Introduction/Background
The job of the committee on finance is to identify, perfect, and manage the finance system for the congregation. The finance system is the processes of raising, managing, and dispersing the finances so that the mission and vision of the congregation can be achieved (Guidelines, p. 6).
The Bible speaks frequently about money and wealth and emphasizes the importance of generous giving (see Proverbs 22:16; 2 Corinthians 8-9), wise investment (see Luke 16:10-13); debt management (see Proverbs 21:20; 22:7), prudent fiscal oversight (see Luke 12:13-21; Acts 4:32-35); and appropriate attitude (see 1 Timothy 6:10)....Whatever income and expense is generated by the church is ultimately for the work of ministry (Guidelines, p. 8).
A critical component of this ministry is recognition of the historic differences between Christian stewardship and funding ministry. Funding ministry, often called "fundraising," consists of the varied tasks associated with gathering funds to enable ministry to take place. Underlying and supporting these tasks, however, is the conceptual discipline of stewardship. In our tradition, we understand ourselves as stewards who respond to our giftedness. It is this balance between the "what" (fundraising) and the "why" (stewardship) that is the genius of Wesleyan financial leadership (Guidelines, p. 8).
-From Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2005-2008: Finance, (p. 6-8). Copyright © 2004 by Cokesbury. Used by permission.
Read more from the Book of Discipline
Main tasks of the committee
- Provides financial direction for the congregation and regularly reports to the church council and to individual members.
- Recommends an annual budget to support the mission and ministry of the church.
- Develops plans for the annual funding program to ensure that the financial needs of the church are met.
- Arranges for the annual audit of church financial records.
-Adapted from Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2005-2008: Finance, (p. 9-14) and Job Descriptions and Leadership Training for Leaders in Local Congregations, 2005-2008, "Chairperson for the Committee on Finance" (Discipleship Resources, 2004).
Organization and relationships
The Book of Discipline provides for the committee on finance to be made up of persons who, by virtue of other leadership responsibilities, link the committee to other areas of congregational life, as well as several persons who are nominated in recognition of their commitment to and witness of personal stewardship.
The Discipline calls for the following members of the committee:
- chairperson
- pastor(s)
- lay member of the annual conference (one)
- chairperson of the church council or board
- chairperson or representative of staff/pastor-parish relations committee
- representative of the trustees (selected by the trustees)
- chairperson of the ministry group on stewardship
- lay leader
- financial secretary
- treasurer
- church business administrator
- others as determined by the charge conference.
With the exception of the pastor, when paid employees serve on the committee on finance, such as financial secretary, treasurer, or business administrator, they serve without vote.
(Guidelines, p 8)
-From Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2005-2008: Finance. Copyright © 2004 by Cokesbury. Used by permission.
 The material above gives only a basic description the purpose and responsibilities of the Finance committee. The booklet, Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2005-2008: Finance, will provide practical and concrete suggestions and resources for helping you carry out these important ministry responsibilities. For example, you will find a planning overview that will help guide the work of the committee throughout the year. You will also find valuable information about how to plan the annual budget, how to conduct a stewardship campaign, how to communicate with the congregation regarding the church's financial health, how to track financial contributions and donations and how to encourage planned giving. The Guideline also provides helpful descriptions of the role of the financial secretary, the treasurer and the church business administrator. Click here to purchase this book
|
