This study, “THE PATTERNS OF CHURCH FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION” contains concise information that will serve as a framework or guide for your project work. The project study is well-researched for academic purposes and are usually provided in complete chapters with adequate References. Keywords: THE PATTERNS OF CHURCH FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Abstract
This research work was intended to examine the patterns of church finance and its administration. The research was guided by the following objectives; to examine the sources of church income are being generated, how the income are available to the church utilized, to know who keep the church account, and to know how the congregation give to the churches. The main instruments used for the research was the questionnaire administered on Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, Christian Leaders, and Students respectively in twenty (20) selected Pentecostal Churches in Abeokuta. The respondents under the study were 100 church leaders. The Churches are: Foursquare Gospel Church, Christ Apostolic Church, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Living Faith Church (Winners), Gospel Faith Mission International, Dominion Bible Church, Living Testimony of Christ, Christ Faith and Miracle Church, Discipleship Gospel Mission, The Redeem Evangelical Mission (TREM), Deeper Life Bible Church, Victory Life Bible Church, Christ Revival Church, Mountain of Fire and Miracle, New Life Bible Church, Jubilee Christian Church International, Living Spring Chapel, Christ Gospel Witnesses Church, Gospel Apostolic Church, Divine Height Bible Church. The Study findings revealed that finance play a vital role in the survival of a church. A church will grow financially if the members are committed to giving. This research will serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study We must be reminded that our union with Jesus Christ is in all ramification. God revealed to us in (2Corinthians 8:9) that Jesus took our poverty along, so that we can become rich. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sake He became poor”. It is important for us to known that God has a financial plan for us His Children; and it is vital that the Church of Jesus Christ must know this plan. It is a definite part of our commission to proclaim the gospel, although salvation is free, it however cost big money to get the message across to people all over the world. This is by financing the missionaries, building of Churches etc. God’s work must be done by His people, Ephesians 4:12. “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”. Everything that is needed including financial resources has been provided for by God Himself through His own people. This provision is being made through our Tithes and Offerings. Giving to the Lord is a priviledge that belongs to God’s people whose offerings both spiritual and material are acceptable to Him. What God does is to bless us so that we can support His work. Genesis 12:1-3. Many Churches have not instructed their congregation relating to many areas of their spiritual lines, this is why there are many misconceptions in these area; unfortunately tithes and offerings are prime example. As stated in the Old Testament and re-affirmed in the New Testament, God has a financial programme for His church to operate on earth. This plan is however governed by certain rules and regulations in order to reap the maximum benefits accurable there from. God’s financial plan for His children includes obedience in paying their tithes and giving offerings in a local Church. God’s economic programme for His redeemed children starts here on earth and not in heaven. There is need for His people to take advantage of this financial plan so that all their needs and desires that are consistent with His will, shall be met. It is God’s will for us to prosper in all things we do, but we have to obey this simple financial plan in order to prosper in God’s kingdom. The church derives its income from these two major sources which are tithes and offerings. Any child of God who obeys God by contributing these (tithes and offerings) to a local church will not only experience God’s blessing and favour in his or her finances, but will also experience divine protection from Satan and its evil devouring agents. The tithe is a ten percent of our income, profit or increase which we give to God in a local assembly; while offering is a freewill gift we give also to God to support His work, especially in a local church. Anyone who obeys God’s word in Malachi 3:7-12 which says (bring all ye tithes and offerings unto my house so that there may be food in my house) will prosper financially and experience God’s favour and kindness in his or her life. “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S; it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD”. (Leviticus 27:30-32, KJV).
1.2 Statement of the Problem Many Churches in Abeokuta North and South Local Government Areas of Ogun State are characterized with false teaching, pre-conceived ideas and human formed regulations which have undermined God’s specification in giving and has militated greatly against church growth in finances. Therefore, this project is to evaluate Church finance and administration, and the researcher wants to find answers to the following questions.
1.3 Purpose of the Study The general purpose of this study is to examine the patterns of Church funding and administration in these Pentecostal Churches.
1.4 Significance of the Study The followings are the significance of the study.
Keywords: THE PATTERNS OF CHURCH FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
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