The New Year brings an opportunity for churches to reflect on what God has already done and look ahead in faith to what He will do. It can be difficult to connect these spiritual rhythms to the church’s financial practices, but the two often go hand in hand. Below, we’ve listed a few resolutions that church leaders can implement to start the New Year well.
1. Ask God for wisdom and guidance every day in 2020.
While this applies to all aspects of the church, specifically pray for wisdom regarding how the church should steward every dollar that comes in. Below is an example of a short prayer to read each morning.
Lord, we thank you for all of the work you are doing through our church, seen and unseen. Please give us your wisdom and diligence, specifically regarding our finances. Help us to be generous with what you have entrusted to us. Remind us that you are our ultimate provider today and forever.
2. Compare the church’s budget with actual expenses at the end of each month.
Be careful not to simply let your bank account balance determine usage. You may learn through this process that your church budget is either outdated or inaccurate. In this case, it would be a great opportunity to update your budget to accurately reflect your church’s growing needs.
3. Prioritize His Kingdom’s advancement, not your church’s numbers.
Having growth in financials or attendance may feel good, but these are temporary metrics. Let God’s word and will be the primary metric of your church’s success.
By centering your year on Christ’s will, your church will naturally focus its priorities in the right places, especially when it comes to finances. John 15:4 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
We hope you and your ministry have a blessed New Year. If you have any questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (844) 273-7713.
