Budgeting for a Healthy Church

Use these three useful principles to help make your church budget more biblical.

CHURCH TECH PODCAST

Budgeting for a Healthy Church

Use these three useful principles to help make your church budget more biblical.

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Budgeting for a Healthy Church

Use these three useful principles to help make your church budget more biblical.

Modern Church leader

Budgeting for a Healthy Church

Use these three useful principles to help make your church budget more biblical.

Category
Church Growth
Publish date
July 11, 2019
Author

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
    ‍
  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
    ‍
  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

‍

AUTHOR

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
    ‍
  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
    ‍
  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

‍

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)
AUTHOR

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
    ‍
  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
    ‍
  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

‍

VIDEO transcript

(Scroll for more)

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
    ‍
  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
    ‍
  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

‍

AUTHOR

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Budgeting for a Healthy Church

Use these three useful principles to help make your church budget more biblical.
July 11, 2019

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
    ‍
  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
    ‍
  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

‍

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
    ‍
  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
    ‍
  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

‍

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)

H1 What’s a Rich Text element?

H2 What’s a Rich Text element?

H3 What’s a Rich Text element?

H4 What’s a Rich Text element?

H5 What’s a Rich Text element?
H6 What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

H4 Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

H4 How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List Item 1
  • List Item 2
  • List Item 3

