It’s a difficult question.
Indeed it is such a difficult question that I will not attempt to give a concrete answer. I will let you know what I’ve done in the past, but that’s it.
It’s really a difficult question. Who should be able to see what each person gives to the church? Let’s look at six perspectives.
- The lead pastor and one layperson. This perspective argues that financial stewardship is a spiritual discipline, and the pastor should have access to individual giving to be able to see how the members are doing in this regard. The layperson, of course, is the person who actually keeps the records.
- One layperson who guides the pastor. The layperson again is the member keeping financial records. He or she is the only one who has access to giving records. But that person is able to share information with the pastor or other leaders as needed. For example, the financial secretary can inform the pastor or elders about potential future elders according to their giving patterns. I took this approach as a pastor. I did not have access to individual giving patterns, but our financial secretary would let me and other leaders know if a person should be eligible for a leadership role according to their stewardship in the church.
- One layperson only. In this example, only the financial secretary (or equivalent) has access to individual giving records. He or she does not provide any input that would reflect this information.
- A key group in the church. In some churches, this group is the elders. In some other churches, it is the nominating committee.
- A staff person other than the pastor and a layperson. The pastor is specifically precluded from individual giving visibility. Instead, another staff person, such as an associate or executive pastor, has access to the records along with the financial secretary.
- No church members. No church member can see the records. Instead, a non-member is recruited or hired to keep the records, but that person does not share the information with any church members.
There are certainly different options and different variations of these options. I can see some rationale in each of them. These are really difficult questions.
What is your church’s practice? What do you think of these six options? What do you think is the ideal option?
Posted on April 13, 2016
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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159 Comments
As pastor, I was counseled not to know how much anyone gives. Praying on that councel, I was impressed that I need to know if there is a significant change in one’s giving regardless of whether it increased or decreased. So, I always asked the tellers to let me know if there is a significant change…though not what the change is or details of the change. This represents a major change in the life and home and I want to be sure we are available during those times in a members’ lives as we would if there was a change in attendance, leadership, etc. As a missionary this is my councel to pastors today.
Thanks, JW.
It always amazes me how people trust their Pastor to guide them to salvation, to living a godly earthly life, & ultimately to eternal life in heaven but don’t trust them with their giving information…
Do you think that people have a reasonable fear of being treated differently based on their donation size?
I have never had that fear. If I did, why would I trust that Pastor to lead me to heaven. I would find another Pastor
K. No matter how mature a Pastor may be we are all subject to our fallen nature. The Pastor has enough to deal with without accusation of favoritism based on giving records.
See above reply. People can accuse someone of anything. I don’t think a Pastor should live in fear ????
You are dead on! Thank you!
I’ve got a #7 for you: We publish annually all the giving for every member, except those who opt out, their names are blank in the report.
Everyone gets to see what almost everyone gives. I’ve been trying to change this for years, but to no avail.
Never heard of this. Amazing.
Wow and this works ? I can’t even imagine such a mature congregation.
That reminded me of a guest visiting our church who kept looking over my shoulder into our fellowship hall. She asked what the boards were on the far end and I explained that our AWANA teams kept score every meeting and a team “won” for verses learned, game time, etc. She was visibly relieved and said she thought it was where we posted our giving and she was leaving a church that had done that.
Wow.
>: We publish annually all the giving for every member,
That sounds like one of those churches that require a copy of one’s 1040 every year. (For those outside the United States, 1040 is the set of tax forms that individuals have to fill out every year, to determine how much tax they owe.)
From above….”We publish annually all the giving for every member,..”.
I am a lay person. Maybe that is why I have never heard of such a thing. Who would attend a church that had that requirement?? Is there any particular denomination that does this?
I want to make sure I do not go to this place.
I’m pretty sure that only one non-member financial secretary can see all of that at the church I work at.
Another number six.
I only look at individual giving records when some one is being considered for leadership and I review leadership giving twice a year. This way I know that leadership is following what is expected.
I’m glad to hear that another pastor has the sense to hold someone accountable for their consistent financial investment when being considered for leadership. I’m amazed at others on here consider it “buying a position”. How are you going to be a leader in a church when you’re not even contributing financially?
