Church Financial Disclosure: Help!
 

Can someone give me information on church financial disclosure?

Does a church have to have business meetings or financial statements presented?

If not required by law, do UPCI affiliated churches fall under a minimum requirement to disclose financial activity to members of a church.

i know the UPC does. every year the financial statement has to be read. you have to call a business meeting 10 days prior to the meeting. must be announced SEVERAL times.

Actually, this issue is usually governed by church by-laws and the local charter. In some states it is a statutory requirement but certainly not in all.

I am not sure if affiliation has any specific requirement for disclosure that would supersede the local assembly's bylaws.

Bro Phil, I have heard different in that in all states a 501-c3 must have a yearly business mtg. by law.

Although I think there are probably quite a few old-school pastors that disregard these things.

Our UPC church is 501-c3 and we do NOT have an annual business meeting. We have a young pastor that has a Phd.

But if your UPC affiliated church has no bylaws then the church would have standard bylaws from the UPC. Am I correct on this?

I believe he must make it accessible to the board at least.

If it affliated it has to have bylaws and they have to be in accordance with the UPCI.

If the Pastor is not wanting to have a fincancial meeting or give a outline of how the money is used, then go to him alone (give him the benefit of the doubt) if you are not satisifed then take one elder along ( then if you questions are not answered) then go to the local presbyter.

That is the bible way (Matthew 18), don't use your questions to spread discontent and destroy that local body.

But if someone asks then they have to disclose how funds are used.

Assuming he has one...