Stewardship Systems and Support
Establishing Healthy Financial Systems for Your Church
Faithful ministry depends on trust. When it comes to church finances, strong systems help protect that trust by caring well for the people, resources, and mission God has entrusted to your church. At Converge Rocky Mountain, we offer free financial consultations to all CRM partner churches. These consultations are designed to answer basic financial questions, identify potential risks, and help church leaders understand where their systems are strong and where improvement may be needed. If additional financial services are desired, we can schedule a follow-up consultation and provide a clear proposal for any services requested.
Why Church Financial Systems Matter
Many churches assume internal financial controls are only necessary to prevent wrongdoing. Others believe that because ministry staff are faithful people, safeguards are unnecessary. Unfortunately, experience tells a different story. People are human, and churches are not immune to financial mistakes or mismanagement. Strong financial systems are not about distrust. They are about wisdom, accountability, and protection for both staff and congregation. Proper controls reduce risk, clarify responsibility, and create transparency that strengthens trust across the church.
Healthy financial systems help answer important questions like:
- Are safeguards in place to prevent the mishandling of funds?
- Can people give easily through online giving, automatic bank draft, and in-person offerings?
- Are payroll and accounting processes secure and compliant?
- Do church leaders have clear, accurate financial reports to guide decisions?
Coaching & Consultation
Free Financial Coaching
Every CRM partner church has access to a complimentary coaching that includes:
- An evaluation of current financial controls
- Review of accounting systems and processes
- Identification of potential risk areas
- Practical recommendations for strengthening financial stewardship
A La Carte Financial Consultation
For churches that need ongoing support for a reasonable fee, we offer flexible financial services tailored to your needs, including:
- Payroll processing
- Accounts payable processing
- Financial statements and reporting
- Bank reconciliations
- Donor management
- Bookkeeping and accounting support
Let's Connect!
If you have questions about your church’s financial systems or would like to schedule a free consultation, we’d love to help. Email our financial team today and take a confident step toward stronger financial stewardship.
Jill Bryant
Director of Finance
I'm passionate about helping churches steward their resources well. From financial controls and reporting to payroll and bookkeeping, my goal is to help church leaders lead with confidence and clarity as they pursue the mission God has entrusted to them.
Loans and Investment
Wesleyan Investment Foundation
WIF was founded in 1946 by individuals who understood the unique dynamics of church financing and saw a need to help finance church-building projects and provide affordable loans. They entered into a partnership with Converge in 2021. WIF has already saved many CRM churches thousands of dollars by refinancing their church loans. Those investing funds have enjoyed generous interest rates of over 5%. WIF currently has approximately 1,400 loans with churches and organizations all across North America. If you need a wise place to invest or to explore a ministry loan, check out WIF.
Converge Retirement Plan
Managed by Guidestone investment professionals, the Converge Retirement plan has provided lifetime income to Converge churches, pastors, and missionaries since 1967.
Don't get surprised at retirement—whether it's around the corner, or decades down the road. Whatever your situation, it's not too late to start saving. Not only can pastors join the Retirement Plan, but staff can as well, as long as they are 23 years of age and a full-time (at least 1000 hours per year) employee of a church or district affiliated with Converge. For more information: https://www.guidestone.org/converge
Don't get surprised at retirement—whether it's around the corner, or decades down the road. Whatever your situation, it's not too late to start saving. Not only can pastors join the Retirement Plan, but staff can as well, as long as they are 23 years of age and a full-time (at least 1000 hours per year) employee of a church or district affiliated with Converge. For more information: https://www.guidestone.org/converge
Partner Church Voluntary Contribution
Converge Rocky Mountain does not require dues or set fees from partner churches. Instead, we function as a ministry cooperative, relying on the generous investment of our partner churches. Many pastors have asked for a practical giving guideline to help with annual budgeting. We encourage every partner church to prayerfully consider investing 3% of its annual ministry budget in the shared mission of Converge Rocky Mountain.
