Stewardship - Guard the Good Deposit

In starting the Stewardship series of posts, I decided to start with the one I get the most questions about.  In today's economy it is critical that every church have specific funds set aside for ministry and facilities.  Being a good steward means showing discipline in how we use ministry funds to accomplish the work God has for us to do.  The body faithfully brings their tithes and offerings and trusts that the leadership of the church will use that money in the best way to further the kingdom.

Speaking to several young churches recently I have been asked the following question. "How much money should we be saving?"  This question has generally come after I have discussed setting up a building fund.  The answer to the question is not a set answer for every church.  Each group is different and every budget is unique.  My response is this for most churches.  "Save every dollar you can".  You can't be wrong to start by saving 10% and setting it aside as savings.  If you are saving money specifically for a building fund I encourage the church to set a consistent amount aside each month to show discipline in setting aside funds.  This will help when a lender sees that a church has consistently paid a lease or a mortgage plus put away a consistent amount for the future.  When your church plans to expand or relocate you will need to have 20 - 30% in cash to get a loan.

The funds that you set aside are often considered to be a "building fund".  This is the popular thing to discuss.  It is critical that your church leadership understand that not only do you need to have cash set aside for capital improvements or a purchase but the church must also have cash set aside for at least 6 months of reserves for the ministry to run.  Most lenders I talk to today want to see a reserve fund that will sustain a church during a downturn in the economy.  Many church plants and young churches are spending every dollar on ministry and are stretching to make ends meet.  As these churches grow, many seek to add staff to handle the growth.  There is great wisdom in keeping expenses low and setting aside money as early as you can to prepare to house the new growth.

This discussion can be a daunting one for many churches.  I encourage every church I work with to get a clear understanding of their financial picture.  If you need an advisor to meet with you and help you get a financial plan together, contact me and I will assist you in getting with the right person for your ministry.  It may be a CPA in your church or a CPA that serves churches everyday.  Either way, it is critical to your ministry that the finances are in order and that the ministry plan has a corresponding financial plan to meet the needs of the ministry.

    By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
                                                                                                  II Timothy 1:14

This verse above will apply to each post on stewardship in this series.  This is a strong word to those who are leading a church.  As a Pastor, there is a great responsibility given to guard the gifts given by the people and to best use what is brought to the storehouse to the Glory of God and to accomplish the mission that we have been given.  Seek wisdom and counsel so that each and every financial decision is missionally directed and ministry driven.

Stewardship

Over the next week or so I will be posting a series of posts on Stewardship.  In my discussions with Pastors we often focus on finances and raising funds to accomplish projects.  We will discuss, money but we will also discuss, how we use our time and gifts for His Glory.  These posts are for all of us, whether new to ministry or veterans.  We all should take inventory of how we are stewarding what God has given us.

Are you being a good steward of what God has given you today?  On the heels of an awesome Easter are you pushing to continue last weeks impact into your ministry today?

Stay Tuned!