Money is often a sore subject for churches. We're often not sure how to talk about it in an honourable way, so we don't talk about it at all – and that's not honourable either, because it's so important. In some churches just keeping the roof on and the minister paid is a huge issue, and money is behind many of the problems the church faces week by week.
Some churches have to face the fact, reluctantly and sometimes traumatically, that there just isn't enough, either in the church's accounts or in their own pockets, for them to do everything they need. In those cases some hard decisions have to be taken. It can be very, very painful to see the end of a ministry or even the closure of a building.
In other cases the work of the church is hindered because the money is there – but it's still in the congregation's pockets. Challenging churchgoers about their support of the church that supports them is vital, and if it's done well and thoughtfully – and not too often – it can bring peace of mind to church leaders and increase the effectiveness of the church's witness.
But even an adequately resourced church can get money wrong, and there are three main ways it does so.
1. Not supporting the pastor well enough
No one goes into ministry to get rich, and many ministers are prepared to accept very low pay because they love the work and love the people, and know there's no more to be had. But a pastor's forebearance should never be an excuse for a congregation's meanness. The minimum is not good enough.
2. Not investing in young people
They are not the church of the future, they are the church of the present. And no, they don't contribute financially, or at least not very much. But investing in personnel, in equipment, in training and accommodation for them is a sign that they're welcomed and loved. It's a gesture that matters.
3. Not investing in mission
Money used for other causes – supporting a smaller congregation, or a mission organisation – is not wasted. It is just as much an expression of mission as money spent on our own doorsteps or for our own people. Our call is not just to our own locality but to the world. We can't all go, but we can fulfill that commandment by giving.
In the end, nothing we have is our own. God gives us our money, some of it for our needs, some of it for our enjoyment and some of it directly for Christ's mission. How we allocate it is our responsibility. But money given to God is only given back to him; and it's never given in vain.
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
