If you’ve been around Parable for any length of time, you know we’re committed to helping churches place every dollar on mission. But we know that effective financial stewardship doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens in the trenches.
That’s why we’re launching a nationwide survey to hear directly from church leaders like you about the real-world challenges and opportunities you’re facing when it comes to finances, stewardship, and accountability.
You got into ministry to see lives changed by the Gospel, to fulfill the Great Commission. In order to do that, you need the best tools, sharp insights, and more support when it comes to managing the resources God has entrusted to you.
In order to build those tools and offer that support, we need to listen. We need to understand what’s actually happening behind the scenes—from budgeting stress to donor development to keeping your financial systems secure and transparent. We want to hear about it all, which is why we’ve created the 2025 Church Finance Survey.
Why This Survey Matters
Let’s be honest—words like financial management, stewardship development, and accountability cause an instant tune-out for most church leaders. But these are the areas that often threaten the stability and health of a church. As our founder Greg Daley said in a recent episode of Distilled,
“These are things that can take a church out.”
And we’ve seen it happen. But, on the flip side, these are the areas that make transformation possible!
Our goal? To turn your real experiences into real solutions. We’re not interested in theory—we’re interested in what’s working and what’s not. And that starts by listening to church leaders like you.
What We’re Exploring
The survey focuses on three key areas:
1. Financial Management
We want to know: What tools are helping you build trust with your congregation? What’s making budgeting hard? How are you aligning your finances with your mission?
Many church leaders we serve are doing impactful ministry with outdated tools or broken systems. And while the temptation is to just “keep going,” we think there’s a better way. Your feedback will help us create updated resources that are rooted in real-world needs—not just good ideas.
2. Stewardship Development
We’re asking church leaders what actually works when it comes to cultivating a generous church. How are you discipling your people in biblical generosity? What does donor development look like in your context?
We’re also exploring how giving habits have shifted with the rise of digital giving. Nearly every church went online during the pandemic—has that changed how your congregation gives? Do seasonal giving patterns impact your budget? We want to know what you’re seeing, so we can help you stay ahead of the curve—without losing the heart behind generosity.
3. Financial Accountability
Accountability isn’t just about having the right policies. It’s about equipping church leaders with the tools, systems, and training they need to lead well and earn the trust of their community.
We’re asking questions like: What systems are you using for accounting and reporting? Where do you still feel vulnerable? How are you communicating your financial story to your people? The answers will help us build better systems—and possibly even influence how church tech developers create tools that serve the Church more effectively.
Why Your Voice Matters
Whether your church has strong financial systems or you feel like you’re just getting by, your insight matters. As Greg shared, “If you’ve figured things out, your voice can help others. And if you haven’t, we want to help you without shame or pressure.”
By participating in this research, church leaders will not only help shape future tools and resources, but also receive tangible value:
- Exclusive Access to Survey Data: See how your church compares to others nationwide.
- Free Resource: 7 Questions No Church Financial Leader Is Asking (But All Should Be).
- Chance to Win an iPad.
Take the Next Step
If you’re a pastor, executive pastor, administrator, or part of a church finance team, this is your invitation!
The survey takes just a few minutes—but the impact could shape how church leaders steward resources for years to come.
Visit liveyourparable.com/survey to take the survey today. By lending your voice, you’re not only investing in your own church—you’re helping equip church leaders nationwide with the insight and support they need to faithfully lead their communities.
Because when church leaders are supported, the Church thrives.