Code of Conduct Guide

Session 6: Finances

As a ministry leader, I will, to the best of my ability, commit to the following:

  1. I will ensure that funds for which I am responsible or which are under my control are used for their intended ministry purposes.
  2. In all financial matters, including the acceptance of gifts, I will act with scrupulous honesty, transparency, and appropriate accountability.
  3. I will appropriately use and encourage accepted accounting practices and regular reviews and/or audits of ministry funds

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:18-21

"And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man."

For Discussion:

  1. Paul talks about taking pains to ensure that he and the apostles are above reproach in the handling of money. In what ways are you “taking pains” in all financial matters to ensure that you are doing what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but in the eyes of people? What kinds of checks and balances do you have in your church regarding accountability with finances?
  2. What more could you do to ensure good financial practices and accountability?

Prayer for Leaders

In these moments of silence we think about the financial gifts God has entrusted to our care. We lift our hands and offer these gifts to God.

<raised hands>

God, all that we have is a gift from you. We offer it up in gratitude and thanksgiving for all your blessings.

<pause>

We lift ourselves before you, God, asking that you make us wise stewards. Reorient our hearts to remember that our finances are gifts from you and that we are to use them in appropriate and God-honoring ways. Help us to make intentional choices marked by integrity and honesty in all we say and do.
Amen.