Question: Are there any qualifications for a church treasurer? Could a woman fulfill the duties of a treasurer? (AR)

Answer: The scriptures authorize a contribution or collection in I Cor 16:1-2 "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." In 2 Cor. 8 Paul gives further instructions concerning the nature of our giving and the attitude with which ye are to give. Nothing is specifically stated, however, regarding the person who will take care of the collection until such a time as it will be spent. The very fact that the money is to be collected on a regular basis (every first day of the week) implies that someone must be in charge of keeping, storing, and distributing it at an appropriate later date. What qualifications should this person possess? Even though the position of church treasurer is not specifically mentioned, we should not conclude that there are no guidelines or general qualifications for the person who functions in such a capacity. First and foremost, he must be honest and of good report. The money committed to his keeping, even though for a short time, belongs to the Lord. The treasurer must be scrupulous and above reproach in dealing with this money. Any one of lesser conviction might be tempted to steal or misuse the money he oversees. Judas is a prime example. Surely he was not a thief when he was appointed to the job. Note John 12.4-6 "But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor? Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein." It would seem that Judas was unable to withstand the temptation to take some of the money he had in his charge, thus turning into a thief. The phrase "took what was put therein" literally means that he "carried what was put therein." In other words he carried the contents of the treasury. His remarks about helping the poor were merely a mask feelings and motives, he was a thief. What a shame. None of us like to believe anyone put into such a responsible position would ever yield to the temptation to take what is not theirs to have. However, I have known of two different situations recently where men have stolen thousands of dollars from the church while serving as treasurer. I tend to think that in both cases the individuals did not start out as a thief, but probably only intended to "borrow some money" and pay it back before anyone found out about it. But, it didn't turn out that way. Instead of paying it back, they got deeper and deeper into the money until there was no turning back and were eventually found out. This underscores that the one serving must be honest. Honest with himself, honest with the brethren, and above all honest with God. Secondly, the church treasurer must be open and above board in all his dealings with the church's money. I personally feel that the money collected on Lord's day should be counted in the presence of another party to avoid any semblance of dishonesty. In some places I have seen young teenagers, sometimes not even church members count the money, a responsibility far too great for these boys. The treasurer who allows such is asking for trouble. Another common complaint is that some treasurers never make a report to the church about how much money is in the treasury or how it is being spent. Such men should be replaced immediately unless they mend their ways. This money does not belong to these men, it is the Lord's. The church as a whole has a right to know how much is being collected, what the balance is, and how the money is spent. Churches that don't require such reporting are remiss in their duty. I personally would be suspicious of anyone who refused to open the books of the treasury for inspection. Every penny should be put down and accounted for, then double checked for accuracy. Someone might complain that this is too strict. Why so? How long do you think one could serve in the capacity of treasurer for a large corporation who failed to account for the money and how it was spent? Should we expect any less for the Lord's money? Of course not. Thirdly, the treasurer should possess the skills necessary to carry out the business of the church. Such skills include mathematical competence, paying the bills on time, and organizing the business of the church in such a way as to carry it out with dispatch and concern. Men who fail to pay the preacher, for example, until far past the due date, do the preacher and their position a great disservice. Such behavior is an indication of a laxness that does not belong in such a serious and far-reaching situation. The treasurer must be dedicated to the point that he sees to the needs and demands of his job. I have know of some who allowed money to lie around the house for weeks before making a deposit in the bank. This is poor business. Every job carries responsibilities. To justly handle the job, one must give himself to it without reservation.

The latter part of the question is in regards to women serving in this capacity. It should be noted that the scriptures place the responsibility for leadership on the man. Men are to be elders and deacons 1 Tim 3:1, all twelve apostles were men, men are to preach, teach, and evangelize Acts 13:1; Acts 8:29; 2 Tim 4:1-2 etc. It would therefore seem inconsistent, to say the least, if we were to conclude that a woman could fill the position of church treasurer. Since she is forbidden from holding positions of leadership in the church, and from teaching in its assemblies (I Cor. 14.34-35) I conclude that she should not act or serve as the treasurer of the church. (Send all questions to Ronny F. Wade, P.O. Box 10811, Springfield, Mo. 65808)