SMAMCoptic.org Treasurer – Financial Stewardship at St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

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Understanding the Role of the Treasurer at St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

At the St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Cathedral (SMAMC), the Treasurer plays a critical role in maintaining the financial health and stewardship of the Church’s sacred mission. As the financial custodian of the Cathedral, the Treasurer ensures that every donation, expense, and financial decision aligns with the values of transparency, accountability, and the spiritual goals of the Coptic Orthodox faith.

The position is not merely administrative; it is a spiritual calling to serve God through precise and honest financial governance. The Treasurer’s efforts make it possible for the Cathedral to fulfill its mission of ministry, service, and evangelism within the local and global communities.

Commitment to Transparency and Financial Integrity

The Cathedral takes pride in its strict adherence to financial transparency. The Treasurer leads the charge in ensuring that all financial statements are accurate, timely, and accessible to the Board and the congregation. Monthly and annual financial reports are audited and reviewed by professionals, ensuring that each line item reflects truthful and clean records of income and expenses.

The Treasurer’s responsibilities include:

Oversight of all Church accounts and banking
Monthly reconciliation of financial statements
Preparation of annual budgets
Presentation of financial updates to the Parish Council and congregation
Management of tithes, offerings, and designated donations

This unwavering commitment builds trust with parishioners, enabling them to give with full confidence that their contributions are used wisely.

Budgeting for Ministry and Mission

The Treasurer at SMAMC works closely with clergy, ministry leaders, and committees to develop a comprehensive and strategic annual budget. This budget supports a wide range of Church ministries, including:

Liturgical services
Sunday School and youth ministry
Charitable outreach
Community events
Building maintenance and improvements

Each line item in the budget is prayerfully and strategically considered to maximize impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Treasurer ensures that resources are allocated in alignment with the spiritual mission of the Cathedral and its long-term vision.

Handling Donations with Reverence and Responsibility

Donations are the lifeblood of the Cathedral’s operations and ministries. The Treasurer supervises the secure handling, recording, and disbursement of donations—whether given online, in person, or through automatic contributions.

Every donation is tracked using industry-standard financial software, and the Treasurer provides year-end tax statements to donors. Restricted and unrestricted funds are clearly distinguished, ensuring that donations earmarked for specific ministries or projects are used exactly as intended.

Internal Controls and Risk Management

To protect the Cathedral’s finances from misuse or fraud, the Treasurer implements robust internal controls, including:

Dual signatories for checks and transfers
Segregation of duties for collection and accounting
Annual audits by independent accountants
Password-protected systems and financial software

These controls are not only best practices—they are an extension of the Treasurer’s spiritual obligation to serve with integrity. Financial risk is proactively identified and managed, ensuring the Church can thrive in both good and challenging times.

Stewardship Education for the Congregation

At SMAMC, stewardship is seen not only as a financial term but as a spiritual discipline. The Treasurer partners with clergy to educate the congregation on the biblical principles of giving, encouraging sacrificial and cheerful contributions.

Workshops, seminars, and annual stewardship campaigns are led by the Treasurer to:

Teach tithing and generosity as acts of worship
Show how every dollar contributes to ministry growth
Answer financial questions with openness and clarity

These efforts help foster a culture of faithful and informed giving, rooted in trust and shared responsibility.

Collaboration with Church Leadership

The Treasurer does not work in isolation but functions as a core member of the Parish Council and Executive Board. In weekly and monthly meetings, the Treasurer provides detailed financial insights that inform strategic decisions for:

Facility upgrades
Missionary support
Staffing and salaries
New ministry development

Through ongoing collaboration, the Treasurer ensures that financial data drives wise and spirit-led decisions, enabling growth without compromising sustainability.

Technological Tools for Efficient Financial Management

SMAMC leverages modern financial systems and software to streamline its accounting and reporting processes. The Treasurer uses:

QuickBooks for general accounting
Tithe.ly and Pushpay for donation tracking
Cloud-based reporting dashboards
Secure digital archives for all financial documents

Technology allows the Treasurer to deliver real-time insights, improve accuracy, and maintain compliance with IRS regulations and Coptic Diocese financial guidelines.

Annual Reporting and Accountability

One of the Treasurer’s most public-facing responsibilities is the preparation and presentation of the annual financial report. This document provides the congregation with a comprehensive overview of the Cathedral’s financial position, including:

Income and expenditure summaries
Balance sheets
Details on restricted and unrestricted funds
Budget versus actual comparisons

The Treasurer explains this report at the General Assembly Meeting, inviting questions and feedback. This tradition of transparency enhances trust, strengthens donor confidence, and reinforces the commitment to ethical financial stewardship.

Vision for Future Growth and Financial Sustainability

With an eye on the future, the Treasurer leads the charge in long-term financial planning. This includes:

Endowment fund development
Capital campaigns for major renovations
Sustainable revenue strategies
Grant writing and external funding exploration

By forecasting needs and planning proactively, the Treasurer ensures that SMAMC remains financially resilient and prepared to expand its impact for generations to come.

Conclusion: Faithful Stewardship in Action

The role of the Treasurer at St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is more than financial—it is a sacred ministry of stewardship, marked by diligence, honesty, and unwavering faith. Every check written, every budget balanced, and every report presented is done in service to Christ and His Church.

Through careful governance, strategic planning, and transparent reporting, the Treasurer plays an indispensable role in sustaining the spiritual, operational, and communal vitality of the Cathedral. It is a position of trust, honor, and deep responsibility—one that uplifts the mission of the Church and inspires confidence in the hearts of all who give.