What Do I Do If Someone Asks for Financial Assistance in My Life Group?
Every so often, Life Group members will share financial struggles or ask for prayer related to financial pressure.
When this happens, you as a leader can feel unsure about what your role should be.
Here’s a framework we've built out for you as it pertains to someone asking for financial assistance in your Life Group.
1. We offer spiritual care, not financial assistance.
Our role is to come alongside people with prayer, encouragement, and biblical hope. We do not step into the role of offering financial aid personally or asking other group members to do so.
2. We point people toward healthy next steps.
Even when a financial class isn’t currently available at Shepherd, leaders can still guide members toward trusted Christian budgeting tools, financial counseling resources, or stewardship principles.
3. We uphold boundaries for our leaders.
We never want Life Groups to become places where members feel obligated to meet financial needs or where leaders feel pressured to solve the problem themselves. Healthy boundaries protect everyone.
4. We support leaders when needs escalate.
If a situation feels serious or urgent, leaders should reach out to us. Whether it’s pastoral counseling, benevolence pathways, or external resources, we can help them navigate it without carrying the full weight alone.
These are great opportunities to reinforce what healthy shepherding looks like and to equip our leaders to care for people without becoming overextended.
Thank you all for the way you shepherd our shepherds. You’re doing incredible kingdom work.