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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TikTok is incredibly popular and impactful. It has a ton of influence, especially on younger generations. It’s an effective way to spread information quickly. And it’s engaging, fun, and entertaining.But is it a tool for churches?
October 25, 2021
What is the Sabbath? Finding Rest in a Time of Chaos
Most Christians think of the Sabbath as falling on Sunday. However, “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat”, which refers specifically to Saturday.The idea of Sabbath is still very much a part of weekly rhythms in the church. But in a culture defined by busyness and distraction, what does a “day of rest” really mean? In the following article, we’ll take a look at what Sabbath is, as well as strategies for adopting this practical habit in a time of hurry, stress, and chaos.
October 19, 2021
How to Create a Stronger Bible-Reading Routine
Reading the Bible is essential to every believer’s walk with Christ–and should be done consistently.We’re called to know the Bible, meditate on it, and look to it as a source of wisdom. We’ll talk about how to develop a stronger Bible-reading routine, as well as how to actually read the Bible to get the most out of it in this article.
October 12, 2021
How to Build a Culture of Commitment & Consistency at Your Church
Most church leaders want to build communities that last, with members that stick with them through thick and thin. Without commitment and consistency from members, the church remains more of an event or activity than an actual community.In the following article, we’ll talk about how to build a culture of commitment and consistency at your church–putting down deep roots, helping people to become more like Jesus, and even seeing lasting change in your community at large.
September 14, 2021
How to Practice Gratitude
Ingratitude is a part of the human condition. Even more so, our 21st century world does not create an environment that helps us to practice gratitude. So, how do we change this? We explore some practical tips for how to practice gratitude in our recent blog post.
September 9, 2021
14 Last-Minute Fun Youth Group Activities & Games | Tithe.ly
Looking for youth group activities? We'll highlight 14 of the best last-minute ideas for fun & meaningful youth group activities & games. Read below!
August 6, 2021
How to Make Your Church’s Social Media Look Clean and Professional: 12 Strategies to Boost Growth and Engagement
Use these 12 tools to transform your church's social media from a low-return vanity project to a high-engagement faith community.
August 5, 2021
How to Pick Curriculum for Your Kids & Student Ministry
The top consideration for choosing a church is the quality of the children’s ministry. If you want your church to grow, you need to consider how well you are discipling the youngest in your local mission field. We walk you through the top 3 considerations to keep in mind when choosing a curriculum for your kids and student ministry.
July 20, 2021
Independence Day in Church: 8 Tips for a Meaningful, Growth-Boosting Sunday Service
Independence Day Sunday is an opportunity to reflect deeply on the freedoms we're afforded as Americans. Here are 8 tips to celebrate Independence Day in your church with class.
July 2, 2021
How To Keep Your Church Connected in a Virtual World
Love it or hate it, our world is becoming increasingly virtual. Figure out how to keep your church connected and growing despite the changing landscape.
June 29, 2021
How to Keep In-Person & Virtual Guests Coming Back Each Week
In a day and age when creating a welcoming church environment is more important than ever, we came up with six tips for you to make virtual and in-person church guest friendly.
June 8, 2021
7 Steps to Creating a Must-Read Church Bulletin
People ignoring your church bulletin in-person or online? Follow these 7-steps to turn your bulletin into a must-read document.
May 25, 2021
The Church That Went Online - How ELCA’s Solution to 2020 Will Live On
Along with streaming worship services, ELCA needed to stay connected with their congregation and provide a way to give. That’s where Tithe.ly stepped in.
May 11, 2021
Jesus’ Revolutionary Regard for Women
Jesus’ interactions with women tell us a great deal about the heart of God.
April 5, 2021
The Other Resurrections in the Bible
At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, but His is not the only one in Scripture.
March 29, 2021
A Primer on the Fruit of the Spirit
One of the best-known passages in Scripture may not mean what you think.
March 22, 2021
8 Easter Ideas During COVID
Thinking about how to celebrate Easter as a church during a pandemic? Here are a few creative ideas.
March 1, 2021
How to Start an Online Ministry—and Why It’s So Important
Wondering how to make a kingdom impact online? Here’s a simple guide to help!
February 25, 2021
Dedicated Church Apps: Stewardship for the Great Commission
Wondering if your church needs its own app? Here are some reasons to consider it.
February 22, 2021
Why Your Church Should Observe Lent This Year (If It Isn’t Already)
Not sure what to make of Lent? Here are a few tips to get you started.
February 18, 2021
A Short Guide to Inductive BIble Study
Learn the inductive Bible study method to get more out of your time in God’s Word.
February 8, 2021
A Primer on the Not-So-Minor Minor Prophets
Looking to read and understand The Minor Prophets? Check out this short guide with all the basics.
January 28, 2021
Church Communications: A Biblical Guide
How to Use Texts and Emails to Build up the Body of Christ
January 25, 2021
Beyond the New Year’s Slump: Encouraging Your Church to Daily Grow in Christ
Taken from the writings of the apostle Paul, here are three ways to encourage your church in their walk with Jesus when their New Year’s resolutions fall apart.
January 18, 2021
How to Pray for the Sick: 3 Powerful Prayer Principles
Are you praying for the sick as part of your ministry? Here’s a short, biblical guide to encourage you as you step out in faith.
January 11, 2021
4 of the Best Bible Study Apps for Daily Scripture Reading
Looking for a way to help your church stay connected to God's Word in the busyness of life? We’ve assembled a list of the best Bible study apps for iPhone and Android devices.
December 23, 2020
4 Sermon Ideas to Start the New Year Right
Looking for New Year's sermon ideas? Here are four approaches to help your church start the year off right.
December 21, 2020
The Importance of Worship Backgrounds for Your Church
Searching for more information on worship backgrounds? ✓ We detail why worship backgrounds are important, visual trends, and best practices. Click here!
December 16, 2020
Christmas Eve Service: 4 Steps to Creating a Plan
The Christmas Eve service is a favorite time of worship and outreach for churches. Follow these 4-steps to get ready.
December 3, 2020
Church Hospitality: A Short Guide
Church hospitality isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential. Here are 4 practical ways to prepare for the 2 types of guests you should expect.
November 18, 2020
COVID-19 and Church Tech: Changes You Need to Know
COVID-19 has changed the church in many ways—including giving and engagement. See how churches have partnered with church tech companies to continue the work of the Kingdom of God.
September 21, 2020
How to Study the Bible: A Master Toolset on Bible Study for Beginners
Studying the Bible can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Use this process to enrich your study of God’s word.
September 2, 2020
Is Money Messing with Your Marriage? Try These 5 Money Management Tips
Money and marriage is challenging. It can be a source of blessing. Or it can be a struggle. Here are five tips you and your spouse can use to manage your money well.
August 26, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Digital Connect Cards
Digital connect cards are essential to connecting with your community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to show you how.
August 24, 2020
Why Christian Memes Matter & The 10 Best Accounts
Looking for Christian memes? We'll explain why Christian memes are taking over the internet & explain where to find the best ones. Find out here!
August 21, 2020
14 Ways To Reach People In Post-Christian America | Tithe.ly
Want to reach out to post-christian America? We'll explain 14 of the best ways to meaningfully engage with those who have left the church. Read here!
August 21, 2020
The Ultimate Church Business Meeting Playbook
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August 21, 2020
Church Staff Salaries Guide With Real Numbers
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August 21, 2020
How To Get People To Volunteer At Church
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August 21, 2020
How to Write a Check Explained in This Simple Step-by-Step Guide
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July 21, 2020
30+ Bible Verses About Investing & Saving Money | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about investing & saving money? We'll highlight over 30 verses to help you understand what the Bible says. Read here!
July 20, 2020
7 Best Examples of Anglican Church Websites
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July 7, 2020
“The Unforgivable Sin”: A Definitive Guide | Tithe.ly
The unforgivable sin has been debated ever since Jesus spoke it. Check out this definitive guide to better understand this often misunderstood teaching.
July 1, 2020
7 Church Fundraising Lessons from Billion Dollar Nonprofit Organizations
Here is how to take the fundraising principles from Billion Dollar Nonprofit Organizations and apply them to your church. Read here!
June 29, 2020
Fundraising Tips from the Most Successful Nonprofits in the World
The top 100 charities raised $51.5 billion dollars in 2019. And there are several fundraising tips your church can learn to raise more money for your mission.
June 22, 2020
19 Bible Verses About Greed And Wealth | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about greed? We'll highlight verses about greed to enrich your understanding of wealth, generosity & discipleship. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Make Your Father’s Day Sermon Memorable | Tithe.ly
Want to make your Father’s Day Sermon memorable? We'll highlight the top 7 tips to make your church's service memorable & meaningful. Read here!
June 22, 2020
26 Bible Verses About Technology | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about technology? We'll highlight verses about technology to help guide the use of technology in your life & church. Read here!
June 22, 2020
How Christian Entrepreneurs Change The World | Tithe.ly
Wonder how Christian entrepreneurs teach the Word of God? We'll explain how entrepreneurs can use their business to make disciples. Read here!
June 22, 2020
100 Bible Verses About Making Decisions | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about making decisions? We'll highlight passages about choices & wisdom to guide & support your decision making. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Charitable Giving Statistics To Raise More Money | Tithe.ly
Researching charitable giving statistics? We'll explain 9 stats to help you raise money & make a greater impact in your community. Read here!
June 22, 2020
How To Create A Church Social Media Strategy | Tithe.ly
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June 22, 2020
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June 19, 2020
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June 19, 2020
3 Ways to Engage Church Members with an App
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Budgeting for a Healthy Church

