How transparent should a church be about its finances?

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 command 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 land 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).