Two-thirds of all the strifes, quarrels, and lawsuits in the world arise from one simple cause—money.
J. C. Ryle

The misuse of money blocks more ministry in the local church than any other single cause. The reason may be too much money, too little money, or misuse of just the right amount of money, but the result is the same: fractured relationships and spiritual atrophy. A pastor taking a new church had better get the financial picture of the church well in hand before anything else is attempted. That's not to say the pastor must solve all the church's money problems. But he must be aware of them and have a clear understanding with the key leaders on how they are to be handled. If this base isn't covered, relational and spiritual programs will be sabotaged. As district superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene's Michigan District, Neil Strait has counseled many pastors on church money problems. He knows the many flavors of pickles a pastor can get into. "A fundamental axiom for a pastor ...

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