Common Ways Financial Mismanagement Occurs in the Church

Rainer on Leadership

Money is a sensitive subject but ignore financial best practices at your peril. Many churches publish two sets of numbers weekly: worship attendance and giving. There it is, front and center—how many attended and the collective amount they gave. Despite the visibility, churches can struggle with the right amount of financial oversight.

What are some common ways financial mismanagement occurs in the church?

• • Major spending outside of the budget.
  • Using part of the budget for unintended purposes.
  • Hiding personal expenses.
  • Burying unnecessary expenses in vague line items.

How can you start to solve these problems?

• • Have a consistent process.
  • Multiple checks by multiple people.
  • Transparent reporting.
  • Leadership accountability.

Resources:

• Upward Sports

• California Baptist University

• Safe Church Training

• “Make My Church Safe: A Guide to the Best Practices to Protect Children and Secure Your Congregation from Harm” by Sam Rainer (affiliate link)

• Brown Church Development Group

• Church Growth Services: Get your free campaign capacity analysis!

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• Church Answers Central

• The Everything Church Resource Directory

• The Hope Initiative

• Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

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