1. They had the responsibility of administering it as they traveled. In VERSE 21, Paul says, “Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of God and in the sight men.”
B. The handling of ministry finances is one of those areas.
C. In the last couple of years we have seen on the television screens within our own homes the results of abuse and mishandling of ministry funds.
D. An average size ministry can easily take in revenues in excess of one million dollars a year. That is a lot of money. Some of the larger ministries take in over 100 million dollars a year.
1. With fame and fortune can come a temptation and urge to misuse the money. That is why it is so important to learn to handle your personal finances before you ever handle ministry finances.
E. You must provide honorable things in the sight of all.
1. Because of the incidence that happened among some of the larger ministries in the last few years, it has opened a door of suspicion on all ministries.
2. The IRS has taken particular interest in churches lately and they have a lot of clout.
F. There is no reason to be afraid or hesitant about handling ministry finances if you are disciplined and use some common sense.
V. PRACTICAL STEPS TO GOOD MINISTRY FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
A. BE A MINISTRY OF INTEGRITY
Pay your bills on time and do what you promise.
1. Churches and ministers have gotten a reputation in the financial community as being poor risks.
2. Banks don’t care that you have a vision from God and you are going to take your city. They want to know if you have been paying your bills and can you continue to pay your bills.
3. A poor credit history is one of the greatest obstacles a church can overcome. II CORINTHIANS 6:3, “We give no offense in anything that our ministry may not be blamed.”
4. The children of God ought to be the first to pay their bill and have a good standing in the community.
5. If you preach prosperity and don’t pay your bills, you are a hypocrite.