How Divergent Church handles finance

Our goal is to handle finance and administration firstly according to biblical example and command and secondarily consistently with proper legal governance procedures.

1. Those who lead in spiritual matters should also lead in financial matters (Acts 4:35,37; Acts 11:29,30; 1 Timothy 3:3,8). Unlike some other Churches we hold to an Eldership lead environment, this includes decisions not only of Spiritual nature but all matters. Whilst consultation and cooperation must happen, the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the Eldership. To assist in this matter and to create consistency in legal governance of such a board of appropriately qualified people is appointed. This board consists of those of Deacon level character and competency. Unlike the Eldership, they are not required to have the ability to ‘teach’ doctrine.The budget for local / regional / global Divergent expenditure is set by the board through consultation with the Eldership and other parties. The AGM approves this budget. The AGM consists of Divergent Oversight Eldership, Divergent Global Eldership and the Divergent Global Board. Local budgets are administered by the management team. You can learn more about our Spiritual and Community Leadership and how it integrates with secular governance objectives here. Significant or unusual expenditure is determined by the board in due diligence and faith in consultation with the Eldership and appropriate experts. As a note, some Churches hold to legal membership of the general community. This body of people then effectively controls appointment and expenditure, a role set aside for Eldership. This practice is unbiblical.

2. Money should be handled in such a way that is defensible against any accusation (2 Corinthians 8:21). Our finances are open to those who are active part of our community. People are welcome to access our books. This can be done through accessing the reports as publicly available. These are tended to the ACNC and publicly available, all members of the Divergent community and public can access these reports. 

Clarifying questions regarding expenditure can also be sent to the board via the contact details on this site.

3. Money should be handled by trustworthy people.

More than one person should perform every function so that we have accountability (2 Corinthians 8:18-24; Acts 6:3-6).

The handling of finance is often a delicate matter with abuses happening at times. As such, we maintain selective operation regarding who and how we handle finance. No individual counts finance without transparency and no individual is able to spend finance without accountability.

Larger financial expenditure and investment is processed through the Eldership and Legal Governance board.

Any questions can be forward to the board via the contact links below.