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Recommended Reading

Managing Tough Financial Times

Articles to help you adjust budgets, think strategically, and approach the challenge with confidence.

The Editors

Few could have imagined in January 2020 the magnitude of the economic challenges that face us amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Global and national financial issues ultimately flow down to churches. As giving drops, unemployment soars, and uncertainly continues, we’ve gathered some helpful information to guide you.

For additional information church leaders should know, visit Coronavirus and the Church: The Latest News and Advice from Church Law & Tax, Online Worship and Meetings, and Online Giving: Start or Strengthen This Type of Offering.

Q&A: What’s the Best Way to Cut Our Budget as We Weather the Effects of the Pandemic?

This Q and A will help your church address the budget in the best way to weather the financial strain created by the pandemic.

Michael E. Batts

Q&A: In Light of the Pandemic, What Should We Include in Our Cash Balances for Forecasting Purposes?

It’s important to remember that liquidity refers to cash available for operations.

Michael E. Batts

Q&A: Dynamic Cash-Flow Forecasting is Key to Managing Rapid Change

Budgeting during a time of rapid change is a matter of ditching the annual budget and doing some dynamic cash-flow forecasting and planning.

Michael E. Batts

Giving Is Climbing, Say Some Church Leaders

New survey offers reasons to be cautiously optimistic after weeks of restrictions on in-person gatherings.

The Editors

Q&A: Adopting a New Budget During Extraordinary Times

If your fiscal year begins July 1, budgeting during the pandemic presents unique challenges—but there is a way forward.

Michael E. Batts

Q&A: Should We Start Digging Into Our Financial Reserves?

Churches that deplete their reserves should replenish them over time.

Michael E. Batts

Church Loan Modifications in a Crisis

Restructuring your church’s debt when full payment, or any payment, becomes difficult.

Vonna Laue and Michelle Sanchez

Church Financial Management in Challenging Times

CPA Michael E. Batts helps churches navigate financial concerns created by the pandemic in this on-demand webinar.

Featuring Michael E. Batts

Some Churches Keep Their Budgets Rolling

Navigating unexpected ups and downs with an alternative budget.

Michael E. Batts

Let Financial Ratios Strengthen Your Church Budget

Learn about—and use—the various ratios that financial experts use to strengthen and improve your church budget process.

Vonna Laue

Where’s the Money to Fix This?

Six tips that will keep a church from breaking the bank on big-ticket fixes.

Bobby Ross Jr.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.