1% for Church Strengthening
Supports the ongoing ministries that help churches thrive, including coaching, leadership development, pastoral placement, training events, church health resources, administrative support, and care for pastors and ministry leaders.
1% for Church Starting
Funds the assessment, training, coaching, resourcing, and launching of new churches throughout our region. We also encourage every partner church to actively support a daughter church or another church plant within the Converge Rocky Mountain family.
1% for Strategic Initiatives
Provides resources for special projects, ministry innovation, leadership development, regional outreach, and emerging opportunities that expand our collective Kingdom impact.
Imagine what God could do if every partner church invested just 3% of its annual budget. Together we would have the resources to strengthen more churches, plant more congregations, equip more leaders, and reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For churches committed to fulfilling the mission of Acts 1:8 by reaching their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond, few investments offer a greater Kingdom return than partnering with Converge Rocky Mountain. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one church could accomplish alone.
1% for Church Strengthening
Supports the ongoing ministries that help churches thrive, including coaching, leadership development, pastoral placement, training events, church health resources, administrative support, and care for pastors and ministry leaders.
1% for Church Starting
Funds the assessment, training, coaching, resourcing, and launching of new churches throughout our region. We also encourage every partner church to actively support a daughter church or another church plant within the Converge Rocky Mountain family.
1% for Strategic Initiatives
Provides resources for special projects, ministry innovation, leadership development, regional outreach, and emerging opportunities that expand our collective Kingdom impact.
Imagine what God could do if every partner church invested just 3% of its annual budget. Together we would have the resources to strengthen more churches, plant more congregations, equip more leaders, and reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For churches committed to fulfilling the mission of Acts 1:8 by reaching their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond, few investments offer a greater Kingdom return than partnering with Converge Rocky Mountain. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one church could accomplish alone.
Planter Fund Management
During the period from pre-launch to completing the Financial Independence checklist, Converge Rocky Mountain will manage your planting account. Often that process is completed in 1-3 years. The first year is carried out at no charge to the church plant. A bookkeeping fee will be assessed after the initial 12 months have concluded. CRM will work with you to build sound financial systems and controls that will provide long term benefits for your church. With CRM managing your finances it will free the plant leaders up to focus on vision, values, leader development and other foundational actions to establish the new church.
Typical Stages:
Stage One:
Set up a Converge Rocky Mountain Planter Account
Contact the CRM Finance Coordinator to set up your account and talk through the management of your funds.
Set Up A Donation Page For The CRM Web Site
Contact the CRM Office Coordinator to create a donation page on the ConvergeRockyMountain.org web site. You will need a short family bio and description of the need for and vision of the church you are planting. We will also need a quality family photo.
Obtain a Converge 501c3
File for a Converge 501c3 by simply sending a letter on new church plant letterhead to Victoria Crouter at Converge National. Victoria.crouter@converge.org
SAMPLE LETTER:
Obtain An Employment Identification Number (EIN) From the IRS
Immediately apply for your federal tax ID number (EIN) online at www.irs.gov
Reimbursements
All normal expenses that the Church planter/Plant incurs can be submitted regularly to Converge Rocky Mountain Financial Coordinator reimbursement from the Plant account. Submit bills, reimbursements digitally to Financial Coordinator at Finance@ConvergeRockyMountain.org. No reimbursements will be processed without receipts attached, correct expense categories assigned and a total requested. Reimbursements are usually made within a couple of days of submission. They will be made even faster if you are signed up for direct deposit.
Online Giving
CRM will provide a giving link for each plant on the Give to Church Plants on ConvergeRockyMountain.org. Direct donors giving by credit card or electronic check to your page on the site. Donations can be a special or recurring gift. The Office
Coordinator will work with you to set up your page with information about you and the plant you are starting. The administrator will also need a photograph of you and your family for the page.
