Treasurers Meet for Training, Spiritual Enrichment

Story by Taashi Rowe

Pop quiz. When you think of how your school or church treasurer adds value to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, what phrase comes to mind? (Pick one answer from below).

A. Accounting
B. Providing timely information
C. Being a spiritual leader
D. Providing creative strategies
E. All of the above
 

The correct answer is E—all of the above. Some 40 conference treasurers and school business managers came away from the November 13-15 treasury meetings at the Columbia Union Conference headquarters in Columbia, Md., with the understanding that they add multifaceted value to their churches.

“In these meetings we are very intentional about training and preparing the next generation of the church’s financial leaders,” said Seth Bardu, Columbia Union treasurer/chief financial officer. “We offer technical skills training, policy updates, reinforce the church’s mission and inspire attendees on spiritual matters.”

Regarding the latter, Bardu said being a church treasurer involves more than just balancing the books. “We all have spiritual lives and have a role to play in fulfilling the church’s mission,” he said.

This annual meeting included sessions on “Impacting Mission,” “GAAP vs. International Accounting Standards,” “Legal Questions and Answers.” Attendees also received updates from Adventist Risk Management and the North American Division and training from the General Conference Auditing Services.

Lawrance Martin found information on international accounting standards relevant to his work as chief financial officer of the Allegheny East Conference. “It was good information to know,” he said. “Coming to these meetings reminds us of how we treasurers add value by making resources available for Christ’s ministry.”

“I come for the camaraderie and support,” said Debbie White, assistant business manager at Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Va. “We are sharing experiences on what works to help us do our work better, and we are getting up to speed on changing policy. I also enjoy the wonderful worships and music. It really refreshes and renews me.”