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In Reply to: Re: ministers... posted by Mir on September 27, 2008 at 21:49:23:
I have been associated with 2 churches directly since I officially left TF in 2003. I was in one as lay leadership, before I graduated from Southeastern University, with a degree in church leadership and now in a position in pastoral leadersship. The budgets and finances are transparent and made available in yearly business meetings open to the entire congregation. I had a course in church business administration and this should be the rule of thumb in the administration of finances in churches. I can't deny that abuses occur, but from knowing numerous pastors and members of the clergy it is the exception rather than the rule. Churches generally have safeguards to prevent the abuse and misuse of church funds. For example pastors generally have a limit to how much money they can personally spend without approval from the church board. In many instances 2 signatures are required on checks that are written. Again I don't deny that finances are at times taken advantage of. It is a sad but true fact and it is the isolated cases that are heard more than the good that is done with finances concerning the mandate of the church. (I am doing my best not to interject religion in the conversation, but share my knowledege of the business side of the church, which is an important aspect.)The majority of churches aren't rolling in money and many struggle to keep up with expenses. Generally a small percentage of congregations give or volunteer. It is said that 20% give a 100% of the finances and 20% do 100% of the work. Unless there is food.
