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Church Reserves: A Practical Checklist for Local Churches

  • May 6
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 7

Church Reserves

Strong financial stewardship starts long before a crisis. This practical checklist from GCFA helps local churches think proactively about reserves, sustainability, and planning for the future.




1. Clarify what counts as reserves

Check each item your church has identified correctly:


2. Identify what reserves are for


3. Review what should be excluded from reserves


4. Look at your church’s financial baseline


5. Identify your church’s biggest risks


6. Involve the right people


7. Decide what level of reserves is right for your church


8. Make a plan to fund or rebuild reserves


9. Put the policy in writing


10. Review annually


Simple discussion questions for a church meeting

You could also use these questions as a next step:

  • What funds do we currently have that are truly available in an emergency?

  • What financial risks would hurt our ministry most if they happened this year?

  • How long could we sustain ministry if giving dropped unexpectedly?

  • What upcoming repairs, staffing needs, or ministry shifts should affect our reserve planning?

  • Do we have a written policy, or are we relying on habit and assumption?



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