“It all starts with mission and purpose.” These opening words by author Mike Batts sum up the proper role of financial administration in the church. Financial administration is a critically important and unique calling. Church Finance: The Church Leader’s Guide to Financial Operations provides you with the information and resources to successfully lead your church’s financial operations in keeping with your church’s unique mission and purpose.

Whether you’re new to the role or experienced, you’ll appreciate Mike’s come-alongside style blended with proven expertise. Whether you serve as treasurer, accountant, controller, CFO, business administrator, executive pastor, finance committee member, or in any other role responsible for church financial operations, Mike will help you:

Evaluate and adapt your budget in keeping with your church’s mission and purpose
Reduce and manage expenses wisely
Create practical and effective financial reports for decision-makers
Use key metrics for financial health that work for almost any church
Manage the liquidity and financial position of your church
Understand and properly administer nontraditional gifts including restricted, planned, deferred, noncash, and other types of gifts
Understand the ins and outs of alternative revenue sources
Properly establish compensation for your leaders and staff
Use and manage debt, plus negotiate debt terms with a lender
Maintain sound internal controls
Understand the fundamentals of federal tax law for churches
Determine what tools and practices (audits, accreditation, etc.) are available to enhance accountability
Employ ministry-wide risk management
Understand and evaluate insurance coverage
And much more
What’s new and why you should update to the 2nd edition of Church Finance:

Tax information is updated to reflect the major changes arising from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Accounting and financial reporting information is updated to reflect recent changes in generally accepted accounting standards (GAAP)
New sample GAAP financial statements and notes
All-new chapter on financial policies for churches with multiple sample policies
Sample conflicts-of-interest policy
Sample giver privacy policy
Sample gift acceptance policy
Sample budget administration policy
Sample record retention guidelines for churches
Sample executive compensation-setting policy
Sample fraud, dishonesty, and whistle-blower policy
And more
Updated content on alternative revenue sources
All-new chapter on compensation and benefits for churches
All-new chapter on tax compliance for churches
All-new chapter on risk management for churches