I received a question from a church board member asking for advice on investing church funds. The church was currently earning less than .5% interest and a board member was proposing to invest the funds in several stock funds that would yield a 5% return each year.

I started my discussion by ignoring the original question. Instead I asked what the funds were being held for. For example, if the funds were being held to build up cash reserves to allow debt-free expansion within five years, you should take no risk with this money. Instead, the low bank interest would be acceptable.

A number of people contact me about doing ministry. I have addressed the need to divide work from a ministry calling previously.  Work is what we do to earn money. From scripture we know that Paul “was a tentmaker . . . he stayed and worked with them. “(Acts 18:3, NIV) Paul’s calling was as an evangelist. He made tents when necessary to earn money so that he could fulfill his ministry.

I was discussing this topic with someone who told me how they have so little time to fit ministry into their hectic schedule. I pointed out the progress we have made in the last 200 years to create an incredible amount of leisure time.  In 1800 most of the world’s population survived on tiny low-productivity farms.  A family worked 16 plus hours a day simply to scrimp by with enough food for the year. Every day was hard work. The family struggled with no guarantee there would be food the next day. Failure at any level doomed a family to starvation.

From time to time I have been contacted for advice about how to intervene in issues with a nonprofit organization when concerns about finances or the organization’s leader have been called into question.
 
My perspective about responsibility of a board, church elder, council, or other organizational structure involves three critical tasks:
They hire and hold the leader accountable.
They oversee the general ministry plan.
They ensure financial integrity.

As you wrap up 2016 many businesses and individuals look to make ministry investments and donations. I want to suggest ways to ensure that your year-end giving will be effective and used by other organizations that will implement these principles and communicate them to potential donors.

Some years ago I found the following scripture that convicted me. "A curse on anyone who is lax in doing the LORD's work! A curse on anyone who keeps their sword from bloodshed!”  (Jeremiah 48:10, NIV) I have spent some time studying this verse and working through its implications. I have come to the following conclusions:

1.  All Christians are called to minister.