. These verses are part of a larger passage where Jesus critiques the Pharisees for performing acts of righteousness to gain public praise. He addresses their giving, prayer, and fasting, condemning behaviors that are self-serving and shallow. However, this critique is aimed at motives—it’s about showboating, not recordkeeping. It’s not guidance on who should know about giving within the church, especially when that knowledge is used to care for others in love.

Another verse pastors mention comes from James, warning against favoritism (James 2: 1-4). They fear that knowing giving patterns could lead them to treat wealthier members differently. But think about this: If you counsel members through their darkest struggles—sins, marriage challenges, addictions—do you allow that information to create bias in how you preach or serve? Of course not. Trusting your heart to stay aligned with God’s will in those cases means you can do the same here. Knowing who gives what doesn’t need to lead to preferential behavior; it can instead equip you to lead more compassionately and effectively.

Why Knowing Matters for Pastoral Leadership

Beyond theoretical concerns, the reality is this: Knowing who gives what in your church can be an invaluable tool for pastoral care, spiritual discipleship, and growth within your community. Let's walk through a few key reasons why.

1. Giving Reveals the Condition of the Heart

Jesus taught that money is a spiritual stronghold that reveals where our true priorities lie. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Giving patterns provide a window into a person’s spiritual life. A consistent, generous giver often demonstrates a surrendered heart, one growing in trust and faith. On the other hand, if someone’s giving is minimal or absent, it could indicate an area where they’re struggling to trust God.

For pastors committed to discipleship, this is critical information. Are there members of your congregation who need encouragement or teaching about stewardship because giving is falling short of God’s desires for their lives? Understanding the financial generosity (or lack thereof) of your members provides guidance on where to invest in their spiritual growth.

2. Identifying Spiritual Needs and Challenges

When giving patterns shift significantly—whether up or down—it often signals a deeper issue to explore. If a member who has given faithfully for years suddenly stops, it's likely not just about money. They might be facing a job loss, strained family relationships, or even doubts about their faith.

On the flipside, a sudden increase in giving might represent a “God moment”—perhaps they sold a business, received an unexpected blessing, or experienced a personal revival. These are open doors for ministry. By noticing these changes, you can follow up with these members, celebrate God’s work in their lives, or extend support during hard times.

3. Strengthening Pastoral Relationships

Leading a church involves knowing your people—not just their names or faces, but their stories. Giving records can become one piece of the larger picture, helping you understand how individuals in your flock are engaging (or struggling) with stewardship. These insights allow you to connect on a deeper level, offering guidance tailored to where they are in their faith journeys.

For example, if you see a young couple starting to give regularly for the first time, you can thank and encourage them. If a long-time giver pulls back on contributions, you’re empowered to reach out, not to lecture about money, but to ask how they’re doing. These moments build trust and show members that you’re paying attention—not to their money, but to them.

4. Celebrating God’s Work in Your Church

Giving isn’t just a routine transaction—it’s often a reflection of powerful stories. Imagine discovering that a family made a sacrificial gift because they were inspired by a sermon or because God moved in their life during an event at your church. When you’re aware of these moments, you can celebrate them, sharing these stories (with permission!) to inspire others. Knowledge creates opportunities—to give thanks, to build testimony, and to praise God together.

How to Handle the Information with Integrity

If you, as a pastor, choose to know who gives what, it’s essential to handle the information with discretion, humility, and integrity. This isn’t about creating division; it’s about knowing your people better so you can lead them well. Being overly cautious about favoritism might suggest that you don’t trust your own heart to remain fair—but when taken with care and prayer, this knowledge can equip you to pastor more effectively.

Keep in mind that confidentiality is non-negotiable. Never share giving information publicly or use it to manipulate decisions. Instead, use it as a tool for shepherding, helping to guide your flock toward obedience and generosity, always with a heart to honor God.

A Challenge to Pastors

When approached with the right posture, knowing who gives what can help you fulfill your calling as a shepherd of God’s people. It equips you to better disciple, care, and celebrate every member of your congregation while building a culture of generosity and faith.

Is it a challenging topic? Yes. But scripture doesn’t call us to shy away from tough issues—it calls us to lead well. Don’t avoid this conversation out of fear. Lean into it with the intent to love and serve your people better.

To explore this issue further, listen to my conversation with Frank Bealer on the Next Sunday podcast, available on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Together, we unpack this important topic and discuss how intentional generosity can transform your ministry.