Welcome to the Pastoral Finance Blog.
Here, you'll find practical financial insights tailored for pastors and ministry leaders. These articles are a free resource designed to help you navigate everything from tax planning to retirement, side hustles, and church financial management.
Looking for something specific? Use the search bar below to explore our library of content.
Read the Fine Print: What Pastors Need to Know Before Rolling Over Their 403(b)
Rolling over your church 403(b) could cost you tax benefits and more. Before you move your money, here’s what every pastor should know and ask.
Roth IRA vs. 403(b) for Ministers: Which Should You Prioritize?
Choosing between a Roth IRA and a 403(b) can be confusing for pastors. This guide breaks down what matters most like church match, tax treatment, and how to use strategies like the Backdoor Roth effectively.
The Hidden Cost of Living in a Parsonage: What Pastors Need to Know
While parsonages offer immediate housing solutions for pastors, they may inadvertently hinder long-term financial growth. This article explores the implications of parsonage living on retirement, taxes, and net worth, offering clear steps to build financial security.
Should Pastors Pay Off Their Mortgage Early? Key Considerations for Ministers
Wondering if you should pay off your mortgage early as a pastor? This guide explains how clergy housing allowance, retirement planning, and financial trade-offs impact your decision.
The 90-Minute Financial Reset
Feeling financially foggy? In just 90 minutes, you can clear your mind, get organized, and build a plan you actually believe in. No spreadsheets. No shame. Just one focused evening to reset and position yourself for your next step with confidence.
Faithful Together: Building a Legacy of Purpose and Presence
Legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s how you live today. For ministry couples, daily decisions in love, faith, and stewardship shape tomorrow’s impact.
When the Tithes Are Low: Building Financial Resilience in Lean Ministry Seasons
Ministry seasons come in waves--some full and flourishing, others dry and uncertain. When church giving dips and personal budgets feel stretched, how can pastors lead with wisdom, not worry? Here’s a practical guide to financial resilience rooted in faith, stewardship, and community.
Are Your Minister Dues Tax Deductible?
Not sure how to handle your ministerial dues at tax time? You’re not alone. Many pastors wonder whether those payments count as a charitable gift or a business expense. In this post, we walk through exactly what the IRS says, how to deduct dues the right way, and what to do if you're W-2 only or have self-employment ministry income.
Why Your Budget Always Feels Tight (And How a Cash Flow Buffer Can Fix It)
Even when your budget looks good on paper, the day-to-day stress can feel constant. This post explains how a simple cash flow buffer can reduce anxiety and create space between paychecks and bills.
Should Pastors Be Paid? What the Bible Actually Says
Money and ministry have always had tension. In this post, we explore what the Bible actually says about pastoral compensation, from Jesus’ words to Paul’s example, and what it means for churches today.
This Isn’t an Emergency Fund. It’s the Financial Margin You’ve Been Missing
You’ve probably heard you need an emergency fund. But for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone with inconsistent income, that might not be enough. This post introduces the idea of a personal operating reserve — and why it could be the margin your finances are missing.
Good Friday Reminds Me I’m Not the One Holding It All Together
On Good Friday, we’re reminded that the most important work wasn’t done by us. It wasn’t planned, voted on, or managed. It was surrendered. And it still speaks today. If you’re carrying more than you should, let this post help you lay it down.
3 Signs Your Church Budget Might Be Off Track
Most church budgets look fine on paper, but that doesn’t always mean they’re on track. In this post, we’ll unpack three often-overlooked signs that your budget may be missing the mark—along with simple questions your board can ask to bring clarity and alignment. Whether you're a pastor or board member, this is a practical guide to keeping your financial planning mission-focused.
3 Church Finance Practices That Could Get You in Trouble (Without Even Knowing It)
Many churches unknowingly make finance mistakes that could lead to tax or legal trouble. This post highlights three common practices to avoid—and how to fix them.
Does Your Church Budget for Pastoral Growth? How to Ask for Conferences, Coaching, and Continuing Ed
Is pastoral development part of your church budget? Conferences, coaching, and continuing education are not luxuries—they’re fuel for long-term ministry health. If your budget doesn’t include a line for your growth, this post is for you.
How Is Your Pastoral Salary Being Set? 5 Things Every Pastor Should Know
When it comes to pastoral compensation, transparency matters just as much as generosity. Many pastors are unaware of the legal and ethical best practices around how their salary is set—or who should be involved. If you’re navigating compensation as a lead pastor, board member, or church planter, this post will help you avoid common mistakes and establish a process that reflects both integrity and wisdom.
The 5 Money Questions Every Pastor Should Be Asking Right Now
Sometimes it’s not a new strategy you need. It’s the right question.
This post offers five essential questions every pastor should be asking about their money. From margin to mission, giving to emergency readiness, these questions will help you reflect on your finances through the lens of calling, clarity, and wise stewardship.
3 Tax Moves Pastors Can Still Make Before April 15
The deadline is here, but it’s not too late. Here are three strategic tax moves pastors can still make before April 15—including how to review your housing allowance, retirement contributions, and 2025 withholding plan.
The 7-Day Money Reset
Sometimes your finances don’t need an overhaul—they just need a reset. This grace-filled 7-day plan will help you take back control, find peace, and build momentum again, one small step at a time.
4 Questions to Ask Before You Buy That Next Big Thing
Impulse spending doesn’t just affect consumers. Ministry leaders face financial decisions too. In this post, I share four wise, practical questions to help you pause, pray, and purchase with peace.