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In the spirit of the other thread about churches that don’t disclose the pastor’s salary, I thought I’d start a similar thread about churches that fail to disclose how the money is actually spent.So, would you continue to support a church with tithes and offerings if the church doesn’t have a meeting where the financial report is presented? Or would you say that you’re giving to the Lord and let it go “Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”

My husband always gave a financial report every August on the amount the church took in each month and how each dollar was spent. He always told the people who were members and tithe payers that at any time they could request to see the financial report and the clerk would let them see the books - even the report on each tithe payer. In all our years of pastoring only one person ask to see the record of another tithe payer. He was jealous of the other person and wanted to make sure he was a tithe payer (which he was).

My husband always gave a financial report every August on the amount the church took in each month and how each dollar was spent. He always told the people who were members and tithe payers that at any time they could request to see the financial report and the clerk would let them see the books - even the report on each tithe payer. In all our years of pastoring only one person ask to see the record of another tithe payer. He was jealous of the other person and wanted to make sure he was a tithe payer (which he was). He thought it was the standard or law of the land that a financial report was to be given each year. He would give a vocal report and also lay all the church records on the altar (check book, tithe records and all) and no one ever came to the altar to look at it. He encouraged questions about the report as he went by each monthly income and expenditure page. He said nothing is done in secret in the COG. Your husband sounds like a very wise man. Thank you “Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”

We post a quarterly itemized financial report on the bulletin board for all to see.Also, a copy of the report is handed out at every quarterly Church Conference meeting.Every penny is accounted for.Every expenditure is accounted for.Yes, all of my salary and benefits are listed for everyone to see.It's the only way to do the Church's business Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church

What's your Sunday attendance?

We give a complete accounting of all our financials to our church at our annual business meeting. We give a complete monthly accounting to our Finance Committee. All our financial reports are also made available upon request to anyone who is interested. All our business meetings are likewise open to all who may be interested. People who are not tithe-paying members in good standing are asked to respect the business meeting by not commenting during the meeting, but anyone can sit in on a meeting and listen if they wish.

Thank you, but what would you do if the church you attended was not as open as yours is? Do you turn the other cheek,so to speak,and act like it doesn’t bother you “Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”

That’s how I feel it should be done as well. When I pastored I was very careful not to give any indication of improprieties, and everyone knew if they had a question or concern about the finances all they had to do was ask and I would show them the details “Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”

I agree. If members are told up front, then the devil can't accuse the church of doing wrong concerning the finances. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I don't think our church is quite as open as SD, QW or TLofG says but I am not around enough to know. BUT I appreciate those who give complete accountability transparent. It is safer and right for the tithe payers and supporters of the church.I love, respect and trust our present pastor, but would be surprised if a complete 'detailed' financial statement was made outside the 'men's council'. I do not want to be on the council so I guess I will never know. lolI was an old man before I realized how secretive our COG administrative branch is Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/