The church has a critical responsibility to report on the uses and results of gifts that church members and friends have made. Too often, we assume that everyone in our church knows about all of the ministries in which the church is involved and about the resources that are needed to support those ministries. And we sometimes also assume that everyone “understands” how our gifts are used to support those ministries.

Unfortunately, it is increasingly the case that fewer and fewer members truly understand the scope of the church’s ministries and how gifts are used. To enhance understanding and be more public about its accountability, a church might consider the following:

Identify all of the ministries being supported by the church (including those supported through fair share giving).

Select one, or a limited number, of those ministries to highlight in the pre-worship service announcements, in newsletters, on web pages, in worship bulletins or in e-mails to the members and friends of the congregation. Explain the results that have been achieved by those ministries—that is, answer the who, what, when, where, why and how. Put a face on the ministries. Make the ministry as personal as possible by telling stories about those who are benefited by the ministry, as well as about those who provide the ministry.

Help members and friends understand the true cost of local ministries by establishing the cost of all the factors related to providing each ministry. That includes staff, materials, utilities, building(s) and miscellaneous expenses.

Send regular financial reports. Some churches report weekly on gifts received the previous Sunday compared with the weekly budget (which is usually 1/52 of the annual budget), which is usually inadequate and misleading.

Provide opportunities for participation, not answers to unasked questions. Help people become a part of the financial stewardship process

Say “thank-you” whenever you can!