Over the last 40 years, I have served as a pastor in several capacities. During my time I have never heard so much whinging on any subject more than I have on the subject of money. According to Jesus, money shows us what we value (See Matt. 6:21). For the most part, those who attend weekly services seldom stop and think through what it takes to run a local congregation, it’s outreaches or ministries. So in my blog this month I would like to share with you why I think you need to stop yourself and think about the cost of meeting the needs of a congregation. Let remind you:
Your local Public Schools are not Free
Your local government is not free
Your local hospitals are not free
Your public roads are not free
Your public parks are not free
Your entertainment, Arts and recreation facilities are not free
Your food is not free
Your local infrastructures for internet, communications, radio & TV are not free
and the list goes on.
Who pays for all this stuff? You do. You are taxed by your Federal, State and local governments to pay your share of the costs associated by the services these organizations provide you. The average American pays about 30% of their income to the government. Recently, analysis shows that the average charitable gift to a church by it’s members is $26. Per week which means that if you are a member of a church of 150 members your local church receives about $3900 per week in income. Now over 52 weeks that’s a $200,000+ income. So what does that money buy each year. Here a rough draft of how it’s broken down. 35% goes to salaries which means you have $70,000 to support a full time pastor, part-time administrator, and all the health care costs associated for personnel for a church this size. You will spend 35% in facilities which means you will pay $70,000 a year for a building, offices, equipment, kitchen supplies, furniture, cleaning, and upkeep of the grounds. The final 30% of your budgeted church income goes to ministries, liability insurance, safety monitoring equipment, kids and youth programs, creative ministry and worship needs, sound equipment, big screen tv’s, hymnals, community needs, men/women’s groups, special projects, events like Christmas, Easter, Mother’s / Father’s day etc. This is what you get for your $26 investment. But, what happens when church members are not committed to giving? Budgetary problems emerge and Christian’s grumble that the church is mismanaging their resources or spending too much money. Sounds like a great place to work, Aye? The very people who refuse to follow through on their commitments of giving are usually the same ones who incite discord over the church’s barebone budgetary items and often create the very financial problems they accuse the church leadership over. I guess the pastors, elders and leaders in each department are to multiply the loaves and fishes to give everything the membership demands for their unfaithfulness in giving financially.
Buildings, personnel costs, and ministry outreach costs money. Most people aren't aware that even Jesus had to have money to operate. Of all the disciples, Jesus chose Judas to be treasurer of his itinerant nonprofit. One is tempted to offer the Lord some consulting on good stewardship. Donors were financially supporting this ministry (Luke 8:3) and the one guy who Jesus knew was a “devil” (John 6:70) was made CFO.
Did you know that to run a church in the USA, you have to pay attorney’s for regular non-profit state filings, accountants for compiliations, reviews or full blown audits, insurances for vehicles, liability insurances for counseling, sunday school workers, treasurer and offering records. You have store all your accounting and giving records up to 10 years. Do you know the costs associated with this? Have you calculated associated banking costs, credit cards fees, business operational costs? All this for the $26.00 per week and with all the expectations it will all still be there if I give or do not give. So, let me ask a final question? What would your community look like if it did not have any churches in it? Churches are expected to be charities for the homeless, the addict, counselors to the broken, food banks, aftercare for unattended children, counselors for strong marriage and family needs, baby dedications, and funerals (free of charge of course). The marriage planner wants $30,000. The Funeral Director wants $15,000 but of course give the pastor $50 if you feel like it. This is the state of American Christianity. We want the perks and benefits of the mega-church without the costs associated. Salvation may be free but the support of your local church is not. If your church struggles and doesn’t make it you have no one to blame but yourself. But, that’s okay if your church fails you’ll just go to another one and accuse the last church of mismanagement. to the next pastor. Aye! Good luck with that one… you’re sins will find you out. Your personal money trail will show others what you really value in life.
