Our basic responsibility as Christian stewards is to manage our personal financial resources so that we can care for ourselves and our families and marshal the resources needed to respond to God’s call to generous giving. This is especially true for clergy who are expected to teach and model faithful stewardship within our congregations. Mastering personal finances is both a personal and a pastoral responsibility. To that end the Lewis Center and Wesley Theological Seminary have gathered together resources to help pastors better understand and manage their personal finances.
- Personal Finances and Budgeting
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Needs vs. Wants Worksheet (NEFE)
Daily Spending Diary Worksheet – Excel
Supplementary Resources:
Personal Financial Workbook (ACCC)
Roadmap to Saving and Investing (WesPath)
Best Strategies for Simplifying Your Financial Life (WesPath)
- Debt
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Supplementary Resources:
Debt Inventory Worksheet (FGC)
Debt Management Worksheet (LRB)
- Compensation and Taxes
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Supplementary Resources:
United Methodist Tax Information (GCFA)
- Insurance
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Homeowners Insurance Coverage (III)
Long Term Care Insurance FAQs (AALTCI)
Insurance Needs Analysis Worksheet (PCUSA)
- Investing
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Supplementary Resources:
Introduction to the Markets web link (SEC)
Investing Basics web link (SEC)
Source Abbreviations:
AALTCI – American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
ACCC – American Consumer Credit Counseling
CPG – Church Pension Group of the Episcopal Church
FTC – Federal Trade Commission
GCFA – General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church
ECFA – Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
FGC – Financial Growth Coach
FR – Federal Reserve
III – Insurance Information Institute
IRS – U.S. Internal Revenue Service
LCCL – Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary
LRB – Lazetta Rainey Braxton
NEFE – National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
SEC – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
WesPath – WesPath Benefits and Investments