Church Government (a collective body)

[Scott Pitta]

As a retired church treasurer, I find this post interesting.

Financial controls make for a peaceful church. They nurture confidence in leadership. They minimize risk.

Full public financial disclosure in the form of an annual financial report that details how every dollar is spent protects the church from the chaos of fiscal blunders and corruption.

We had monthly board meetings where we reviewed the monthly budget. Every dollar that came in and went out was reviewed.

Church employees, including the pastor, were paid as employees. Wages and benefits were determined by the board. Church checks required 2 signatures. One of those persons was not the pastor.

Real estate sales or purchases were voted on by the members of the church. The voting membership roster was regularly updated.

If a large donation was made when I was a treasurer, we would have reduced debt and liked at the upcoming maintenance projects.

But it all depends on the wishes of the giver. Designated gifts are, frankly, a mixed blessing at best. Figuring out how to use gifts that are not really needed can be problematic.