Mormon Church Finances Revealed: Sacred Stewardship and Temporal Investments
In a significant revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord provides guidance on the management of sacred resources. This revelation, directed to the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is centered on the importance of organizing and using church funds effectively to fulfill spiritual and temporal needs. Through this counsel, the early Saints were taught the sacred responsibility of LDS finances and stewarding the Lord’s resources to further His work and build up His kingdom on Earth.
Caption: A stack of coin money with Holy Bible Book in the background. The biblical concept of Christian offerings, tithing, and gifts in the church of God Jesus Christ. A close-up.
Source: Marinela
A Charge to Steward the Word of God
One of the primary instructions given in this revelation was the command to the Saints to organize themselves to print and distribute the word of God. In verse 57, the Lord commands, “I have appointed you stewards to be over my house.” This responsibility involved the crucial task of ensuring that the scriptures—God’s words given through prophets—were made available to the people.
At the time, the Saints were preparing to publish the Doctrine and Covenants for the first time. This act of printing and distributing the scriptures was seen as essential for helping individuals learn God’s will through His revelations. By making His word accessible, the Saints would assist in the spiritual growth of individuals, helping them understand the Lord’s teachings and instructions.
The Two Treasuries: Sacred and Other
To achieve the goal of disseminating God’s word, the Lord instructed the Saints to organize two treasuries within their LDS church finances. The first, referred to as the “sacred treasury”, was designated for sacred purposes, particularly the printing and distribution of the scriptures. In verse 63, the Lord explains that the sacred treasury was to be used exclusively for “sacred things,” including the financial support needed to print and distribute the scriptures. This treasury, safeguarded by a seal, was specifically established to further the spiritual goals of the church by funding initiatives that would bring the word of God to the people.
The second treasury, sometimes labeled the “other treasury” or “another treasury,” is addressed in verse 67. Although this treasury was distinct from the sacred treasury, it was not entirely secular. The funds in this treasury came from the church’s stewardships, such as properties, lands, and businesses owned by the church. These resources were dedicated to the improvement of communities, benefiting both church members and the general public. This treasury represented the church’s temporal or material stewardship, ensuring the well-being of the communities in which the Saints lived.
The Modern Application of the Treasuries
In today’s context, the distinction between the two treasuries continues to guide church finances. For example, the development of the **Gospel Library app**—which provides free access to almost all of the church’s scriptures, teachings, and resources—would likely be considered an expenditure from the sacred treasury. The Gospel Library app serves as a modern means to fulfill the same goal the early Saints had when they built printing presses: getting the word of God into the hands of as many people as possible. While in 1834, this meant physically printing and binding books, today it means developing an app and making it accessible across the world. The sacred treasury funds initiatives that directly serve the spiritual needs of the members and help people everywhere access the teachings of the church.
On the other hand, church investments in infrastructure and businesses often come from the other treasury. A notable example is the **City Creek Center** in Salt Lake City. Built in 2012, this shopping mall sparked some controversy among members and outsiders because it seemed a departure from traditional church activities. However, President Gordon B. Hinckley clarified that no tithing or sacred funds were used for the construction of the mall. Instead, the church used secular investments from the other treasury to revitalize the downtown area of Salt Lake City, making an investment in the surrounding community.
This principle is not new to the church. Throughout its history, the church has used its financial resources to help its members and communities prosper temporally. From owning ranches and farms to providing employment and education, the church has taken measures to care for the well-being of its members and those around them.
The Blurring of Sacred and Secular Lines
A unique aspect of the church’s financial stewardship is the blending of what many might view as the **sacred** and the **secular**. The church’s stewardship of resources encompasses both temporal and spiritual responsibilities, and sometimes these overlap. A prime example is the **Polynesian Cultural Center** in Hawaii, owned by the church. This center is not only a theme park and tourist attraction but also a vital source of employment for students attending nearby Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Students, many of whom come from impoverished areas in the Pacific and Asia, work at the Polynesian Cultural Center to pay for their schooling.
This intertwining of spiritual and secular purposes is evident in the center’s dual roles. On one hand, it serves as a business that supports the local economy and provides jobs for students. On the other hand, it fulfills a sacred purpose by helping these students gain an education in an environment that strengthens their faith and prepares them for lives of service. In this case, the funds from both treasuries serve the same ultimate purpose: to bless the lives of God’s children.
Debt and Financial Responsibility
Another significant principle outlined in this revelation is the emphasis on paying debts. In verse 78, the Lord instructs His people to avoid debt whenever possible, likening debt to a form of “bondage” in verse 83. The early Saints were reminded of this when they struggled to pay off debts incurred from printing the Book of Mormon. The principle of financial freedom is echoed throughout scripture, encouraging individuals and the church as a whole to practice fiscal responsibility. By avoiding debt, both individuals and the church can use their resources more effectively to bless others and further the Lord’s work.
Conclusion: Stewardship and the Kingdom of God
This Mormon church finances revealed offers profound insights into how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints manages its resources. The Lord’s guidance to organize both a sacred and another treasury illustrates the balance between spiritual and temporal stewardship. Whether it’s the Gospel Library app that delivers spiritual teachings to millions or investments in infrastructure that revitalize communities, the church’s financial strategies are designed to fulfill God’s purposes.
Ultimately, the principle of stewardship is key. Every member and leader of the church is encouraged to use their gifts, talents, and resources in ways that build up the kingdom of God. Whether through sacred responsibilities like preaching the gospel or temporal efforts that benefit communities, all contributions are valuable in fulfilling the Lord’s purposes on Earth.
