This is Part 2 of a series of articles on lay offices and leadership positions within local United Methodist congregations. For Part 1 Local church leadership: Lay leader click here.
One of the offices every United Methodist charge is required to have is a church treasurer. The treasurer is responsible for the proper handling and distribution of all funds received into the church’s treasury through tithes and special gifts.
Are treasurers employees or volunteers?
Local churches may choose to hire a professional treasurer or elect a member to serve in this role, depending on their resources and needs. Treasurers are not required to be professing members of the congregation.
What are the responsibilities of the treasurer?
The United Methodist Book of Discipline outlines the primary responsibilities of the church treasurer:
- Disburse funds to support ministries and programs in accordance with the approved church budget
- Serve as a member of the finance committee; if employed by the church, the treasurer has voice, but not vote
- Submit monthly contributions for World Service and conference benevolences to the conference treasurer
- Provide regular financial reports to the finance committee and church council
- Participate in the annual audit by supplying detailed financial records, supporting interviews, and assisting with the review of accounts, journal entries, and authorized check signers
What is the difference between the treasurer and the financial secretary?
The financial secretary is responsible for receiving and recording incoming funds, while the treasurer manages the disbursement of those funds to support the church’s ministries. Both serve on the finance committee.
The roles of treasurer and financial secretary must be held by separate individuals, and they may not be members of the same immediate family. This distinction ensures transparency and shared accountability.
What are the qualities of a good treasurer?
A church treasurer should be trustworthy, responsible, and experienced in financial matters. Familiarity with banking practices, tax requirements, and financial reporting is essential, as is careful attention to detail in maintaining accurate records.
Treasurers must also collaborate effectively with the financial secretary and church leadership, including the pastor, finance committee chair, and church council chair. Strong treasurers look for ways to strengthen the church’s financial health, whether by identifying new revenue opportunities, supporting fundraising efforts, or finding cost-saving measures that do not compromise ministry.
Beyond technical skills, treasurers should be committed to the mission of the church. Every contribution represents a faithful gift offered in support of both local ministry and the global mission of The United Methodist Church. Treasurers are called to be good stewards of these gifts with integrity, transparency, and care.
What should a new treasurer do to get started?
- Be proactive. Meet with the pastor, financial secretary, and key leaders to understand the church’s ministries and long-term vision. Review financial records from previous years to gain a clear picture of the congregation’s current financial position.
- Be accessible. Make yourself available to meet, provide reports, and offer financial insight. Attend all finance committee meetings and be willing to report to other groups as needed, including the church council, staff/pastor-parish relations committee, and trustees. Even if you are not a member, consider participating in worship or fellowship opportunities to build trust with the congregation.
- Be knowledgeable. Purchase a copy of Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Finance from Cokesbury. Make sure you have access to the United Methodist Book of Discipline. Review the sections related to the finance committee (¶ 258.4) to understand denominational expectations and best practices.
- Be accountable. Be prepared to provide timely and accurate financial reports. Support the annual audit process with thorough, transparent documentation and a willingness to answer questions about financial practices and decisions.
Conclusion
Church treasurers are entrusted with significant responsibility. Their work goes beyond maintaining accounts and paying bills; it enables the church to live out its mission in worship, outreach, evangelism, and spiritual formation. Through faithful stewardship, treasurers help ensure that the generosity of the congregation is translated into meaningful ministry.This content was produced by ResourceUMC on April 16, 2026. Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email.