Well said. Agree completely.
Our church fits number 2. I don’t want to see the records for a few reasons, first, I don’t want to be tempted to rely on anyone who might be a big tither and put my faith in their giving. Second, I don’t want someone trying to impress the pastor with their giving if they know I have access. Lastly, no one can accuse me of favoritism based on my knowledge of giving, they have to find other excuses for that charge.
Adding to it, in this church the previous pastor demanded access to the giving records and that (along with some other dictatorial powers he wanted) led to his dismissal. The people here remember that well so any attempt by me to gain access would go over like a lead balloon.
Wise choice, John.
We have an accounting firm outside our membership who see all giving and simply report amounts given. No one on staff or in membership sees who gives or what amount they give, including the pastor. We defer to 2 Corinthians 9:6 f on this matter. We do have stewardship training and messages and keep the congregation abreast on our financial situation. We’re a very small church plant but see the Lord working in us. Could it improve? Yes, but we think by biblical discipleship and stewardship encouragement.
You are a clear example of number 6.
As the Pastor, I and the financial recording secretary have authority to view individual giving records but I choose not to exercise that authority as a general rule. I have both received recommendations to make unrealistic accommodations to individuals because of their giving and I’ve been accused of doing so. I have always guarded myself from such behavior and one proof of that is I choose not to view the records. Only on the rare occasion when making an informed decision requires me to view an individual record do I do so — and that has happened only a couple of times in my career.
Thank you, Dave.
Years ago, my wife and I chose to give only cash for our tithe and offerings. However, if someone pulled up our giving records, they possibly might think that we didn’t give. I only mention this because of the comment about looking at records to see if someone is a potential future elder.
To me giving is between me and God. We give differently, we do transfers (of which only the reference appears, which is “Tithe”) or at times we just put the cash in an envelope without writing our names. Our church is against writing names when giving on envelopes or via any payment method. Anything over and above our tithe we usually give cash, so I agree with Lance King that looking at church records as one of the prerequisites for a leader doesn’t sound ok.
My husband and I made the same choice – to only either give cash or give in our business’s name. We were elders in the church, and we gave a lot more than 10% of both money and time. It is biblical to keep donations anonymous and to not give as to show off wealth. Our pastor was not one to look at the records, but entrusted that to the church accountant, who was bound by confidentiality and audited by the governing staff member and the organizational covering of the church. The pastor saw full income and expenditures, but not individual giving records. I had great respect for him.
Our pastor stepped down to pursue a more targeted ministry of the poor and addicted people in another state, and the outside pastor who was hired had a very different approach to the offerings. Without warning, he announced from the pulpit that he would be watching giving records, that he only listened to church members after he pulled up their records and made a note of how much they gave to the church, and then publicly shamed us for not being givers (my husband was an associate pastor – I was music director. There was an audible gasp in the congregation (this was the new pastors’ second week), and the accountant who knew us and knew our giving history extensively pulled the pastor aside after church and set him straight. He apologized profusely to us…in private…he refused to in public, but the damage was done, and we could not follow a pastor who allowed people’s money to guide how he handled the church.
It came out that this pastor had been kicked out from his last church (which also had about 1000 people in it) because he mishandled the money, investing in what turned out to be an investment scam.
Long story short, he ran a successful cash-rich 13-year old church into the ground within 3 years before bailing out on it to take another pastoral position elsewhere…which paid better. He destroyed many lives and a lot of people’s faith in the church. We have never gotten involved in another church again. We’ve tried, and one church we were interested in had in its bylaws that they check a 6-month giving record against a tax return to make sure that tithing was upheld in order to be a member. Never again.
You pastors are running people out of your church by making giving any type of compulsion or obligation. Tithing is not a law in the new testament, nor should the pastor by directed by individuals who give. Do you think that a pastor could do what’s right if the largest giver on record in the church fell into sin? That makes money the pastor’s master rather than God. You can’t serve both.
A pastor is a good steward of his church by teaching giving and letting the church know of the needs it takes to running the church as well as projects like building funds or advertising. Our former pastor was outstanding by reading the income/expenses of the church and publishing them in written form for all members to see. Do you think any church member, upon seeing that it’s coming up short any given month, wouldn’t dig deeper in order to support the church they loved??
