What are appropriate budget percentages for our church? This is a common question that arises every time a church budget is created. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. What one church spends on personnel costs shouldn’t dictate what another church can spend...
Church Budgeting and Finances
Are Credit Card Statements Adequate Documentation?
Q: Some of our staff use personal credit cards to make approved purchases for the church. When reimbursing the employee for the purchase, is the credit card statement adequate support? A: Credit cards are certainly a convenient way to make business...
Are your Financial Statements Contributing to Poor Decisions?
Whether your leadership position is senior pastor, board member, or department leader, one common task you all share is the need to effectively manage and oversee financial resources. While the depth of interaction with financial statements may differ between ministry...
Budgeting Beyond the Basics
Whatever size church you lead, you can manage your finances effectively without sacrificing your mission. And managing your budget is one of the keys to balancing finances and mission. When it comes to church finances, people are usually concerned about the same...
Designated Giving – Properly Handling Restricted Funds
Churches receive charitable contributions every week. For the most part, donors make contributions to the church without designating how the funds should be spent. However, sometimes donors place stipulations or restrictions on their donations. These designated funds...
Creating a Fool-Proof Church Offering Counting Program
Churches rely on financial stewardship to support ministry, outreach, and operations. A well-organized counting program ensures offerings are handled with transparency and care. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing process, this guide will walk...
Financial Controls Self Assessment
Every day, church leaders face decisions that affect the health of their church. When these decisions relate to financial operations, these choices can have lasting impact. Making the right choices, adopting proper procedures and implementing adequate financial...
In the Trenches with the Church Treasurer
An Interview with Richard Hahn The role of church treasurer is a multifaceted endeavor. Whether your title is bookkeeper, treasurer, accountant, administrative assistant, or secretary, if you are responsible for counting, reporting, or managing church finances, you...
Planning vs Budgeting
When it comes to the matter of a church budget there may be some that say “Who needs a budget? The Lord will provide our needs. Budgets just put restrictions on the work of the Holy Spirit.” To those people, budgets are often viewed as negative and unnecessary....