Payroll
The Financial Coordinator will send payroll forms to complete when there is enough plant support coming to cover a regular payroll. You will need to fill out a W4, I9 and direct deposit authorization. All payroll is paid by direct deposit. No checks will be issued for payroll.
Contact the CRM Finance Coordinator to set up your account and talk through the management of your funds.
Set Up A Donation Page For The CRM Web Site
Contact the CRM Office Coordinator to create a donation page on the ConvergeRockyMountain.org web site. You will need a short family bio and description of the need for and vision of the church you are planting. We will also need a quality family photo.
Obtain a Converge 501c3
File for a Converge 501c3 by simply sending a letter on new church plant letterhead to Victoria Crouter at Converge National. Victoria.crouter@converge.org
SAMPLE LETTER:
August 25, 2500
Church Name
620 Southpark Drive
Littleton, CO 80120
Re: Inclusion in 501(c)3 group exemption
Legal Church Name:
District Affiliation:
FEIN:
Inclusion Date (Public Launch): 1958
Church name, located at 620 Southpark Drive Littleton, CO 80120, wishes to be included in the group exemption ruling which Converge has received from the Internal Revenue Service. We hereby authorize you to include us as an affiliate.
Sincerely,
Your name
Title
Obtain An Employment Identification Number (EIN) From the IRS
Immediately apply for your federal tax ID number (EIN) online at www.irs.gov
Reimbursements
All normal expenses that the Church planter/Plant incurs can be submitted regularly to Converge Rocky Mountain Financial Coordinator reimbursement from the Plant account. Submit bills, reimbursements digitally to Financial Coordinator at Finance@ConvergeRockyMountain.org. No reimbursements will be processed without receipts attached, correct expense categories assigned and a total requested. Reimbursements are usually made within a couple of days of submission. They will be made even faster if you are signed up for direct deposit.
Check Requests:
If you choose to not pay for an item out of pocket, a check request must be submitted to the CRM Finance Coordinator with the name of the vendor and total charge for the item. The funds will be drawn from your account. A minimum of three days is required to approve and prepare the signed check
for your pick up at Mission Hills Church.
Emergency Fund Account:
On a case by case basis, the CRM Expansion may choose to permit a church planter to establish a church account at a local bank. The planter must demonstrate good financial practices to be considered. A specific, agreed upon balance will be placed in the account and be accessible to draw from for immediate purchases where cash may be required. (Buying a trailer from Craig's List.) A receipt must be submitted to Converge Rocky Mountain Financial Coordinator for the purchase.
Online Giving
CRM will provide a giving link for each plant on the Give to Church Plants on ConvergeRockyMountain.org. Direct donors giving by credit card or electronic check to your page on the site. Donations can be a special or recurring gift. The Office
Coordinator will work with you to set up your page with information about you and the plant you are starting. The administrator will also need a photograph of you and your family for the page.
Payroll
The Financial Coordinator will send payroll forms to complete when there is enough plant support coming to cover a regular payroll. You will need to fill out a W4, I9 and direct deposit authorization. All payroll is paid by direct deposit. No checks will be issued for payroll.
Stage Two:
CRM Plant Financial Management Independence Checklist:
After Converge Rocky Mountain has managed your books for at least 12 months, your church plant may assume responsibility for its own financial management when the following conditions are met and approved by the CRM Financial Coordinator:
After Converge Rocky Mountain has managed your books for at least 12 months, your church plant may assume responsibility for its own financial management when the following conditions are met and approved by the CRM Financial Coordinator:
- Contact Secretary of State and apply for Articles of Non-Profit in state of formation.
- File for 501C3 or obtain one from Converge Worldwide. Requires a letter on new church plant letterhead sent to Victoria Crouter at Converge Worldwide Victoria.crouter@converge.org
- Apply for federal id number- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers.
- Church is organized officially and adopted its own budget. (Likely not before the second anniversary of its “Public Launch”)
- Create Church Bylaws.
- Personnel are in place to handle the church finances:
- Financial Secretary to record/process contributions and a
- Treasurer to write checks and track accounting.
