Mismanagement of Funds in the Church, Issues and Prospect
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The study aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
- To Examine the Extent of Fund Mismanagement in the church.
- To Identify Root Causes and Contributing Factors in church fund mismanagement.
- To Explore Prospects for Addressing Mismanagement.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Financing is becoming a common theme in African Churches today. Less than twenty five years ago, we were taught not to worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself, and to learn from the birds of the air, who have no storage yet they survive (Matthew 6:34). We thus learned to put our trust in God who provides for us, but we failed to recognize that we have an important part to play in caring for His creation. Our preachers tended to only espouse the literal meaning of this scripture, and by implication, suggested that those who talk about financing were unnecessarily worrying about tomorrow. These preachers were honestly speaking about God’s providence without elaborating the nuanced meaning of ‘worry’. There is no doubt that this understanding of the scripture was very popular among our people because we live on a continent where half or more of the population lives in poverty, and we have learned to see every day, every meal and every sunrise and sunset as a celebration. However, financingis not about worrying. Rather it is about living happily and responsibly today, and thereby providing for tomorrow by conserving what we have. The second scriptural consideration that influenced our lack of receptiveness towards financing was based on the interpretation of the following text: God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground— everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. Genesis 1:28-30 (NIV) Our earlier understanding, on the basis of this text, did not allude to the relevance of financing. We saw those who talked about financing as restricting us from exercising our God-given rights of subduing and dominating the earth. We were completely oblivious to the responsibility that goes with such rights, in the context of a complex system of interdependence and interconnection called the ecosystem. We rejected any suggestion that human activities can have a negative impact on the earth and itsfinancing. Concerns about environmental degradation and ecological disasters, which were even known to our ancient societies, were flatly underplayed.
Consequently, we developed an attitude towards environmental financing that was predicated on the limitless, ‘divine right’ we have over the earth. Our situation was compounded by the general prevailing global attitude towards financing as well at that time. Generated by the Industrial Revolution and further advances in science and technology, the attitude of modern society towards financing was characterized by a combination of indifference and ignorance, predicated on the idea that humans can conquer the environment to get what they want without taking cognizance of the consequences of such actions. We simply ignored the trail of our ecological footprint and embarked on ‘development’, spurred largely by the desire for economic profit. Although the environmental movement began centuries ago , it was much later, in the 1970s that it started to gain traction and climaxed with the World Commission on Environment and Development report “Our Common Future” in 1987, and the growing recognition that it can no longer be business as usual, and that the environment is not our foe. Hence, the slogan, “environmentally friendly”, “green”, “organic”, “renewable”, “recycled” and more became catchphrases. Yet, from Stockholm in 1972 – UN Conference on the Human Environment, Rio de Janeiro in 1992 – UN Conference on Environment and Development, Johannesburg 2002 – the World Summit on Sustainable Development and, more recently the Climate Conferences in Copenhagen in 2009 and Cancun in 2010, the world’s journey towards financinghas been one of great challenge and promise . Using this as a yardstick, we proudly can say that with regard to financing the African Churches are in step.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Mismanagement of funds in the church, issues and prospect. Assemblies of God church, Uyo form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Mismanagement of funds in the church, issues and prospect. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Mismanagement of funds in the church, issues and prospect.
Summary
This study was on Mismanagement of funds in the church, issues and prospect. Three objectives were raised which included: To Examine the Extent of Fund Mismanagement in the church, to Identify Root Causes and Contributing Factors in church fund mismanagement and to Explore Prospects for Addressing Mismanagement. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Assemblies of God. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the multifaceted challenges surrounding the mismanagement of funds in churches and outlines prospects for positive change. By implementing the recommended strategies and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical financial stewardship, religious institutions can not only rectify the issues at hand but also pave the way for a stronger, more trusted, and impactful role within society. As religious organizations navigate the complex landscape of financial management, it is crucial for them to continually prioritize the well-being of their congregants, the communities they serve, and the core values they hold dear.
Recommendation
Based on the findings and analysis presented in this study regarding the mismanagement of funds in churches, several recommendations are proposed to address these challenges and promote responsible financial practices within religious institutions:
- Churches should implement transparent financial reporting mechanisms, regularly sharing detailed financial statements with their congregants.
- Detailed breakdowns of how funds are collected, allocated, and spent should be easily accessible to ensure openness and accountability.
- Religious institutions should prioritize financial literacy education for both congregants and church leaders.
- Workshops, seminars, and resources on budgeting, investments, and responsible giving can empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.
- Church leaders should actively promote ethical conduct and financial integrity within their institutions.
- Encouraging transparency, leading by example, and addressing the moral implications of financial decisions can foster a culture of ethical leadership
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