Let's be real: talking about money can be awkward. It gets even more complicated when you bring faith into the conversation. For many students, the pressure to save for the future, keep up with friends, and honor God with their finances feels like an impossible juggling act. They're scrolling through TikTok seeing lavish lifestyles, feeling the weight of school and social pressures, and then they hear in church that money is a resource to serve others. How does it all fit together?
If you're a youth leader, you know these conversations are happening whether you lead them or not. Students are trying to figure out how to plan for college, buy a car, or even just afford a night out, all while navigating what their faith says about wealth and generosity. It's a lot to handle, and they're looking for guidance.
Why This Conversation Matters More Than Ever
Today's students are under a unique set of financial and mental pressures. They're the first generation to grow up entirely in the age of social media, where curated images of success create a constant sense of comparison. Culture often sends the message that happiness is tied to what you own or how others see you. This can create a significant disconnect for students trying to live out a faith that calls them to find joy in something deeper.
Many young people believe their problems will disappear once they have more money, a myth that quickly falls apart in reality. This mindset can lead to anxiety and a feeling of inadequacy, especially when financial goals seem out of reach. For students, this pressure is compounded by the rising concerns about mental health, often linked to the stress of school, social life, and family expectations. It's crucial for us, as leaders, to step in and offer a different perspective.
Redefining Wealth and Success
The first step in guiding students is to reframe what "wealth" truly means. The world shouts that success is about accumulation, but the Bible offers a different view. True, lasting joy isn't found in a bank account but in a life centered on Jesus.
Money is a Tool, Not the Goal
One of the biggest lies culture tells us is that money will solve all our problems. We need to help students see money for what it is: a resource. It's a tool that God has given us to manage, not to worship. Money is meant to honor God, to serve others, and to build the Kingdom, When students grasp this, their perspective shifts from "How much can I get?" to "How can I use what I have to make a difference?"
This doesn't mean financial planning is unspiritual. In fact, learning to budget, save, and invest are all acts of good stewardship. It's about putting money in its proper place, as a means to an end, not the ultimate goal.
Contentment vs. Comparison
Social media creates a highlight reel of everyone else's life, making contentment a real challenge. Students need to be equipped to fight the comparison game. Encourage them to find their identity and worth in Christ, not in what they have or what their friends are doing. Remind them that true happiness is found in a relationship with Jesus, a joy that isn't dependent on circumstances or possessions.
Practical Steps to Financial Faithfulness
Theory is great, but students need practical steps they can apply to their everyday lives. Here's a simple, three-part framework you can use to guide them: Give, Save, Live.
1. Give First
Generosity is a core principle of the Christian faith. Teaching students to give a portion of their income away—whether to the church, a charity, or someone in need—is the first and most important financial habit to build. It breaks the grip of materialism and reminds them that everything they have ultimately comes from God.
- Start Small: If a student has a part-time job, encourage them to start by giving a small, consistent percentage. It’s not about the amount; it’s about the heart and the habit.
- Tell Stories: Share stories of how generosity has impacted your life or the lives of others. Make it real and relatable.
2. Save Second
After giving, the next priority is saving. This is where faith and responsible planning intersect. Saving isn’t about hoarding wealth out of fear; it’s about wisely preparing for the future God has for them.
- Set Clear Goals: Help students identify what they’re saving for. Is it a car? College? A mission trip? Having a specific goal makes saving much easier and more motivating.
- Automate It: Introduce them to the idea of automatic transfers. Even setting aside $10 from each paycheck into a separate savings account can build a powerful habit over time.
3. Live on the Rest
Once students have given and saved, they can use the rest of their money for their living expenses. This is where budgeting comes in. A budget isn't a restriction; it's a plan that gives them the freedom to spend without guilt or worry.
- Introduce Simple Budgeting Tools: There are tons of free apps and simple spreadsheet templates available. The goal is just to help them see where their money is going.
- Differentiate Needs from Wants: Have an honest conversation about needs versus wants. This helps them make conscious spending decisions that align with their goals.
Starting the Conversation
Bringing up the topic of money doesn't have to be intimidating. Here are a few ideas to get the conversation started in your youth ministry:
- Host a "Real Talk" Night: Dedicate a service to discussing topics like money, happiness, and mental health. Use the insights from the "Real Talk 2025" document to guide the discussion.
- Bring in a Guest Speaker: Invite someone from your church who works in finance to share their testimony and offer practical advice from a faith-based perspective.
- Use Small Groups: Break students into small groups to discuss their financial questions and challenges in a more personal setting. A curriculum that integrates these topics naturally, like Reframe, can provide a great structure for these conversations.
A Gospel-Centered Approach to Finances
Ultimately, our goal isn't just to teach students how to budget. It's to show them how the gospel transforms every area of their lives, including their wallets. By reframing wealth, fighting comparison, and building habits of generosity and stewardship, we can help them develop a healthy, faith-filled relationship with money.
This journey is about more than just financial literacy; it's about discipleship. When we guide students to honor God with their finances, we are helping them build a foundation of faithfulness that will last a lifetime.