- Accounting and reporting structures with procedures in place to provide internal controls for all accounting processes. This would include a team of weekly offering counters in which there are always 2 present.
- Open church bank account.
- Procedures and forms in place, designed for receipting gifts.
- All Ministry Expenses and, at least, 50% of Salary & Benefits for Ministry Staff are being paid from “offering” contributions of the church, leaving less than half of Salary & Benefits being paid by “outside” support (whether or not this support comes through CRM). This can to be adjusted for those who raise full support for 3 years of salary prior to launch from outside sources. This would have to be adjusted for Bi-vocational pastors
- Obtain business insurance and list Converge Rocky Mountain as Certificate Holder
Stage Three:
Open a local Church Business Account
Having an EIN will allow you to open a church bank account and hire future employees. In order to open a business account for your church, you will need some or all of the
following:
Some banks will have fewer or more requirements to open an account for your church. It is recommended that the plant leadership research area banks, assess which best meets the needs of your church and then contact that bank to confirm their requirements for opening an account.
Once your bank account is in place, activate your financial systems and controls as outlined in the checklist. Don't forget, CRM financial services is also available to continue to do your payroll and bookkeeping at a below market fee if it will benefit your plant
Having an EIN will allow you to open a church bank account and hire future employees. In order to open a business account for your church, you will need some or all of the
following:
- Your church’s By Laws
- Board meeting minutes approving the opening of the account.
- Statement of Faith/Statement of Beliefs
- 501(c)(3) status certification (for tax exemption, Use the Converge 501(c)(3)
- Employer Identification Number
- Funds to serve as an opening balance. These funds can be obtained from the CRM Financial Coordinator from your account.
Some banks will have fewer or more requirements to open an account for your church. It is recommended that the plant leadership research area banks, assess which best meets the needs of your church and then contact that bank to confirm their requirements for opening an account.
Once your bank account is in place, activate your financial systems and controls as outlined in the checklist. Don't forget, CRM financial services is also available to continue to do your payroll and bookkeeping at a below market fee if it will benefit your plant
Helpful Forms:
- ACH form
- Reimbursement form/Payable request
- W9 form
- NonCash donation
- Offering Worksheet
- Benevolecne Policy
- 501(c)(3) application
- Facility use
- Financial Discovery Questionnaire
- Payroll
- iI9
- W4
- Housing
- ACH
- Time card
- Colorado rules and regulations regarding PTO PFML and Paid Sick time
- Severence, Work Comp and Unemployement
- Sample handbook
- Planters
- Sample financial report
- Planter contract
Mission
Creating cultures where people find and follow Jesus.
Our desire is to help churches create intentional pathways for outreach, discipleship, and leadership multiplication so that more people come to know and follow Jesus.
Our desire is to help churches create intentional pathways for outreach, discipleship, and leadership multiplication so that more people come to know and follow Jesus.
Evangelism & Discipleship
We help churches develop practical systems for:
- Outreach
- Assimilation
- Disciple-Making
- Leadership Multiplication
- Evangelism Strategies
- Next Steps Pathways
Strategic Ministries
Supporting churches as they strengthen ministry across every generation and stage of life.
Areas include:
Areas include:
- Men's Ministry
- Women's Ministry
- Kids Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Small Groups
- Community Engagement
Drew Tarwater
Director of Church Strengthening
I'm passionate about helping pastors and ministry leaders thrive. Whether you're looking to grow as a leader, strengthen your church, or simply have questions about your next step, I'd be honored to walk alongside you and connect you with the tools, training, and relationships that can help you flourish.
Why We Build These Tools
Everything we create has been developed in the context of local church ministry—not a classroom. These are trail-tested resources shaped through years of leading churches, coaching pastors, and serving ministry teams across the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.
Our desire is simple: to strengthen churches so they can make more and better disciples of Jesus.
Our desire is simple: to strengthen churches so they can make more and better disciples of Jesus.