By Pastor J. A. Adeyokunnu
FUND MANAGEMENT
The Bible says “money answers all things” (Ecclesiastes 10:19), and money is also a defence (Ecclesiastes 7:12) but the love of money is the root of all evil not money itself (1 Timothy 6:10). In fact, it is a common saying that money is the vehicle of the gospel. Hence there’s need to have money to run the church of God. Even though money is not all it takes to run a church, for example we need other resources such as human and spiritual gifts, the importance of money cannot be overemphasized.
Someone once said that anointing without money is annoyance. May God supply all we need to run His church successfully in Jesus’ name.
The following should be noted:
1. Money belongs to God (Haggai 2:8; Psalms 24:1).
2. There will always be the need for money.
3. The need for money is different from the love of money.
4. The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10) and not the need for money.
5. Any project that has no support of God should not be embarked on.
6. The church is authorized to make money not to make financial profit.
7. Offerings cannot be enough for church activities.
The church needs money for the following:
a. Acquisition of properties – rent, lease or outright purchase of land or house.
b. Purchase of equipment – electrical, musical, etc.
c. Church maintenance – repairs, welfare, etc.
d. Church activities – printing of tracts, crusade, Holy Ghost services, etc.
e. Utilizing investment opportunities.
WHAT IS MANAGEMENT?
Management is the skilful use of things or means.
WHAT IS ‘FUNDS’?
‘Funds’ simply means money. Money is a medium of exchange.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT – EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE CHURCH
1. Financial matters should be placed in the hands of specified officers (ushers, financial secretary, the church treasurer, accountant and administrator) other than the pastor.
2. All the sources of funds available to the church must be identified and properly exploited.
3. All incomes must be properly ascertained and correctly documented.
4. Ensure that documentation is done by a responsible officer (not by pastor) but the pastor can check from time to time.
5. Ascertain how much is available.
6. Ensure money is spent on projects or items that are wholly, reasonably, exclusive and necessary for the purpose of running the church satisfactorily.
7. Classify expenditures into long-term (Capital Expenditure) and short term (Recurrent expenditure).
8. Make provisions to source for funds where and when short supply of funds is expected.
9. Ensure you do not enter into debt you cannot pay.
10. Be careful of funds diversion or funds misappropriation.
11. Prepare a budget to show your expected income and proposed expenditures.
12. Check and monitor your budget from time to time to ensure compliance.
13. Where there is variance, ascertain the cause of the variance for the purpose of incorporating same in the next budget.
14. Ensure the necessary controls are put in place, e.g., the use of counting sheets, the distribution of keys to the tithe boxes, etc.
FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE
This is the ability to manage funds in the most effective way without necessarily compromising or violating accounting principles, concepts and ethics.
HOW TO MANAGE FUNDS INTELLIGENTLY
1. Minimize or eliminate wasteful spending e.g., demolition and reconstructions.
2. Avoid purchase of unnecessary liabilities as they are expensive and unproductive, invest more in assets that are productive.
3. Be a giver – give, sow and harvest bountifully.
4. Act promptly on financial matters, avoid delay.
When funds are not effectively managed in the church, it can lead to distrust, strife, petitions and eventually the collapse of the church.
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