Every semester when I talk to my students about the many pitfalls that ministers need to avoid, I ask them to name the most dangerous areas where a minister could make a catastrophic mistake. Inevitably the number one answer is some sort of sexual sin. As we continue the conversation, especially if I ask them to give examples of reasons why someone could be fired or asked to resign from a ministry position, the next common answer is mishandling of money.

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, … not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:2-3

Here are five principles that ministers should follow when it comes to personal and church finances:

• Be above reproach in personal finances: The biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 require pastors be above reproach. How can you be above reproach in your finances? The main way is to pay your bills on…