Church Auditing Department Report, 2024
Jared B. Larson, Managing Director, Church Auditing Department
Managing Director Larson reports the Church's finances were managed according to approved practices.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of financial accountability in our personal lives and how it relates to the principles taught by the Church.
- Share a personal story or invite a member to share an experience about budgeting and financial stewardship.
- Pose a question to the class about how they have seen the principles of financial stewardship bless their lives or the lives of others.
- Start with a brief overview of what the Church Auditing Department does and why its work is important.
- Play a short video or audio clip about the principles of financial management and stewardship.
Topics
Ensure Financial Accountability in Church Operations
The Church Auditing Department, consisting of credentialed professionals, ensures that all financial operations are performed in accordance with Church-approved budgets, accounting practices, and policies. This process provides reasonable assurance that contributions and expenditures are properly managed.
Church Auditing, which consists of credentialed professionals and is independent of all other Church departments and entities, has responsibility to perform audits for the purpose of providing reasonable assurance regarding contributions received, expenditures made, and safeguarding of Church assets.
- Why is it important for the Church to have an independent auditing department?
- How does the auditing process reflect the principles of accountability and stewardship?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of financial accountability in our personal lives?
- What are some challenges that might arise in maintaining financial accountability, and how can they be addressed?
- How does knowing about the Church's auditing process strengthen your trust in the Church's use of funds?
Follow Church-Approved Budgets and Policies
The Church disburses funds in accordance with approved budgets, policies, and procedures as directed by the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes. This ensures that financial resources are used responsibly and effectively.
Church entities disburse funds in accordance with approved budgets, policies, and procedures.
- What can we learn from the Church's approach to budgeting and financial planning?
- How can following a budget help us avoid financial pitfalls?
- What are some personal budgeting strategies that have worked for you?
- Why is it important to have policies and procedures in place for financial matters?
- How does the Church's example of financial planning inspire you to improve your own financial habits?
Live Within a Budget and Avoid Debt
The Church emphasizes the importance of living within a budget, avoiding debt, and saving for future needs. These principles are not only applied in the Church's financial practices but are also taught to its members.
The Church follows the practices taught to its members of living within a budget, avoiding debt, and saving against a time of need.
- How can living within a budget bring peace and stability to our lives?
- What are some ways to avoid unnecessary debt in our personal finances?
- How can we teach our families the importance of financial discipline?
- In what ways can saving for future needs prepare us for unforeseen circumstances?
- What spiritual benefits can come from following the Church's counsel on financial management?
Safeguard Church Assets
Safeguarding Church assets is a critical responsibility of the Church Auditing Department. This involves ensuring that all contributions and expenditures are accurately recorded and protected.
Based upon audits performed, Church Auditing is of the opinion that, in all material respects, contributions received, expenditures made, and assets of the Church for the year 2024 have been recorded and administered in accordance with Church-approved budgets, accounting practices, and policies.
- What does it mean to safeguard assets, and why is it important?
- How can we apply the principle of safeguarding resources in our own lives?
- What role does integrity play in managing and protecting resources?
- How does the Church's commitment to safeguarding assets reflect its values and priorities?
- What lessons can we learn from the Church's example of asset protection?
Trust in Church Leadership and Financial Stewardship
The report reassures members that Church leadership, guided by revelation, is committed to financial stewardship and accountability. This trust is built through transparency and adherence to established financial principles.
Directed by revelation, as recorded in section 120 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes—composed of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric—authorizes the expenditure of Church funds.
- How does the Church's financial transparency build your trust in its leadership?
- What role does revelation play in the Church's financial decisions?
- In what ways can we support our Church leaders in their stewardship responsibilities?
- How can we develop greater trust in our own financial decisions?
- What experiences have you had that have strengthened your trust in the Church's financial practices?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we apply the principle of financial stewardship in our callings?
- What are the potential consequences of not following a budget, both personally and as a Church?
- How does financial accountability relate to other gospel principles?
- What are some ways we can teach children about the importance of saving and budgeting?
- How can we ensure that we are using our financial resources to bless others?
- What are the spiritual implications of living within our means?
- How does the Church's example of financial management inspire you to improve your own financial habits?
- In what ways does financial discipline contribute to spiritual growth?
- How can we balance the need to save with the desire to be generous?
- What are some personal experiences where following financial principles has blessed your life?
