Judas served as treasurer for the band of disciples who followed Jesus. He was the one who protested, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii [one year’s wages] and given to the poor?” His motive was not a concern for the poor; he trusted in wealth and wanted to control how it was spent.
Church treasurers, particularly in smaller churches, can contract the “Judas Syndrome.” It begins with a preoccupation with the bottom line, a loss of vision for the kingdom, and the temptation to control church finances and usurp authority.
Why does this happen? The treasurer must attend to the mundane matter of paying the bills, and thus, the treasurer faces unique temptations. He or she knows what others do not: Who gives. Who spends. The internal politics that control spending priorities.
Cynicism can result when treasurers see the inconsistencies between some members’ talk and their financial walk. The treasurer may come to believe others act only in self-interest. Once a cynical attitude takes root, it is a small step for a treasurer to rationalize taking control of the church’s spending. The treasurer begins protesting how monies are spent. Other members assume the treasurer is in the best place to judge wise or unwise spending. Thus, over time, a conscientious treasurer can move into a position of undue influence over the priorities of the church.
Preventing the Judas Syndrome
- Recognize the difficult position of the treasurer. Pray for the treasurer.
- Break up the responsibility. Assign two or more people to count receipts and make deposits. Have someone other than the treasurer maintain giving records.
- Develop a job description that limits discretion to shift costs between budget categories without board approval.
- Limit the term of office.
- Conduct regular outside audits to ensure proper accounting procedures are followed.
- Meet with the treasurer regularly to communicate and build trust.
- Support the treasurer when he or she reports the financial reality. Then lead the board in making the tough decisions when cutbacks are required.
A good church treasurer is a powerful asset. Protecting your treasurer is protecting the health of your church.
Robert L. Brady Bakersfield, California
Copyright © 1998 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or contact us.
