TN98 An outline Church Financial Policy

These notes were first published on this website in December 2016 and last updated in August 2023

Synopsis

Here is a template for setting out policies on a wise and godly approach to financial issues in church. This consists of a wide range of topic headings for policies within nine categories:

• Key principles
• Teaching about giving and possessions
• Congregational giving
• Fees and trading income
• Staffing and other revenue expenditure
• Financial administration
• Accounts
• Capital projects
• Global mission

Each of these topics then has a listing of up to 11 areas to consider, each with a sentence of what might be covered.

For example, the areas listed for 'Capital projects' are Identified giving, Sponsorship and events, Seeking external giving, Lottery funding, Choice of contractors, Entering contracts, Partnerships with non-church organisations.

This coherent approach to this vital area of church life will be of value to all trustee bodies (including PCCs) but especially church leaders and financial team members.

I can find very little available in print on an overall set of policies on church finances so these notes attempt something new. Please get in touch if you wish to suggest improvements. I update all resources on a regular basis. These notes were updated in August 2023 with minor changes to the text.