Category Archives: Budgeting and Finances

So many problems arise in setting budgets when leaders pursue their “pet projects” or personal agendas at the expense of other important ministry efforts. Sometimes people disagree on raises in pastoral or church staff salaries (either too high or not enough). Some will compare what’s been allocated to their ministry with a higher total given to another area and get upset. At a time when giving may be down and funds aren’t available for all areas, heated debates can ensue about what gets cut and what doesn’t. We don’t have to let these issues damage relationships or bring division if we remember we have a help for working on church budgets, or shall we say, a Helper — the Holy Spirit. . . . Continue reading Help for Working on Church Budgets→

King David of the Old Testament set out to provide for the building of the temple. He and other leaders of the people gave generously. They brought the needed supplies, whereas today, to provide for church facilities or ministry efforts, we usually take financial offerings. In the context of this effort in 1 Chronicles 29:1-20 we read two references to the Name of the Lord which can serve as good reminders for us today in budgeting and church finances and expectations of people giving generously. . . . Continue reading Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord→

Too often praying about church finances comes only when we’re in need or crisis mode. Perhaps we’re experiencing a slump in giving or an unexpected capital expense has come along. We might struggle to pay basic salaries and expenses. What difference might it make if we consistently and persistently made prayer an integral part of everything to do with budgeting and church finances, not just when we sense a need? Continue reading Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?→

Once we’ve established that prayer should be an integral part of church finances, we need to determine our priorities in praying. What are we really seeking to accomplish through prayer? What do we really hope will happen as a result of praying?

Our priorities will grow out of a change in perspective that comes with seeking first His kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33). So, in this post we’ll look at that perspective and then in the next post we’ll reflect more on the priorities that grow out of that perspective. . . . Continue reading Perspective When Praying about Finances→

The perspective that comes when our top priority is to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33) changes other priorities when praying about finances. If we look at Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 leading up to the command to seek first His kingdom, we see some of these shifts in priorities. . . . Continue reading Priorities When Praying about Finances→

Some churches find themselves on the brink of financial collapse, very possibly meaning they’ll have to close their doors. Before caving into discouragement because of such a bleak outlook, step back and consider the power of our God who out of stones “can raise up children for Abraham” (Matt. 3:9) and who can bring very dry bones together, add tendons, flesh, and skin, and cause them to breath (Ezek. 37:1-14). When all hope is gone, remember God’s resurrection power. . . . Continue reading Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power→

Church finances can get complicated — establishing yearly budgets, paying bills and still doing ministry especially if giving is down, reallocating funds, abiding by non-profit regulations, fund-raising, and more. Organizing and running a capital campaign can be time consuming and overwhelming. Sometimes leadership needs help, a consultant. While our trust must always be first and foremost in the Lord (Ps. 143:10; Prov. 3:5-6; 9:10; James 1:5-6), we do have biblical grounds for . . . Continue reading Financial Consultants & the Church→

Since God uses spiritual gifts as a means of exercising His power in and through the Church, it stands to reason that we seek out people to help in all areas of church life who are appropriately gifted … including finances. We’ve already considered calling on those with the spiritual gifts of discernment, faith, and/or wisdom for financial consultation so we’re doing what makes spiritual sense, not just fiscal sense. What about the actual financial management . . . Continue reading Financial Management in the Church→

We’ve suggested the spiritual gifts of discernment, faith, and/or wisdom for financial consultation and the gifts of administration, helps, and/or service for financial management. What about the spiritual gift of giving? This gift has an obvious connection to church finances so we should make some observations leaders need to keep in mind. . . . Continue reading Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving→