How to Become a High-Performance Leader in Faith-Based Nonprofit Finance
For finance leaders at faith-based nonprofit organizations, there is plenty they can do to ensure the stability, growth, and reputation of their organization.
Everyone familiar with the Serenity Prayer will know that it speaks of having the serenity to accept the things one cannot change, the courage to change the things one can, and the wisdom to know the difference. For finance leaders at faith-based nonprofit organizations, that prayer is particularly apt—for while there is inevitably much that is beyond their control, there is plenty they can do to ensure the stability, growth, and reputation of their organization.
Advanced financial software for growing churches
If you spend your days wrestling with siloed data and manual processes and you’re used to monthly closes that take 30-45 days, you’ll probably be the first to admit that your financial systems are anything but high performing. They may have served you and your predecessors well in the past, but times have changed: your church has grown, tithing channels have diversified, you’re operating over multiple campuses, and reporting requirements are infinitely more complex. Your current fragmented set up cannot cope. Only with the help of advanced financial software can you hope to have complete visibility and control of the campuses, projects, and revenue streams that are typical of the modern church.
But investment in back-office technology and operational infrastructure has traditionally been difficult for churches. Church leaders, congregations and the wider public would generally prefer to see funds used to support projects and missions rather than kept within the church.
There are other obstacles to tech investments, particularly when the technology is new and unfamiliar. For example, when we talked to finance leaders in nonprofit organizations, 35% said that attempts to introduce AI-powered tools were met with internal resistance, even though AI-based features are commonly built into modern financial applications. Other barriers included a concern about the lack of AI skills and expertise (27%), security and privacy concerns (32%), and budget constraints (23%).
However, with transformative advantages like automation, AI-powered efficiency, and real-time financial visibility, the arguments in favor of investing in advanced financial software are very strong. Plus, it’s not only the financial team who will benefit—the whole church stands to reap the rewards.
Clarity and reassurance through real-time insights
In this uncertain world, we are all at the mercy of factors beyond our control. For faith-based organizations almost entirely dependent on the generosity of donors, unforeseen events such as the unexpected retirement of a beloved pastor, or even a scandal at another church, can be disastrous. However, with the latest financial tools, you can run detailed scenarios to understand the impact of events on your finances, and plan the best response in advance.
But that’s not all. In the aftermath of a scandal, no matter where it occurs, the conduct of every church can come under increased scrutiny from both congregants and the media; they justifiably demand reassurance that donations are being disbursed correctly and as promised, and only near real-time reporting can allay those fears.
Churches unable to meet these demands risk falling under suspicion. But with the right financial systems in place, you’ll be a recognized champion of strong governance, ethical behavior, transparency and accountability.
Financial visibility in real time
High-performing finance leaders don’t live in the past; they live in the present and plan for the future.
They thrive on the availability and accessibility of real-time data, working with actionable insights that enable them and their leadership team to make smart timely decisions that have real impact. For example, the closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic left many children without a mid-day meal. It was the churches who knew they had the funds available that were able to step in.
High-performing leaders also recognize that sharing information with donors, board members, and the public fosters a more open culture, ultimately positioning their church as a trustworthy institution. St Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC upgraded their financial systems and saw a 22% increase in pledge revenue, an increase they attribute to improved financial accuracy and transparency.
Financial planning for the future
High-performance financial leaders are forward thinkers that plan for the future. They know that giving trends are changing, that online and digital channels are preferred by younger churchgoers, and that they must adapt to accommodate them.
There are other benefits to this technology too. The widespread adoption of mobile apps (an estimated two thirds of churches now have them) and text-to-give systems, as well as integrating giving links into the live-streaming of services, has enabled churches to interact with its congregations in new ways.
Succession planning is another vital task to ensure a church’s longevity and mission success. It’s up to senior finance officers to ensure the financial consequences of any changes in leadership are mitigated, and this is easily achievable with long-term budgeting and forecasting.
High performance financials for capacity and growth
High-performance leaders share many attributes. They stay abreast of AI-driven technology and automation tools that build capacity and facilitate rapid growth, and they champion analysis and the power of insight. Plus, they’re eager to take on greater responsibility and get involved in strategic areas of decision-making. Merely reporting and forecasting numbers is not enough, and Sage Intacct can help.
Glenn Wood, Pastor of Church Administration at Seacoast Church, sums this up rather neatly: “Our systems have helped finance get a seat at the table. We have a phenomenal leadership team, but they’re people and ministry-oriented. Our job is to help them understand ‘What would happen if…?'”
“With Sage Intacct, we’re able to look at various scenarios and know what the impact of certain decisions would be.”
Glenn wood, seacoast church
To learn more about the transformative power of Sage Intacct and how it can help today’s modern churches download our e-book: 5 reasons Smart Financial management is Critical for Every Church’s Mission
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What makes a finance leader “high-performance” in a faith-based nonprofit or church?
A high-performance leader uses modern financial technology, prioritizes real-time data and transparency, and plans proactively for growth and risk. They move beyond manual processes and fragmented systems to deliver timely insights, support strategic decisions, and build trust with donors and boards.
Why are legacy financial systems a challenge for growing churches and nonprofits?
Legacy systems like spreadsheets or on-premise accounting software struggle to handle the complexity of multi-campus operations, donor-restricted funds, and rapid expansion. They slow down monthly closes, obscure true cash positions, and increase audit risk.
What are the biggest risks of not modernizing church finance systems?
Risks include delayed decision-making, budget overruns, increased audit costs, staff burnout, and potential loss of donor confidence. In severe cases, lack of transparency can trigger investigations, legal costs, and long-term reputational damage.
What features should modern churches look for in financial management software?
High-performance church finance leaders should look for cloud-based solutions with multi-entity consolidation, dimensional reporting (by fund, campus, program), automated compliance (ASC 958), open APIs for integration, and robust security features.
How quickly can a church see results after upgrading its financial systems?
Churches often see both immediate and long-term gains after implementing advanced financial software. For example, Potential Church halved its monthly close time in the first six weeks after switching to Sage Intacct. Meanwhile, Sandals Church saw a 25% increase in donations, 30% growth in attendance, and was able to open six new campuses in three years of Sage Intacct.
