I read an interesting short article today titled “Which Church Staff Should See How Much You Give? 6 Perspectives.“ The author then goes on to give 6 different possibilities. Sadly, there was not a lot of time spent fleshing out an good answer. This, I want to open it for a vote!! Below are the 6 possibility given and a survey. Have fun!
PS. I think #5 is my current favorite but don’t let that persuade you.
1. The lead pastor and one layperson.
This perspective argues that financial stewardship is a spiritual discipline, and the pastor should have access to individual giving to be able to see how the members are doing in this regard. The layperson, of course, is the person who actually keeps the records.
2. One layperson who guides the pastor.
The layperson again is the member keeping financial records. He or she is the only one who has access to giving records. But that person is able to share information with the pastor or other leaders as needed. For example, the financial secretary can inform the pastor or elders about potential future elders according to their giving patterns. I took this approach as a pastor. I did not have access to individual giving patterns, but our financial secretary would let me and other leaders know if a person should be eligible for a leadership role according to their stewardship in the church.
3. One layperson only.
In this example, only the financial secretary (or equivalent) has access to individual giving records. He or she does not provide any input that would reflect this information.
4. A key group in the church.
In some churches, this group is the elders. In some other churches, it is the nominating committee.
5. A staff person other than the pastor and a layperson.
The pastor is specifically precluded from individual giving visibility. Instead, another staff person, such as an associate or executive pastor, has access to the records along with the financial secretary.
6. No church members.
No church member can see the records. Instead, a non-member is recruited or hired to keep the records, but that person does not share the information with any church members.