CFC constitution · Financial stewardship
Finance & Giving
Tithes, offerings and ministry funds, followed by the responsibilities for banking, spending and accountability.
Finance provisions from the CFC Constitution
Arranged from CFC Constitution Final 2022, principally “Tithes and Offerings” and “Financial Management” on printed pages 9–10, with related provisions gathered below. References use the document’s printed page numbers; PDF page numbers are one higher.
This is an orderly summary of the existing constitution. The constitution remains the governing text. It does not specify a tithe percentage, fixed pledge or building contribution, Sunday school levy, or departmental allocation percentage.
01 / Constitution pages 9, 21
Tithing
All tithes from local pastors and members of local branches must be submitted to the national account and recorded by the national office. Members are to be taught and trained in the movement’s policies, including tithes.
02 / Constitution pages 9, 17
Free will offerings
Free will offerings belong in the local branch bank account. Records must be presented to the national structure from time to time. The fundraising provisions specify collection of free will offerings every Sunday.
03 / Constitution pages 9, 21
Pledges
Local pledges must be banked in the local branch bank account, with records presented to the national structure from time to time. Members are to receive teaching on pledges as part of CFC’s policies and activities.
04 / Constitution pages 8–9
Building funds
Local building funds and other local branch financial initiatives must be banked in the local branch bank account. The Branch Executive Committee is responsible for branch finances and building development, and must present records to the national structure from time to time.
05 / Constitution pages 10
Sunday school funds
Each branch is encouraged to raise funds continually for Sunday school so that the department can meet its ministry needs. This is part of the constitution’s provision for departmental finances.
06 / Constitution pages 9–10
Other ministry funds
Branches are encouraged to raise funds for Youth, Young Adults, Women’s Ministry and Men’s Ministry. Every department established in the local church should have finances to meet that department’s needs. Local financial initiatives are banked in the branch account and remain subject to branch oversight and reporting.
07 / Constitution pages 3, 9, 23
Pastoral support, gifts and honorariums
A branch may bless its local pastor financially with advice from, or consultation with, the National Executive Committee. A gift or offering specifically directed to the pastor is personal and goes directly to the pastor without discussion. CFC should also financially bless those who serve the movement as ministers of the Word through honorariums. Where a pastor’s ministerial relationship is dissolved through the constitutional process, the church provides at least one month’s severance pay and considers other assistance for the pastor and family.
08 / Constitution pages 10
Bank accounts and deposits
The branch account is opened by three recognised church-member signatories: the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. The main church account is opened by the Apostle, Chief Administrator / Lady Apostle and Treasurer. The constitution specifies savings or cheque accounts. All branch offerings must be banked as soon as possible; church money must not be retained by a treasurer for more than five days. Every branch must use a bank deposit book for its records.
09 / Constitution pages 10, 18–19
Spending approvals and reporting
The branch pastor and Executive Committee must monitor the flow and use of church funds twice a month. Financial accountability must not rest with the treasurer alone. Every expenditure requires a decision by the Branch Executive Committee with the pastor, with consultation considered. The congregation must receive a monthly report of income received and money used. The branch pastor and committee manage branch finances, while regional leadership promotes proper use of funds.
10 / Constitution pages 17
Fundraising and organisers’ funds
The constitution describes fundraising through paid demonstrations such as cakes, zone or group activities, Saturday or Sunday rallies, sketches and singing, the Vulavala method, and targets involving groups across assemblies. Its monthly and quarterly meeting contribution examples are R5 per man and R2 per woman. These are examples in the 2022 text.
11 / Constitution pages 14–16
Ministry organisers and banking records
Under the Mothers’ and Men’s organisers provisions, a banking slip is kept locally and another presented to the national office. Bank books are kept in the office where available, otherwise with the treasurer. Committees evaluate the work and plan fundraising. Organisers teach fundraising but do not handle money or take it home; they are present when it is counted and banked. Organisers’ transport funds are collected at quarterly meetings and sent to head office. Visiting-assembly fares are provided through quarterly meetings, rather than from branch to branch; if the quarterly meeting fails, claims go to the organisers’ funds at head office.
12 / Constitution pages 9
Conference and council costs
Branches are responsible for transport and catering for their pastors and delegates attending the church conference. They are also responsible for transport and catering for their members attending church council meetings.
13 / Constitution pages 22, 24–27
Treasurer, governing board and records
The Board of Elders / National Executive has responsibility for church business, property and financial resources, appoints the treasurer, and supervises the deacons. The treasurer safeguards funds and securities, receives money and issues receipts, deposits funds in the church’s name in institutions selected by the board, and submits books and records to an accountant as directed. The board may require a bond against misappropriation. Appropriate accounting records and board resolutions must be kept. Deacons manage finances and property care as delegated by the board and collect and distribute funds for relief of the needy.
14 / Constitution pages 10, 19–20, 27
Use of funds, borrowing and property
Church funds are dedicated to spiritual, charitable and educational purposes. No dividends are paid, and no part of church income or assets is distributed to members. The constitution permits contracts with members or officers for reasonable consideration. Nobody may borrow church money, including members, committees, leadership or the Apostles. Assets bought with movement funds remain movement assets; founders’ personally funded assets remain personal property. Donated property or assets require a legally binding signed document and remain with the church if the donor leaves. The constitution also directs care for needy members, widows and orphans.
For the constitution or guidance on your branch account, contact CFC Administration.