If I were to ask you, “When I say the word ‘wisdom’ which book in the Bible do you think of first?” you may be so inclined to answer, “Proverbs.” And, if it’s not your first answer, it is probably in the top three. You can imagine my surprise when I came across a quite informative and thorough account of Proverbs in relation to financial wisdom from Forbes financial advising contributor, Tim Maurer. Couple that article with this one from The Gospel Coalition about Seven Biblical Principles for Saving and Investing, and we can more readily dive into the importance of simplifying church finances through financial wisdom and savings.
“The Old and New Testaments contain many references to money. What we have in the gospels is the clear indication that money is a part of life. We are responsible for tending to the church’s needs for money to operate just as each of us needs money to operate our own households.”
–James B. Jordan, Financial Management for Episcopal Parishes
“Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.” -Proverbs 4:6
The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from God (James 1:5) in all aspects of our lives, including finances. By praying for discernment and consulting with wise counselors, we can make sound financial decisions that align with our faith and values. Developing a habit of seeking God’s wisdom in our financial choices fosters a spirit of humility and reliance on His guidance. There is considerable value in getting an outside perspective to bring clarity to situations when it may be difficult to think objectively. We need a good balance between proximity and perspective when gathering information. This is exercising wisdom.
It would be easy to think of saving as a purely selfish activity. That can indeed be the case—we need only read about the rich fool in Luke 12—but it doesn’t have to be. Saving honors God because it rightly values money as a gift that he has given to us. Instead of unplanned, impulsive, or foolish spending, wise saving demonstrates the importance of stewarding his gifts. Proper stewardship will put us in a better position to help (personally and churchwide) with important needs as they arise. We can even respond more quickly and hopefully in an even more significant way to be a blessing to others.
A seed is small. Harvest time varies according to the seed. But if tended to properly with wisdom and allowed to grow to maturity through savings, that little seed can produce a mighty harvest. That harvest has the ability to produce many more fields of crops down the road. Like you and your church, at ACST we align our decisions and actions with God’s ownership, creating a lifestyle marked by generosity and responsible management and we want to walk alongside you on this journey of stewarding your church finances.
Providing an excellent example to your church of financial responsibility will help them understand the importance of stewardship, as well. By following accounting principles and financial safeguards in your church, you will:
- Model responsibility
- Build trust
- Demonstrate humility and accountability
Outsourcing your church’s financial tasks to skilled experts yields significant savings by eliminating the need for full-time staff and reducing associated overhead costs. This strategic move minimizes the risk of costly financial errors, ensuring both financial and reputational stability. For example, as your church grows and faces increasing financial complexities, outsourcing specialized services becomes a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time accountants. By redirecting saved capital towards mission-critical activities like youth programs or community outreach initiatives, your ministry’s impact is amplified on the ground.
This approach not only exemplifies sound church accounting financial management but also reflects biblical principles of wisdom and stewardship. Scriptures advocate for prudent resource management, encouraging us to make the most of what we’re given. By outsourcing, you align with these values, prioritizing your church’s core mission activities over administrative overhead. With the savings achieved, your church can significantly enhance its mission-critical activities, deepening its impact in the community and embodying the essence of biblical stewardship.
If you’re ready to explore how outsourcing can benefit your church and free you to concentrate more on your ministry, we invite you to schedule a consultative call with one of our specialists. Together, we can ensure that your financial management aligns with your vision and values, enabling you to wisely 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.
