In my more than two decades of serving nonprofit, religious, and educational organizations, I’ve observed a persistent and troubling trend: a general resistance to engaging with financial health. This disconnect often comes from a well-meaning but misguided belief that spiritual or social goals alone should drive these organizations, while money and finances are somehow “less holy” or even a distraction from their true mission. However, without financial health, even the most noble mission can falter—something the Bible emphasizes in its call for wise stewardship.
The Disconnect Between Purpose and Profit
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered many leaders—especially in religious organizations—who are unaware of their revenue streams or uninvolved in activities related to generating revenue. In developing our Ollila Enterprise Organizational Health Model (OEOHM-7000), one of the key metrics we assess is whether leaders understand how money flows into their organization and whether they are purposefully engaged in ensuring a steady stream of income. Surprisingly, I’ve received some negative comments for this.
Some leaders argue that their calling is purely spiritual and that financial considerations should be left to others. They take a hands-off approach, believing that money isn’t their area of expertise, so they pass the responsibility off to a vice president or a colleague. But here’s the problem: while delegating financial tasks can work if the right people and structure are in place, it always starts with the leader. As Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds,” leaders must know and manage their resources, or the organization will inevitably struggle.
Far too often, those tasked with overseeing finances hold a similar mindset, believing that financial matters shouldn’t be talked about as much or assuming they will take care of themselves. This leads to a perpetual lack of resources and a cycle where fundraising and revenue generation languish. The organization may continue to operate, but always with inadequate resources to fully accomplish its mission. It’s like trying to drive a car without fuel in the tank or, worse, without an engine at all.
Leaders who don’t take this seriously really shouldn’t be leading because they fundamentally lack an understanding of the relationship between mission and resources. They must ensure that proper financial structures are in place. As Proverbs 24:3-4 states, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Without wise leadership, which includes financial responsibility, even the most spiritually motivated mission will falter.
The False Dichotomy: Mission vs. Margin
This false separation between mission and margin is something I’ve seen repeatedly. One church leader once commented to me, “Why should we concern ourselves with money when our focus should be on saving souls?” While the sentiment is admirable, the logic is flawed. Even the most spiritually driven organizations need funds to operate, and by neglecting the financial side, they limit their ability to make an impact. As Luke 14:28 reminds us, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” Resources—whether human, material, or time—always have a financial component to them.
For example, whether it’s gas to travel, food to feed, paper to print, or venues to rent, financial resources are always part of the equation. Recently, I came across an article that highlighted a situation many of us in the nonprofit space are familiar with. A new director had joined a nonprofit organization and began implementing a more structured, business-like approach. She would often say, “No margin, no mission,” and this mentality was not well received. In fact, she was almost universally disliked for it. But here’s the thing: she wasn’t wrong.
The idea that an organization can’t sustain its mission without financial health is a reality we can’t ignore. While some may balk at bringing business practices into nonprofit or religious organizations, the truth is that managing and growing resources is essential. Nonprofit leaders often shy away from this reality, but the organizations that thrive are the ones that embrace it.
The Essential Role of Revenues in Mission Fulfillment
Many leaders mistakenly believe that money and mission are separate. They aren’t. Matthew 6:33 teaches, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” While spiritual priorities must always come first, financial resources are necessary to support and help fulfill those spiritual goals. Leaders—whether they are pastors, administrators, or heads of nonprofits—need to be intimately connected to their organization’s financial workings.
While their primary role might involve leading worship, providing pastoral care, or executing community outreach, top-level leaders must also be aware of and engaged with the financial health of their organizations. This can take the form of understanding where the donations come from, being involved in fundraising, or casting a clear vision that attracts grants or other sources of funding. A leader who ignores this aspect of their role ultimately puts the entire organization at risk.
Debunking the ‘Money is Evil’ Myth
Another challenge comes from a deeply ingrained belief among some religious leaders that money is inherently evil or that focusing on it is somehow at odds with spiritual goals. However, the Bible does not condemn money itself but warns about the love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil,” not money itself. The warning here is to not make money your god or idol. Don’t trust in money more than you trust in God. Money is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or for harm. Without it, no organization can sustain itself.
There are countless examples of well-meaning nonprofits that have collapsed because they neglected this truth. It’s not enough to have passion or vision; there must be a financial engine to drive the mission forward. Without it, even the most dedicated organization will falter. The early church understood this, as seen in Acts 4:32-35, where the believers shared their resources to support the mission. This shows us that financial management and generosity are key to advancing God’s work. Money should never become the mission itself, but it serves as a vital tool to carry out the greater purpose God has entrusted to the organization.
Lessons From the Business World
Recently, I came across an article that highlighted a situation many of us in the nonprofit space are familiar with. A new director had joined a nonprofit organization and began implementing a more structured, business-like approach. She would often say, “No margin, no mission,” and this mentality was not well received. In fact, she was almost universally disliked for it. But here’s the thing: without sustainable resources and profits, mission will come to a screeching halt.
The idea that an organization can’t sustain its mission without financial health is a reality we can’t ignore. While some may balk at bringing business practices into nonprofit or religious organizations, the truth is that managing and growing resources is essential. Nonprofit leaders often shy away from this reality, but the organizations that thrive are the ones that embrace it.
Leadership, Financial Acumen, and Sustainability
Ultimately, nonprofit and religious leaders must recognize that financial health is not a distraction from their mission—it’s a vital part of ensuring that mission can succeed over the long term. Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us in the Parable of the Talents that God expects us to be wise stewards of the resources He gives us. It is the leader’s responsibility to ensure that their organization’s resources are managed well so they can continue fulfilling their God-given mission.
Sustainability requires a healthy relationship with money and resources, and that means being aware of revenue streams, participating in fundraising efforts, and casting a vision that inspires financial support, to name a few. Nonprofit leaders cannot afford to neglect this aspect of leadership. In doing so, they not only endanger their own organization’s future, but they also risk failing the very people they seek to serve.
In today’s world, leaders must embrace the truth that purpose and profit are not enemies. Rather, they are partners in fulfilling an organization’s mission and making a lasting impact.
Are you ready to ensure your organization thrives by aligning mission with resources?
Our Ollila Enterprise Organizational Health Model (OEOHM-7000) is designed to help nonprofit and religious leaders build sustainable organizations that honor their mission while fostering a healthy relationship with finances. Whether you’re struggling with fundraising, resource management, or just want to ensure your organization is on the right track, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist your organization in achieving long-term impact.