The Triple “A” rating
Alphabetical ratings have long been used in the financial sector to assess the strength of investments. AAA (better known as Triple “A”) is the highest possible rating indicating financial strength.
At Stewardship, we have taken the concept of the Triple “A” rating and applied it to churches. Here it is not a measure of financial strength but is shorthand for three attributes important for churches and church leaders to live by when it comes to handling money.
The three A’s stand for:
- Attitude
- Accountability
- Administration
This is not something that we have simply dreamt up; the basis for the Triple “A” rating can be found primarily in 2 Corinthians chapter 8.
2 Corinthians 8
Attitude
In 2 Cor 8:2 the attitude of the Macedonian church is explained as one of rich generosity made all the more remarkable as it came during a time of severe trial and extreme poverty. Generosity is a heart attitude where we recognise God’s provision and:
- Don’t grasp it for ourselves
- Apply it to bring about good
- Use it to enhance Kingdom values on Earth
- Intentionally seek to store up treasures in heaven
Generosity is a theme returned to again and again throughout the Bible. At Stewardship we see and hear from church members, regulators and the media, that churches with a good attitude tend to be more energised, exciting and effective; the beacon on the hillside. Part 4 of this series will explore ‘attitude’ further.
Accountability
In 2 Cor 8:17-18, we see that Titus and another well respected leader were sent together to receive the offering. Why the need for two leaders? Could Titus not be trusted on his own? We do not see this arrangement casting any doubt on Titus’ character; rather that Paul’s wisdom recognised the benefits of accountability as:
- Providing reputational protection for everyone involved
- Building confidence and trust
- Doing what is expected and right in the eyes of man as well as God
- Avoiding criticism (internal and external) about the way the gift is handled
- Not allowing the rumour mill to start turning
We see this impacting individual churches in the 21st century in the way they do, or don’t, seek to build teams and encourage openness. Part 5 of this series will consider ‘accountability’ further.
Administration
2 Cor 8:19-21 speaks of the administration of the offering where Paul:
- Sees it as honouring the Lord himself
- Recognised the importance of handling money well in the eyes of man
- Understood that good administration is not the enemy of generosity
- Wanted to ensure that money did not simply “drain away”
Often administration is perceived as an unwanted and unnecessary constraint. Our experience at Stewardship is completely the opposite. Churches with good administration are:
- Effective but still “safe”
- Free to make intentional and good decisions about money
- Ensure that what is Caesar’s is indeed paid to Caesar
Part 6 of this series will explore ‘administration’ in more detail.
What can possibly go wrong?
The next posting considers what can go wrong in churches where money is not handled well and where there are weaknesses in attitude, accountability or financial administration.
Free linked resources:
Raising the Standard – transforming the culture of money in the church
Financial Health Check for Churches
Your Money and Your Life – an index of resources
Clipping the coin – reflections on tithing
Training:
Seasons of Giving – Courses for small groups and churches
Written by Guest Writer, Stephen Mathews.