A visit to a local church $$$

[lostinmiddlemormonism]

So one evening this past week I had cause to take one of my children to a local church for a community event. I dropped them off and then returned at the appointed time to pick them up. However, when I arrived the activity was not quite complete. I decided to avail myself of the opportunity to explore the building (there was a nice sign saying all were welcome to explore). They had a small sanctuary, a lovely childrens area, some excellent youth facilities, and a large auditorium where the main worship services are held. There was a stage with guitars, keyboard, and drums. Comfy auditorium style seating. Lighting and sound systems. A large cross on the stage.

After my explorations I wandered through the lobby area, where like a lot of churches, they had some literature. Wait! What? Does that really say "Annual report"? Why yes, yes it does. Lots of free copies of the annual report in fact.

I opened it...I brought a copy home. I have a copy on my desk. It shows how much money the church took in last year of donations of all types. It shows how every penny of that money was spent. It shows individuals salaries. It shows when the next budget meeting is. It invites everyone to participate in the budget meetings, members of the church or not and to PARTICIPATE IN VOTING! What manner of satanic twisting is this?

Everyone knows that you should never reveal your financial records and that you should hoard as much as possible for the purposes of real estate investment....I mean preparing for Jesus (tm) second coming.

-lost

[Red Ryder]

The first few years of my career I was an auditor and my clients included a few mega churches. The large scale Baptist church had debt which required an annual audit which is why I was there. Their books were very well kept and clean. What surprised me the most was the amount of revenue the coffee cart had generated. Something like $400K a year which helped offset their costs.

I was also amazed at the generosity of some
If their wealthy donors. They far exceeded a 10% tithe when times were tight. What also amazed me was the salary requirements of some of the pastors and guest pastors.

Of course I drew harsh judgement in my mind on the fact they had to have debt and their pastors were paid. I compared them to the Mormon empire and thought “glad I belong to the true church. We don’t need debt or audits!” Now I think how stupid I was to even have those thoughts.

[2bizE]

It wound be nice if local non lds congregations shared their annual reviews in various community locations so the LDS tbms would see them and start to wonder why their church doesn't do that.

[hmb]

A church which does not share it's expenditures and savings with its members (and make available to the public) should lose their tax exempt status. I do remember believing that our true church, led by men of God, would never do anything dishonest. I had blind trust in the organization, because...virtuous and true, blah blah blah.

[lostinmiddlemormonism]

A church which does not share it's expenditures and savings with its members (and make available to the public) should lose their tax exempt status.

AMEN!!!!!

[Corsair]

A church which does not share it's expenditures and savings with its members (and make available to the public) should lose their tax exempt status. I do remember believing that our true church, led by men of God, would never do anything dishonest. I had blind trust in the organization, because...virtuous and true, blah blah blah.

I am a private citizen and I do pay taxes, but my finances stay secret. I have a friend who manages a non-profit company. His company pays no taxes, but his detailed annual budget is publicly displayed within his website.

In painful contrast, the LDS church pays no taxes and still gets full privacy. They are successfully serving both God and Mammon somehow.