Do your congregants know that their tithes and offerings are handled responsibly? If trust slips, so do donations. Smart churches help assure their donors by conducting a financial audit once every year. Think of it as a “check up” to make sure the congregation is financially healthy. This ELCA guide can help. (Photo: 401(K) 2012, […]
When a congregation decides to close its doors, it doesn’t have to fade away. A United Methodist plan helps closing congregations enrich the continuing ministry of God by leaving a gift. The Church Legacy program is offering a graceful and a grace-full way for congregations to end their life. From Faith & Leadership. (Photo: Winston […]
If 2019 was not a good year financially for your church, you are not alone. Churches across the land are facing tough times. When church income takes a dip, it’s important to be asking the right questions in order to devise the right strategy. This article from Horizons Stewardship offers some great pointers to direct […]
You’ve probably heard talk about the importance of emotional resilience, but how about financial resilience? Managing one’s money faithfully is a profound act of stewardship. How can you help others in your faith community cultivate more resilience when it comes to money? This article offers suggestions. (Photo: Neil Cummings, Creative Commons)
It’s the season for joy and revelry for all of God’s people, but for the church accountants and treasurers it’s also the season to close out the church’s financial year. So much to do, but this handy checklist from freechurchaccounting.com can help make sure you get everything done, and done right. (Photo: Anssi Koskinen, Creative […]
As the year’s end approaches, many churches worry, “Will we end the year in the black?” Columnist Karl Vaters suggests doing this one simple thing that both expresses gratitude and lets congregants know what the church needs to avoid an unintentional short fall. It’s not too late to get thank you letters in the mail. […]
According to The Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, “A congregation without a budget is like a car without GPS – you can’t tell where you’ve been or where you are going.” In this article she provides information about joining zero-based and narrative budgeting to focus on mission and ministry while still allowing flexibility for changing circumstances. […]
“Jesus spoke more about money than he did about sex, heaven, and hell. Money is a big deal to Jesus. There must be something really dangerous about money,” writes John Piper from desiringgod.org. Jesus’ words provide not only a warning but a path for disciples to follow to true freedom. (Photo: Andrew Magill, Creative Commons)
Breaking the taboo about money talk can be fruitful for congregations, a new study shows. The more congregations talk about money, the more likely they are to see a corresponding increase in giving, according to the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices. (Photo: Bev8200, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Accountants and businesspeople love spreadsheets and line-item budgets, but regular folks in the pews have a hard time relating the numbers and categories to real-life . That’s why narrative budgets can be so helpful. They explain how the numbers connect to the lives and ministries of your church. The Center for Faith & Giving explains. […]
