The church Treasurer and Secretary in local assemblies are the ministries of helps and also fall under the categotry of Deacons only that these are specialised Deacons with specific areas of focus.

Before we look at the duties of the Treasurer we want to explore the committee the Treasurer leads and highlight its responsibilities as well.

Finance Committee Responsibilities

The duties of the Finance committee, of which the Treasurer may be chairperson:

  • may include the counting of monies received after worship service, 
  •  long-range financial planning and budgeting for the church,
  • preparing of the annual budget for presentation to the church elders
  • Informing others of the church’s financial condition,
  • Trending the needs of the church, and consideration and action on requests made by non-members for use of any of the facilities of the church.
  • Fund raising for the church activities

 

Duties of a Church Treasurer

A church treasurer is responsible for all the finances of the organization. The church treasurer handles all the finances of the local church. This is not always a paid position, but is part of the church board, board of directors or finance committee of the church. The position requires the person to have knowledge or background in bookkeeping or accounting. A church treasurer is an important and trusted part of the church organization because of the fiduciary responsibilities given to them.

The church treasurer is responsible for accounting for all the organizations donations. This includes gifts, offerings and donations etc to the church through grants or outside organizations. Each church event that is held during the week accumulates funds through consistent giving and offerings. These funds are collected and handed over to the church treasurer to be recorded and then deposited into the local bank.

1. Bank Records

A church treasurer maintains the banking records of the church. This duty requires the treasurer to open an account in the church's name, make deposits, record checks written and itemize those each month to maintain an accurate balance. This responsibility includes filing all paperwork pertaining to payouts and operational expenses. A banking report is supplied to the church finance committee in order for them to review the records and ensure the annual budget requirements are being met. The church treasurer is part of this finance committee.

2. Receipts for Parish Members

The church treasurer prepares receipts for donations, pledges and offerings etc given by the parish members. This can be done on an annual basis for tax deductions and parish members' accountability. Most churches require their members to give consistently out of their income to the church, and the church monitors these gifts or contributions through receipts to church members. Not all churches maintain receipts, but must provide them to a parish member who requests one for tax purposes, as an example.

3. Budget Duties

A church treasurer monitors the annual budget requirements and ensures that church budget is being met. If a budget problem arises, the church treasurer reports this to the finance committee in order to make adjustments or take corrective action. For example, if an employee wants a raise, the church treasurer will record this raise, report it to the finance committee and then make an adjustment to the annual budget. If a utility bill begins to rise above the budgeted amount, then the church treasurer goes through the same steps as mentioned previously.

4. Accounts Payable

A church treasurer ensures all accounts are paid on time and within budget requirements. This includes programs, salaries, utilities, maintenance on grounds and building as well as special projects. The accounts payable is done through the finance committee because the treasurer will not be the only person who can sign off on the checks or funds. A check will be written to pay the bills of the church, but will require two signatures. This is done to maintain the integrity of the church and for accountability.

5. Financial Statements

The church treasurer prepares a financial statement at designated times throughout the year and reports those findings to the finance committee. This report includes the operating expenses, accounts payable, funds received, as well as any other financial obligations the church receives or pays out. The finance committee is aware of any special payouts because they approve or deny any special funds as they arise, but the church treasurer needs to report this on the financial statement.

 

Church Secretary

Responsibilities:

1. Greet those who come into the office, answer their questions, give needed assistance, or refer them to the proper staff person. Maintenance and organization of reception area.

2. Answer the telephone and give assistance or forwarding the call to the appropriate staff person.

3. Keep church records as assigned and availing them as requested by church committees and the maintenance of current membership roll and mailing list.

4. Keep accurate membership records (new members, baptisms, weddings, deaths, etc.)

5. Prepare new members information packets and coordinate receptions and availing of ministry literature

6. Process baby dedication requests and prepare baby dedication certificates

7. Type and print the information bulletins, design the monthly newsletter, and other brochures and flyers that are periodically requested by staff and committees.

8. Schedule and attend board meetings and record minutes

9. Type minutes of all church committees as submitted, and keep a comprehensive file of all minutes. Send out notices of meeting of all committees as requested.

10. Assist in drafting and typing letters, reports, records, etc. as needed for program staff and church officials.

11. Maintain and update database of mailing lists, membership status, birthdays, and committees

12. Organize and maintain financial records, including payroll, deposits, payments, and bank accounts. Execute spreadsheets for monthly financial reports.

13. Maintain church website and multi-media preparations.

14. Organize and send bulk mailings. Complete postal forwarding of daily church mail.

15. Give clerical support to all program staff and church committees. Order curriculum material and other supplies needed by the church, as directed by staff.

16. Maintain a master calendar of all church activities and of all events taking place in our facilities.

17. Schedule meeting and arrange appointments as needed for minister and other officials.

18. Order and maintain an adequate inventory of office supplies. Arrange for delivery or pick up of supplies when necessary.

19. Maintain office equipment and arrange for repairs when necessary. Maintain an orderly environment including dusting, and straightening materials, equipment, etc.

20. Perform other tasks as will be assigned by the pastor or by other staff officials. Arrange for work to be done when away for vacation, training events, or leave of any kind. Inform the pastor or other staff officials at least two weeks prior to taking vacation or personal leave. Include the name, address and telephone number of the substitute.

21. In case of sudden illness, contact the Staff official or pastor as soon as possible so a replacement can be obtained.

22. Maintain Coffee stations,

23. Arranging and managing church meetings, Coordinate scheduling for weddings and baptisms.

24. Maintaining rosters of ordained ministers, all other personnel, congregation, etc.

25. Maintaining an annual report of the congregations in a form that will summarize the information for availability at any given time.

26. Overseeing the archives and attesting to all the documentation that requires signatures; and

27. Performing other duties as prescribed in the church bylaws.

28. Notify all Pastoral Staff of member hospitalizations, deaths, etc

 

Compiled By Apostle Howard Tundu