Jump directly to the Content

A Budget Primer For Young Pastors

Applying several fundamental principles can take some of the uncertainty out of church finances.

The young pastor sat with his wife, staring blankly through the tears. The dream that had led him to his first pastorate had become a disaster. His problems stemmed from church finances, and he took little comfort in the fact that many young pastors before him had failed for similar reasons.

John had little financial expertise. His family was well-to-do, so finances seldom had been discussed in the home. His college and seminary training were underwritten, thus some important financial "learning experiences" were by-passed. The few courses in seminary had been elementary, and he hadn't thought much about church finances. Now the day of reckoning had dawned, and all the challenge and romance of ministry seemed to fade into nothingness.

Financial problems cast a heavy spell over all they touch. It's essential for a pastor to develop good financial tools to properly handle church finances. There are some basic steps to take in handling the finances of your church in these economy-chaotic days. ...

March
Support Our Work

Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month

Homepage Subscription Panel

Read These Next

Related
Major Ministry on Modest Means
Major Ministry on Modest Means
It doesn't take big money to make a big impact.
From the Magazine
Should the Bible Sound Like the Language in the Streets?
Should the Bible Sound Like the Language in the Streets?
Controversy over Bibles in Jamaica, the Philippines, and Germany reveal the divide between the sacred and the relatable.
Editor's Pick
What Christians Miss When They Dismiss Imagination
What Christians Miss When They Dismiss Imagination
Understanding God and our world needs more than bare reason and experience.
close