Stewardship and compliance are words that mark our journey. Stewardship is rooted in scripture, recognizing we, as individuals, are not owners of our lives but rather are stewards or managers. Stewardship, quite simply, is recognizing that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God and being grateful and generous with those gifts. Compliance, more or less, is about abiding by a set of rules and stewardship is about doing the right thing. Ultimately, they are words about heart attitudes, obedience, and responsibility. Compliance isn’t a word that comes up when most people think of their local church, yet it has the potential to have an incredible impact on the future of many congregations.
“We are to be stewards of our moral and ethical life, our health, and our time and talent, as well as our treasure. We’re also to be stewards of our relationships—all of them: family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers. We are to do for others whatever God would do for them if He were in our place. We are in those relationships for His glory. Paul wrote that only one thing is required of stewards—faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2). God is pleased with faithful stewards (Matthew 25:14–30). Do you remember the campaign among Christian youth in the 1990s where they wore bracelets inscribed with WWJD? Those letters stood for ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ That is the central question the steward of God always asks. Regardless of the situation, a steward sets aside their own preferences and plans and says, ‘Lord, I’m here to do Your will. What would You have me do in this situation?’ – Dr. David Jeremiah, Stewardship is Not What You Think
The Apostle Paul was meticulous concerning the way in which monies were collected and distributed so that no allegations of impropriety would arise as depicted in 2 Corinthians 8:16-21. He wanted the whole process of administering believer’s gifts to “glorify the Lord.” As a result, great effort was made to assure donors that the monies given were used for the purposes for which it was contributed. Paul sought to maintain a good testimony not only before the church but also before all men.
“Unless someone is actively managing your financial resources, funds sorely needed for ministry could be going down a black hole. Because their strengths lie elsewhere, many ministry leaders feel that it saps their creativity to have to deal with financial matters. If that is the case in your ministry, get qualified help.” – Bill Cox, Seven Financial Stewardship Principles for Churches
Outsourcing church financial management to seasoned professionals demonstrates stewardship by ensuring every dollar is handled with integrity and precision:
- These experts navigate evolving legal and tax regulations, maximizing financial resources while maintaining compliance.
- This honors the congregation’s trust and acknowledges the sacred responsibility of managing God’s provision. For instance, a substantial donation for community outreach requires meticulous attention to comply with donor intentions and tax laws.
- Outsourcing financial management ensures experts oversee allocation, usage, and reporting, enhancing transparency and credibility.
- This approach aligns with biblical stewardship principles, emphasizing wise and ethical resource management.
- By delegating financial tasks, church leaders can focus on the mission, knowing financial dealings reflect honesty, transparency, and accountability
Strategic planning is a key aspect of responsible stewardship. If we follow God’s instructions, we can develop wisdom that provides us with thoughtful foresight and strategic thinking in stewardship. It’s important for us to set goals, make informed decisions, and consider the long-term consequences of our actions. Planning also extends to spiritual growth. God blesses us when we align our lives with God’s overarching plan, seeking His guidance and trusting in His providence for each of our individual journeys.
As your ministry continues to grow and impact lives, the importance of robust, reliable financial management cannot be overstated. Outsourcing your church’s bookkeeping and payroll tasks to professionals can significantly enhance your operational efficiency, compliance, and focus on your core mission. We understand the unique needs of church bookkeeping software and challenges faced nationwide. ACST is equipped to provide the constant support you need to navigate the complexities of church finances. Together, we can ensure that your financial management aligns with your vision and values, enabling you to serve your community more effectively.
John Gilman
As your ministry continues to impact lives and communities, robust financial management is essential. By enlisting the help of skilled professional bookkeepers, you can confidently navigate financial complexities and focus more fully on your mission for your own peace of mind and cost savings. If you’re ready to explore just how expert bookkeeping services can benefit your church, we invite you to schedule a consultative call with one of our specialists. Together, we can ensure your financial management aligns with your vision and values, enabling you to serve your community more effectively. Contact us today, and let us help you strengthen the foundation of your ministry.
