Today’s article is Part 4 of a five-part series from the General Church Finance Committee on finances and faith.

In the parable of the talents, Christ describes a man who gives money to his three servants to keep for him as he travels (Matt. 25:14-28). Upon the man’s return, he finds that two of the servants put the money to work and doubled the amount, but the other servant only had the original amount to return and was punished greatly.

This story teaches us how important it is to make use of the resources we’ve been blessed with. God has given us time, energy, and substance, and He desires that we put these resources to work for Him. What a wonderful blessing it would be to hear our God say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt 25:21).

Each committee within The Church of Jesus Christ desires to use its resources in an impactful way, and the General Church Finance Committee is no exception. As a member of the Finance Committee, I’ve always felt an extra responsibility because the resource we’re trying to maximize is not just the time and effort of the committee members but the contributions of the entire church. The committee makes every effort to be transparent, but many people don’t get the chance to read through the General Church conference minutes each year.

Where Do Church Donations Go?

Branches keep 45 percent of every general donation they receive. These funds go toward branch operations and expenses, community outreach, and building maintenance and expansion.

• When branches have savings for various reasons (future building and remodeling projects, missionary support, general maintenance) these funds can be invested in CDs through the General Church Building Fund. These CDs help the branches earn interest on their savings.
• All branches are encouraged to get a CD through the General Church Building Fund because those funds help another branch in need of borrowing money.

Regions receive 10 percent of general donations, which are used for region general expenses and conferences, RMOC missionary efforts and projects, and other outreach efforts through the region.

• At region conferences, these funds are allocated based on the region membership’s desire to support efforts such as specific missionary works, including the youth missionary programs.

The General Church receives the remaining 45 percent of general donations. These funds are used for domestic and international missionary work, Apostle and Q70 support, General Church operational and committee expenses, including World Conference Center expenses.

• In 2017, over $373,000 of the General Church budget will be used to spread the Gospel throughout the world, including through the Native American work.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.