My husband and I had to disclose our business giving because of the law. Our personal giving was between us and God, and I was friends with the accountant who knew the church finances so well, she knew exactly how much we gave anonymously from our personal funds, as well as when we anonymously gave cash for building funds. When we left, the new pastor saw the drop in church giving and tried to get us back again. No way. That was terrifying, and we weren’t the only ones who left after what the pastor did to us, we found out later. Out of respect for our former pastor, we did not cause any strife or stir up anything when we left. We went very quietly after the end of the service in question.
Churches are hemorrhaging members. The young aren’t joining. Stuff like this is a huge reason why.
Julie,
You may never see this, as it is a response long after you wrote your reply. As a pastor, I am hurt that other pastors have hurt you and your family. Please do not allow the craziness of people distract you from the awesomeness of God and please do not stay away from church. There are many great ones out there- and many great pastors too.
If I allowed those crazy, mean, malicious vipers inside the church keep me from my calling as a pastor, I would be disobedient…so it is for the church member. We must stay the course.
At our church only the members tasked with recording and reporting contributions see this information. We do not share it with the staff and elders. As a long-time member of the elder council, I think this is the best policy. Personally, if I knew the pastor was going to look at my giving records, I might start giving anonymously. Matthew 6 and 2 Corinthians 9 both speak about the personal aspects of giving.
Thank you, Mark.
I think the person or persons who view the Giving records should be the Secretary or an elected deacon.
However I do believe the amount of giving should be made available weekly (you do not have to list those who gave, only the total amount give. In addition the congregation should be informed weekly as to the Liabilities and weekly expenses. No secrets,.
Bob, I believe the same way you do, but I am finding more churches today, with holding all the financial information from the people in the church. I don’t think God is happy about this and the sad part is that the pastor is going to be held accountable for how the church is ran. God sees everything.
I think very few should have access. I am not in favor of the pastor having access to the actual amounts. It already seems that the largest donors get the most pastoral care and have the most influence and I would not want that to be reinforced even more.
I disagree with “the financial secretary can inform the pastor or elders about potential future elders according to their giving patterns.” This makes it look like elder positions are bought.
Thanks for the input, Mark.
Totally agree!
I have a hard time with the idea that an individual could be an elder and not be financially contributing to the church they are leading. Not only would this be terribly hypocritical (for them to call others to do something they are not doing) it would also cause me to question their commitment to the church. So I guess my question is, if there isn’t a means to identify if a potential elder candidate is financially contributing, how do you guard against such a scenario?
There is a difference in knowing that the candidate donates decently (range, above average, etc.) and knowing The dollar amount. I just don’t want the donation size to make person better than another.
Mark I agree with you, with the exception of putting people in positions and they are not faithful tithers. It doesn’t matter what they give because that is between them and God. But in order to hold a position in the church you are supposed to obey Gods laws. The Bible clearly states that we owe God one tenth of our income. If we can’t obey Gods law then we shouldn’t be in authority in a church position. Again, that one tenth is between the person and God, but everyone has an income of some sort, even if it’s only one dollar a week. Churches are making so many mistakes by putting ungodly people in positions over others. It’s not about the money, it’s about what a God says.
Thom, for years I did *not* know individual giving records, and I see that as a mistake. It’s a matter of good stewardship and of pastoral care–though it does call for maturity on the part of the pastor. I think the pastor and at least one layperson should have access to this information–and should review it at least weekly to identify new givers, quarterly to identify changes in giving patterns.
Thanks, Lawrence.
#5 or 6 would be acceptable. The pastor should definitely NOT have access to this information!
In regards to only a non-church member looking at the giving, how do you know they’re not ripping off the church? Why is it that church members would sooner trust a stranger, with no investment in the church, who may or may not be a Believer more than they trust their pastor? Those who say the pastor should absolutely never see giving must have a pretty low opinion either of their pastor or of their own giving.
AMEN if you have to check the tithe to see if a person is walking with the Lord instead of asking God yourself thats that kind of people I want to avoid! Its All Gods Anyway! John
Mr. Rainer, thank you for your thoughts. I did not read any other comments and prayed if I should reply. Cards out on the table.
