Private Professor
The Church Treasurer's Financial Stewardship Guide
Faithful Management of Congregational Finances: From Tithes to Tax Compliance
You said yes to serving your church as treasurer—probably because someone asked and you wanted to help. Now you're staring at fund balances, payroll software, and IRS forms wondering what you've gotten into. Here's the truth: church finances are genuinely more complex than personal finance, but they're entirely learnable. This guide will take you from 'I don't know what I don't know' to confident stewardship of your congregation's generosity.
Inside this guide
- Your Role and Responsibilities: What You've Actually Agreed To
- Tithes and Offerings: Recording, Privacy, and Contribution Statements
- Designated Funds: Building Funds, Missions, Benevolence, and Donor Intent
- Clergy and Staff Payroll: W-2, 1099, Housing Allowance, and Tax Peculiarities
- The Annual Budget Process: Planning, Committees, and Congregational Approval
- Financial Reporting: Transparency, Privacy, and Presenting to Your Congregation
- Audit Preparation and Internal Controls: Protecting the Church and Yourself
- Tax-Exempt Compliance: Maintaining 501(c)(3) Status Year-Round