Money can sometimes be an uncomfortable topic in church. Leaders may worry that sharing too much financial information will create questions or confusion. You can probably already think of that one person that is going to grill you about certain expenses!
Sharing too little can create an even bigger problem: a lack of trust. It’s human nature to “fill in the blanks” when information isn’t available. Often those gaps are filled with wrong assumptions.
Healthy financial transparency doesn’t mean everyone needs access to every financial detail. It means sharing the right information with the right people.
What Should You Share?
With Church Staff:
Ministry leaders should understand the budgets they are responsible for, how much they’ve spent, what remains available, and the church’s basic spending procedures. When appropriate, staff should also understand the church’s overall financial condition, so they have context for decisions about spending, hiring, or ministry plans.
I provided my staff with a monthly church balance sheet and detailed department specific reports. They had a clear grasp of our financial health and their department’s performance.
With the Congregation:
Church members don’t need to see every transaction. Instead, provide a clear summary that helps answer questions such as:
- How much did we receive?
- How much did we spend?
- Are we staying within our budget?
- How are our cash reserves and debt?
- What major projects or expenses are ahead?
- What ministry has been accomplished through giving?
- Do not share individual employee salary and compensation. Only show total payroll expenses.
Don’t Just Share Numbers—Tell the Story
A financial statement might tell the congregation that the church spent $25,000 on missions last year.
But a story explains what that $25,000 accomplished.
“Because you gave, missionaries were supported, students went to camp, families received assistance, and ministry happened in our community.”
Numbers demonstrate accountability. Stories demonstrate impact.
Transparency Creates Accountability
Regularly sharing financial information also encourages healthy financial practices. Accurate bookkeeping, monthly reconciliations, documented transactions, budgets, and proper approvals become even more important when leaders know the church’s finances will be reviewed and communicated.
I recently found a church that makes quarterly financial reports available from their website. Anyone can access them. Pretty cool!
Make Transparency Normal
Don’t wait until there’s a financial problem to start talking about money.
Consider providing brief financial updates throughout the year. A simple quarterly report can keep staff and members informed without overwhelming them with accounting details.
Churches don’t have to share everything to be transparent. They simply need to communicate enough that people can confidently say:
“Our church takes stewardship seriously, and we can see that the resources God has provided are being handled responsibly.”
Financial transparency isn’t just good accounting. It’s one of the ways churches build trust.
Not sure what reports to share? Give us a call! We can help get them set up for you!