Church Financial Software

Church accounting software is an absolutely essential part of the accountability factor all churches must embrace in a world where more and more doubt seems to be cast on the importance of organized faith in a very secular world. The Bible makes this point very clear when the Word records God as saying that man looks at the outside appearance. This is not just in how an individual looks physically but how a religious organization conducts its financial affairs, so it is not an accident that accounting and accountability both have the same root word, because when the issues comes to fiscal matters, accountability is important, or maybe better said essential for all to know where money has been spent and just as importantly, why it has been spent. Much of society looks with some disdain on large church campuses, elaborate buildings, and the very posh digs that more than a few pastors are able to enjoy. The disdain doesn't come from jealousy as much as it does from a true felt impression that religion has lost its way with the emphasis upon a consumer gospel. The more that a congregation can make public to all mediums, including the media where every penny is spent, the more trust can be garnered for the right to spend further for ministry. The right church financial software can be a tool in helping to make that happen.

Before even looking at church accounting software, a congregation ought to be committed to the highest ethical standards when it comes to fiscal transactions of any sort. One such organization, the ECFA or Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability stresses that its members conduct themselves in the highest Christian manner. This includes a strong Christian doctrinal base, agreeing to at least five members on a church or organization's governing board, fiscal records reviewed by a certified public accountant each year, agreement to provide a full fiscal disclosure report at any time on fund raising projects or campaigns, truthfulness in all advertising and disclosures, and many other very important financial issues such as donor giving and percentages of fund raising entities are all included in the agreement churches must sign when being a part of the ECFA. In return for this agreement, churches and Christian organizations can display the seal of the ECFA on any and all communications with its members and supporters, thus lending a greater credibility to the organization's credibility. There are other Christian financial accountability organizations that churches can join, especially if the doctrinal lean is more fundamental than the evangelical position, but the sad truth is that many churches choose not to self govern themselves with a commitment to a neutral third party. However, if a congregation is truly committed to fiscal responsibility and absolute transparency in the financial realm, then church financial software is a great tool to help make that happen.

Experience has proven that churches or Christian organization often put too much trust and not enough verifying standards in the financial side of ministry. In small churches where the pastor has been present for many years, or in a church government where only a few people make all financial decision and only general disclosure about money matters is the practice, history has shown that often financial disaster or stealing or misappropriation of funds can occur. Church accounting software, when used correctly, can end most questions regarding the veracity of reports and the hint of impropriety by church leaders. These computer programs can help members and leaders keep track of every department's budget and can flash red warning signs when adherence guidelines are not being practiced. In other words, church financial software can many times head off a problem before the problem becomes an embarrassment or legal issue. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10)

When deciding upon a church accounting software package, much thought ought to be into the process, because one size certainly does not fit all situations. From the outset, the financial experience of the person or persons using the church financial software ought to be considered. For example, a certified public accountant (CPA) that is on the staff of a large congregation could better handle more complicated and detailed software given the time to devote to learning the program and also the nature of his/her position. On the other hand, less complicated and more layman friendly church financial software might be more appropriate for a volunteer treasurer of a small church who works full time and is raising a family. And of course, the cost of the computer package must be considered and how much the yearly license fee is to continue using the program.

God has declared that His people ought to be different in the way that they think, talk, conduct their lives and do business. Since the Church is one of only two institutions divinely ordained on earth (the other is marriage), local entities of the larger Body ought to conduct all manner of financial business with the utmost integrity. Christians cannot be surprised at the non sequitur when the rest of the world sees poor examples of fiscal responsibility emanating from the Body of Christ and then declares that organized faith is an insignificant influence on modern society. Faith-based fiscal software can't solve that problem. Only a change in the heart of the Remnant will provide that cure.

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