{"id":2181,"date":"2015-02-03T08:00:44","date_gmt":"2015-02-03T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/?p=2181"},"modified":"2026-05-18T16:20:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:20:29","slug":"finances-christ-likeness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/finances-christ-likeness.htm","title":{"rendered":"Church Finances & Christlikeness"},"content":{"rendered":"
To get the greatest benefit from this practicum, make sure you have read related training on the site. Click below to read about Christ-Like Character:<\/em><\/div>\n
Church Leadership Basics: God’s Heart for the Church<\/a><\/center><\/div>\n

We’ve established that the church budget should . . .<\/p>\n

…\u00a0reflect God’s purposes for the Church<\/a>,
\n…\u00a0getting the Body involved in the process<\/a>,
\n…\u00a0with an eye on fulfilling the Great Commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Once the budget is completed and approved, we move into the next stage of functioning within that budget. This part becomes even more challenging. What do we do if giving is down and we don’t have the income to match expenses? What do we do with giving that goes beyond the budget? What do we do if we have unexpected needs not covered in the budget?<\/p>\n

We gain little if we establish a budget based on the above mentioned realities but forget all of it in the application of the church budget. We need to continue to move through the fiscal year with the same ministry mind-set. We need God’s heart for the church.<\/p>\n

\"Steer<\/a><\/p>\n

The Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide<\/strong><\/a> contains this content plus lists a few options about what churches might do if giving is over budget or if it is down or you have unexpected expenses with a question to ponder about each option. This resource contains additional content about the practical outworking of Christ-like character in budgeting and church finances, along with a look at 22 other leadership tasks or responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Christlikeness Needed in Dealing with Church Finances<\/h2>\n

Whatever you do, remember that the process matters. No matter what the issue is, make sure you do the following:<\/p>\n

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  1. Seek after God in prayer about what would be the best course based on His purpose for your church.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    1. Bring others into the process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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      1. Handle it with transparency and integrity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        1. Communicate with the Body about what is being done.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The principle in Romans 14:16 could apply —<\/p>\n

          Do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.<\/em><\/p>\n

          For More on These Topics:<\/p>\n