Being a missionary requires handling significant money, whether it is personal donations or team finances. Unfortunately, not everyone was taught biblical principles for handling money in their homes or had the opportunity for managing finances. And of course, not everyone has had training in budgeting, simple accounting, or other basic form of financial management.

Being dependent upon relationship based support requires careful management of finances for several reasons. First of all, there are 'God factors,' factors that God looks for in our lives in order to release more blessings. One of these factors, related to biblical stewardship, is wise handling of the resources we are given. In all of the parables teaching stewardship, there is a time of giving resources, a time of testing the person's use of resources, an accounting for use, and related outcomes, whether it was increased resources and responsibility or whether it was judgement (Lk 12:41-18; 16:10-12; 19:11-26; Matt 25:14-30). God is definitely concerned about and holds us accountable for how we use the money with which we are entrusted. God also holds us as ministries accountable for our financial management.

A second concern for missionaries is the 'people factors,' or what the potential donors look at when considering whether to give or not. Donors want to invest in effective ministry but also in missionaries they know are diligent in handling money. Should a missionary demonstrate passionate sacrificial effort in church planting, yet spend his donations unwisely or inappropriately, perceptive donors may withdraw their gifts to support another missionary with effective ministry, a clear budget, careful records, and regular open financial updates. In today's world donors giving to ministries are asking hard questions about financial management practices and ministry effectiveness.

Basic financial management skills are a must for missionaries. Practical training in this area should be a normal part of staff development for staff who have not had previous training or experience. In addition, as staff are given greater responsibility they may need additional training in accounting, writing budgets, and writing financial reports. If you, as a leader cannot give this training, get an expert to come in to help you. To prepare for greater blessing, prepare your staff to handle finances in an excellent manner that would be approved by God and donors.