My dad was preacher and we were taught to tithe- he never looked at records. I am a firm believer in tithing and do so faithfully. He was not financially weathly, but a faithful tither. His wealth was a wonderful wife and 6 children who love the Lord and continue to do so today. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and now 4 great- grandchildren that he will meet in heaven.
I learned early that money is important but not the gage used to measure people in life.
I do not feel the Pastor or layman should see records. The financial staff person and assistants would be necessary, and a special group, I guess., to share figures with pastor.
My main point is to be sure that whoever sees these records do not become a judge without knowing the temporary circumstances.
There was a time, after a Biblical divorce, 14 years ago, after a 20 year marriage, I lost everything. I could not by food and essentials for sometime without help.
When a spouse is left with nothing and and no financial support for 2 teenagers and college, friends were putting food at my front door, I do believe the Lord understands that very immobilizing time. I was finally rescued by God himself. No doubt.
My counselor told me that God does not allow one of His creations to destroy another. I literally could not walk the day it ended.
God orchestrated the departure Himself.
Divorce has an unbearable stigma as it is, so being judged by a tithing record would be devastating.
Be very careful about judging for this hits every family. I don’t know any family that will be immune from this. I pray so but still be very careful.
I will not devulge the issue but is very prevelant today. Sad part is that a few people knew about issue but never told me prior to marriage.
I am not same person and Jesus became my husband and never left me. He remains my husband as He was and is to Israel- astounding experience. It was almost unbearable struggle but praise God, He stays on the Throne. While I am on this, churches need to be very sensitive to partucular situations like this as they are widows. I have seen the judgement loud and clear.
Please take this as very positive thoughts for I pray it helps pastors and churches open rheir eyes to the ladies and probably some men. I have a private ministry as The Lord brings ladies across my path.
If I had not been given a strong Christian foundation, I would not be here today. Instead of saying “why me?” I now say “what next?” I have a testimony to share when the Lord says it is time.
The struggle remains but my faith still holds!!!!!
Rom. 8:28
Thank you.
Brenda, Thank you for sharing this extremely important and sensitive issue. You are a remarkable woman. I am sure that many women (and men) are drawing strength from the outpouring of your love and faith. We Christians, who are taught not to judge, often fail to follow this commandment, especially as it pertains to money/giving. Blessings to you for this reminder.
Thank you for your support! I am fine, 14 years out. God heals and we move forward. Thanks again.
Brenda
What a beautiful testimony. Brenda. Thank you for sharing.
I am not for sure about this tithing, I believe we should, but it seems that the church’s are getting so big, and it is all about money. I had a bad experience recently. I was making excuses about my church, then I was struggling and called focus on the family. She ask me, does the church know you are homeless, I said yes, I have ask for pray, and started attending first step class and I had been paying my 10% and throwing in the bucket after, helped them out in different area’s, but yet no one would really talk to me, at one place one girl started talking to me, and then her husband came over gave her a look, then walked her a side, said something and she avoid me after that, I do not know it is because I was homeless. So Focus on the family counselor ask me, and are you still homeless, I said yes. She said, you need to find another church. I did not find one, I kept going, then I got sick, and sleeping in my car and it been cold. I was having a hard time getting ready of the cold. No one from that church contact me, they had my phone, my email. Nothing how are you, do you need more blankets, hey would you like to come here for thanksgiving, nothing. I left that church.. I guess my 10 % was not enough. Deb
Thats Great, let as communicate
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I was the administrator for a church for 25 years and the pastor never wanted to know what an individual was giving so there would be no reason for him to treat anyone differently. Because people who give large amounts of money sometimes think that they should receive favoritism over others. I did however tell the pastor if a member was not paying their tithes for several reasons: 1. Is there something wrong, is there a need in the family? 2. A member that did not faithfully pay their tithes did not have a voice in voting on capital expenditures. Too many people try to run the church by flaunting their money around. You are headed for trouble if individual tithes and offerings become public in a church. The administrator must be a person that can be trusted and do not talk about offerings to any individuals in the church.