Finance

Records of the gifts given to God’s glory and for God’s service have been a part of our tradition from the beginning. The seventh chapter of the book of Numbers records, by tribe, what was contributed for the dedication of the altar of the tabernacle. The total, we are told, included twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, and twelve golden dishes. The weight of each of these types of vessels is recorded, and there then follows an numeration of animals given for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings.

John Wesley admonished the early Methodists to “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” And he encouraged them to make wise use of the gifts entrusted to them by God. As a church treasurer, financial secretary, or member of the counting committee you are called to be a faithful and trusted steward —a person who helps your congregation care for, manage, and use the financial gifts contributed by the congregation for the service of God in your community and the world.

Committee Members and Basic Responsibilities
In The Book of Discipline (¶258.4)

The committee on finance is charged with all these activities:
• oversee stewardship,
• compile a budget annually,
• raise sufficient income to meet the budget,
• administer funds received by the church,
• count and deposit the offering,
• disburse funds,
• establish internal control policies,
• review and report annually on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls,
• provide for an annual audit of the church financial statements,
• report to the annual charge conference on the audit,
• recommend proper depositories for church funds,
• use contributions in accordance with donors’ intent,
• report annually to the church council all designated funds that are separate from the church budget.