Financial Coaching for Pastors: Why Planning Isn’t Selfish—It’s Stewardship

Download our free resource "5 Financial Mistakes Bay Area Pastors Make (And 5 Simple Solutions)" at PastorsFinancialToolkit.com/1

 

Welcome to the Pastor’s Financial Toolkit Podcast. In this inaugural episode, Scott Pearring shares the real financial struggles pastors face behind the scenes. Expect to learn why most pastors feel financially overwhelmed (and overlooked), how practical planning can unlock tax savings and long-term stability, and why taking care of your family isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship. You'll hear powerful real-life examples of pastors who moved from burnout to financial clarity, and how that transformation rippled out into healthier churches and stronger ministry.

• Scott shares what it was like growing up in a pastor’s family—he understands the spiritual burden and the financial pressure that comes with ministry. 
• Scott explains how many pastors believe, “If I serve God, He will provide.” Understand that while God’s provision is real, it often shows up in ways you might not recognize.
• How to uncover over $9,000 in tax savings—Scott shares Brian’s story to show what’s possible when you finally get the right financial help.
• Scott shares the story of a fictional Bay Area pastor called Brian, who wasn’t chasing fame, just trying to serve well and stay afloat financially. 
• Why most pastors miss out on key savings: Scott explains that no one ever walked Brian through how to optimize housing allowance, leverage IRA contributions, or donate appreciated stock through a donor-advised fund.
• Scott explains that when he met this pastor, he was worn out. Scott shares that the pastor once said, “I feel like I’m constantly choosing between serving my people and planning for my family.”
• Leading your people while silently falling behind on your own family’s future is a burden many pastors know too well.
• How to restructure your finances for long-term sustainability—Scott explains how they used the Pastor’s Financial Toolkit to increase tax-free income, keep staff rooted, and launch a generosity campaign.
• Scott shares how financial peace ripples out. Understand that when you get healthy financially, it changes how you minister and the health of your bank account.
• Why the church already helps with parenting and marriage—Scott explains it should also help with financial wisdom that sustains both pastors and their people.
• Why Scott created the Pastor’s Financial Toolkit: to help pastors thrive financially so they can lead with clarity, peace, and courage. 
• Scott shares something that shocks most pastors: the help is completely free. Why? Because kingdom-minded families are funding it to make sure pastors like you don’t have to keep doing this alone.
• Scott explains how the toolkit helps in three key areas: Coaching, Housing, and Giving. How to build a smarter retirement, retain your staff, and foster a culture of generosity in your church.
• Scott explains that most financial advisors don’t want to deal with pastors. Understand that your situation may be too “complicated” for them, but it’s not too complicated for us.
• Scott shares that many pastors feel guilty for thinking about financial planning. He explains why that thinking is flawed and how it could cost your family more than you realize.
• Scott urges you to see financial planning not as selfishness, but as stewardship. Understand that God wants you to lead from a place of abundance, not scarcity.
• Scott explains that stronger pastors build stronger churches, and that starts with getting your finances in order.
• Why Scott still believes the local church is God’s plan A, there is no plan B.
• How to get started today: visit pastorsfinancialtoolkit.com/one for a free guide on the five financial mistakes Bay Area pastors make and the five simple solutions to fix them.

Download our free resource "5 Financial Mistakes Bay Area Pastors Make (And 5 Simple Solutions)" at PastorsFinancialToolkit.com/1