“They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers… (2 Kings 12:15)

            Well, I guess the only thing that can be said is that nobody’s perfect! 
We have no way of knowing if they lived to regret this lapse in accountability.  I do find it amusing that in spite of their exhaustive planning, they left a fairly significant loophole; not requiring an accounting of how the money was spent.  Perhaps they overlooked it, or more than likely, they became overconfident.  With all of the good folks doing so many good things, there was no need to mistrust anyone.  And in their case, it apparently worked out.  But if I were pastor of a church, I wouldn’t follow their lead.  It’s far too dangerous to push your luck.

The Bottom Line

             Like it or not, pastoral leadership of a church includes financial abilities as well as spiritual.  Pastors who ignore this fact do so at their own peril.  However, those who embrace this leadership role enhance the likelihood that their church’s ministry will not be derailed by financial catastrophes.  Here is a little exercise you may want to employ to make sure your church’s finances do not end in chaos.  Periodically, perhaps quarterly or semiannually, get out a tablet and write your thoughts on the following questions:

• Do you have a financial mentor?
• Are you paying attention to what is going on with your church’s finances?
• If receipts are down are you sure it is not the result of loss of faith in the administration of the church?
• Are you actively seeking ways for your people to participate in giving?
• Have you reminded yourself lately that financial matters of the church are spiritual matters too?
• Do you have security measures in place to protect the church’s assets, the most important of which are its employees and volunteers?
• Have you distributed the financial tasks among several people?
• Are your records and reports helping you do ministry?
• Do you have established processes that are understandable and repeatable?
• Is your church playing by the rules when it comes to the IRS?

           Taking just a few minutes to ask and obtain answers to these questions can help a pastor avoid   wasting enormous amounts of time putting out fires.  The ultimate bottom line? He can then spend more time doing what he was called and gifted to do, shepherding his flock.