STEWARDSHIP
ACADEMY #4
The Stewardship Academy has been
announced, and is being held on Saturdays, April 23rd, May 21st,
June 18th and July 16th. At least the first three will be
held via Zoom.
This week I am introducing the third
session, which will be held on June 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Various topics will be covered at this session:
1.
Financial Statements – we will look at the various financial statements
that are typically used in churches, learning the basics, how to read them and
interpret them. What are the financial statements really telling us. We will
also spend time “using” the financial statements that will allow us to do the
ministry that we are called to do.
2.
Restricted vs. non-Restricted Assets – There are assets
that are given to us by donors, with donor restrictions. There are other assets
that have also been restricted but have been restricted by the church, and there
are assets that are completely unrestricted. What is your gift acceptance
policy and how are we allowed to use these different types of assets?
3.
Audits – Audits increase the financial transparency of the church
and is a critical element of financial vitality. They are mandated by The Book
of Discipline. They are not a symbol of distrust, but are a mark of
responsibility, good stewardship demonstrated for all to see, and is a message
to local church donors that you care about their gift. We will look at what is
required for an internal church audit by GCFA, and how to approach an audit if
you are doing it and also if you are preparing for one.
4.
Narrative Budgets – They are a way of talking about the future
needs needed to carry out mission and ministry, and don’t just present a
spreadsheet style budget with columns of numbers under different headings, i.e.
Property, Personnel, Evangelism, Education. A narrative budget tells a story,
which is the congregation’s story of mission and service and how the different
components of the budget contribute to that specific community of faith being
able to live into its God given vision.
5.
Goals – What are the financial goals of your church? What should
be the financial goals? How can you accomplish them?
6.
Financial Analysis – A financial analysis is more than looking at
the balance in the checkbook. It also must involve looking at all assets
(buildings, land, people, ministries). It involves looking at revenue, expenses,
employees, and financial health. Generosity needs to be reviewed, as well as
how budgets are done. Discipleship, stewardship, and membership are all
important.
Each week covers many topics. If you
are interested in more information or in participating in the Academy, please
contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668.
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