Deacon’s meeting, mid 1980’s, rural Louisiana congregation, overcrowded sanctuary, grizzled old preacher—the ingredients for a great story right?  “We need to remodel this sanctuary, add a fellowship hall, and enlarge the Sunday School space,” the pastor said to the deacons.   “We cannot afford it” the deacons replied.  “Then,” the pastor responded, “I will make a motion in the next business meeting that we take the $50,000 in savings and give it to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.”  The church broke ground on additional space the next month. 

Some would argue that the church should never have surplus money.  Perhaps not.  But I believe that churches should be good stewards, and good stewards prepare for unforeseen events.  A church should have reserves for maintenance on big ticket items like air conditioners, new roofing, or other maintenance issues.  Furthermore, expanding the facility is a legitimate ministry expense when your church is growing, and when growth is limited by the facility.  A church should prepare for this. 

A church is not more spiritual because it has no surplus funds, nor is it less spiritual because it has a large surplus.  And stewardship is reflected, not just in how much is given, but also in how the church’s funds are spent.  A church that does not support the missions efforts of the Cooperative Program misses a tremendous stewardship opportunity.  A church that enriches itself while ignoring the needs of its community is shortsighted, just as a church that does not prepare for the financial demands of the maintenance of church property is shortsighted.

There are limits to how much a church should maintain in reserves, but the church leaders in good faith must determine the limits, and submit their determination to will of the congregation.  My opinion, or yours, about how much is right for the church to hold in reserves is likely to be mistaken.  God can lead the church in this matter just as in other matters.

A large church in the Deep South has experienced some decline.  Sunday School attendance has fallen by nearly half in the past few years.  Receipts have declined.  Attendance at the morning worship has dropped.  The good news is that the church remains evangelistic and baptisms remain high.  Ministry continues unabated.  People’s lives are being changed.  Had the church not built a surplus of funds, the decline in attendance and receipts would have limited the ministry that could be done.  God led them to prepare, and has continue to bless their evangelism. 

Church members should tithe, and they should give to mission offerings.  Churches should support their staff, and should give through the Cooperative Program.  Churches should also prepare for the needs of their facilities and should prepare for future ministries.  To do so is not unspiritual, rather it is good stewardship. 

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