Use these three useful principles to help make your church budget more biblical.

July 11, 2019

Show notes

Very often, we act as if the goal of a church budget lies in what it can accomplish. If someone were to ask, “Why are we giving all this money?” you might point to the list of items in the budget. “People give money to pay the pastor, build the playground, save those children, start that church.” 

But that accomplishment-focused mentality doesn’t square with the fact that God is not wanting for money, and his purposes are much bigger than merely what your church’s budget can accomplish. His purpose for your church’s budget is that in your church’s faithfulness—that is, in your risk-taking obedience—you show off and reveal how amazing he is.

That’s a tall order, I realize. But a church budget can do this in at least three ways:

  1. As we give money to the church, our faithfulness as individuals proclaims God as better than our money and his command to give as more delightful than our desire to get. 
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  2. As you invest your church’s money in God’s work, your congregation deliberates about which investments best align with the values God gives us in Scripture, often making investments the world says are foolhardy. Once again, you’re showing off how good and trustworthy God is. 
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  3. As God chooses to bless those investments, he shows himself to be a God of power, of mercy, and a God who keeps his promises.

Risky giving, value-based investing, and God’s blessing are three main ways a budget can show off the glory of God. The first two of these engage our responsibility to be faithful. In the third, God brings glory to himself as he makes our work fruitful. 

Now I’ll be honest, the more time I spend around churches, the more amazed (and appalled) I am at what kinds of things get done with “the glory of God” stamped on as justification. So think practically about what this means for your church. By looking at your church (who you are, what you do), people should be amazed at how good and excellent God is. 

That’s what it means for God to get glory through your church.

Taken from Budgeting for a Healthy Church: Aligning Finances with Biblical Priorities for Ministry by Jamie Dunlop. Copyright © 2019 by Jamie Dunlop. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

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