Money Matters in Church: A Practical Guide for Leaders Paperback – July 1, 2007

Just finished Money Matters in Church by Aubrey Malphurs and Steve Stroope. I read it for two reasons, one, it was assigned in my lead pastor coaching network and, two, for help in an upcoming series at Revolution.It is by far the most helpful and thorough book on the topic of money, stewardship and the church I have come across. Malphurs is a professor, so he brings with him a host of knowledge on the theological end of the spectrum when it comes to this topic and Stroope is a pastor of a growing church that is able to help apply the concepts in easy ways for pastors and leaders to use.The book covers topics like what stewardship is, what the Bible has to say about money, how a church chooses a bank, good banking habits, creating a strategic budget, funding new facilities and ministries, paying staff members, how a church chooses what benefits to pay for, how to deal with debt and how to run a capital campaign from beginning to end.Like I said, thorough.They actually leave nothing out when it comes to this topic. What makes the book so helpful is that most pastors, unless they have a business background have very little clue on how to do this aspect of a church. Yet, it is incredibly important. Without money, a church will die very quickly. While most people don't want to hear that, it is reality and something that more leaders need to think about.For me, as a lead pastor I have the tension that as the leader of Revolution (along with the staff and elders) I am responsible to God and will be held accountable for how money is used at Revolution. I am held responsible for how we use the resources that God entrusts to us. These resources are not only valuable because of where they come from but also for what they will be used for. They can't be wasted. Too much is at stake.I think the parable is not only true for individuals but is also true for churches. God entrusts more to churches who can handle more. It is that simple. When it comes to people, resources, finances, if we will waste them, why would God give us more of them?This book was a great reminder of some things, as well as something I got a ton out of. I highlighted so much as we are thinking through some of the policies they talked about in the book. Definitely worth picking up and passing off to your financial team (which I've done).[...]

This provides a great overview of stewardship, giving, and financial management for all churches.

There is a lot of helpful material on church finances in this book for pastors, assistant pastors, deacons, treasurers, and other church leaders. It is divided into three parts: (1) "Creating a Culture of Giving"; (2) "Managing Your Kingdom Resources"; and (3) "Conducting a Capital Campaign." Some of the chapters within the three parts contain detailed, practical suggestions, including on developing donors and even building a relationship with a bank. Many recommendations are tied to Scriptural references. A few faults: some of the chapters (e.g., the one on taxes) are thrown in without a lot of substance; some of the chapters are wishy-washy on good practice (i.e., some churches do this, some do that, and you'll just have to decide); though the authors profess to have pastored small churches in their careers, the book is largely geared to large churches, or even "mega-churches" (e.g., some recommendations assume that many people will be available to assume particular roles, whereas in small-to-medium sized churches the people who could otherwise fulfill those roles are busy engaged in the church's other ministries); and parts of the book seem merely a build-up to Part 3 on capital campaigns (both authors provide consulting services to churches conducting capital campaigns). That said, the book is written and organized well, and leaders dealing with finances in churches will glean wisdom from it.

This book cuts to the chase! This will help you with the proper mindset for money in the church. Then help you prepare a simple budget. Most churches get too detailed on budgets that confused the congregation and really helps no one on the committee. Stay simple and clear. Also this book gives some great ideas on Capital Campaigns that are worth the price of the book. Get this book today... help you church be better financially tomorrow!

This was one of the most helpful books to help you work out how God wants you to structure the church finances for your church to achieve its vision & mission. It is not conclusive as you do need to adapt to your own situation, however at least it enables you to identify where the starting blocks so you are a least running the right race. Great job guys! Ps Kev