How transparent should a church be about its finances?

what does the bible say?

God calls us to be good stewards of all He has given us (Luke 16:10-12; 1 Peter 4:10). Transparency and accountability in handling God’s resources are essential expressions of faithfulness (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Many of the Old Testament Proverbs discuss God’s condemnation of lying and cheating (Proverbs 6:16-19, 11:1, 12:22, 20:17); transparency in church finances helps to avoid suspicions. Moses’ careful collection for the Tabernacle and David’s open reporting of temple gifts (Exodus 35:4–9, 35:20-29, 38:21; 1 Chronicles 29:2–9) meanwhile contrasted with Ananias and Sapphira’s lack of transparency in handling their resources (Acts 5:1-11) reveals that responsible stewardship is an act of worship while dishonest handling of resources is sin. The early church modeled generosity, honesty, and wise oversight through shared leadership and integrity in giving (Acts 4:32-35, 6:1-4). Today, churches honor these same principles by maintaining clear financial practices, following legal requirements, and building systems of accountability that protect integrity and trust (Proverbs 11:1). Faithful stewardship ensures that every resource serves God’s purposes and brings Him glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

from the old testament

• Several Old Testament Proverbs speak of God’s disapproval of those who lie and cheat (Proverbs 6:16-19, 11:1, 12:22, 20:17). Since it is clear that humankind is certainly capable of sin (Genesis 3) and often chases after wealth (Proverbs 23:4-5, 28:22), transparency in church finances can go a long way toward building trust.
• The Old Testament emphasizes accountability and transparency in managing resources given for God’s purposes. When God instructed Moses to collect contributions for the Tabernacle, He directed that the people give “from every man whose heart moves him” and that all contributions be clearly received and accounted for (Exodus 25:2-7).
• Later, David carefully recorded and reported the freewill offerings for building the Temple, ensuring that leaders and people knew exactly what was given and for what purpose (1 Chronicles 29:6-8, 9).

from the new testament

• The Bible does not record many details regarding the administration of church funding. For example, the first Christians were simply known for “selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:45).
• Acts 4:34-35 says, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” The text does not indicate that any of these donations were compelled, but people willingly helped one another.
• In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira were judged with death when they lied about the money they had given to the church.
• When Jesus spoke about money, He taught that our giving was to be in secret (Matthew 6:4) so as not to give with the wrong motives, i.e., to impress others. But giving in secret doesn’t mean that the amount of the pooled funds shouldn’t be known to the church.
• The Philippian Christians gave generously to Paul’s missionary efforts, though Paul gave no details about the amount (Philippians 4:15). But since they went directly to the person to whom they were to help, there was “transparency” in that there was no “management” of funds by a third party.
• The New Testament examples appear to focus on the attitude of giving and that church leaders were to make sure giving was used appropriately. This likely took place through the multiple elders that existed in early churches as well as the development of other leaders (Acts 6:1-7), including deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-12).

implications for today

Today’s churches can follow some general best-practices. First, assuming it is a 501c3 organization, American churches must meet certain legal requirements regarding financial gifts. Similar laws exist in other nations regarding church financial regulations. Meeting such requirements would fall under the comm and in Romans 13 to “be subject to the governing authorities.” Second, the many church financial scandals of our time have revealed the need for accountability regarding church finances. This usually includes a copy of an annual budget, copying to each member regarding their own personal giving, and involvement of church members regarding major financial changes such as purchases of l and or building projects. Additionally, a small team should be involved to help provide accountability. While the entire church may not need to know the offerings each week or who is giving, more than one person should be involved in finances so that no suspicions arise. Groups can misuse finances just as an individual can, but if a committee is intent on accountability and proper stewardship, troublesome issues are less likely to occur. The overall goal must be to serve as good stewards and servants of the resources God has provided to the church. We must seek to hear our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).

Recap

understand

• Managing God’s resources with honesty and accountability is an act of worship.
• Dishonesty in managing finances dishonors God.
• Biblical stewardship is seen through clear oversight, legal compliance, and transparency.

reflect

• How do you practice honesty and accountability in the way you manage the resources God has entrusted to you?
• How does transparency in finances impact your giving to church or other organizations?
• How might you respond if you learned your church wasn’t being transparent about its finances, and how could you ensure your reaction honors God?

engage

• What can we learn from biblical examples about faithfulness and transparency in handling God’s resources?
• How can we ensure that financial stewardship not only meets legal standards but also reflects spiritual integrity and trustworthiness?
• How does financial transparency within the church strengthen unity, trust, and the witness of the body of Christ?