Streams of Support: Treasury Report 2021–2025

Across the Northwest, countless acts of faithfulness have joined together like raindrops becoming a stream, providing the resources needed to sustain ministry and prepare for what comes next.

These continuing streams of support have enabled North Pacific Union to strengthen evangelism, education and ministry across the Northwest.

The treasury department’s mission is clear: to faithfully and accountably steward the resources God provides, using them in tangible ways to help share the distinctive, Christ-centered, Adventist message of hope and wholeness.

We are grateful for the trust placed in the ministries and conferences of NPUC and strive to honor that trust through consistent, principled, forward-looking and mission-focused financial leadership.

Throughout this quinquennium, the treasury team has worked to safeguard these resources with integrity, transparency and accountability to ensure that financial practices comply with the law, align with church policy and follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Financial Stewardship in Action

Faithful stewardship requires more than careful intentions; it also depends on strong systems, clear accountability and financial leadership.

Monthly financial statements and key performance indicators are regularly provided to executive committee and departmental leadership, enabling informed decision-making and timely evaluation of financial trends.

Annual budgets are prepared with input from officers and directors, ensuring that each ministry area participates in the planning process. 

In addition to internal responsibilities, the treasury team serves as a resource for conference, university and academy finance personnel, providing insight, training and support in areas ranging from software support and accounting practices to human resources. 

Over the past five years, the treasury department has continued to strengthen financial systems and leadership across NPUC. Conferences and academies have benefited from ongoing training and support in the use of North American Division’s accounting and payroll software. 

Annual treasury councils have provided opportunities for collaboration, policy updates and professional development for conference treasury teams and academy finance leaders. These gatherings have fostered a culture of shared learning and have helped ensure consistency in financial practices throughout NPUC.

Monthly financial reporting has been enhanced to include key performance indicators and analytical tools that assist leaders in understanding trends and making informed decisions.

Committees have met regularly to evaluate financial performance, review audit findings and recommend adjustments to budgets and policies. These committees play a vital role in maintaining accountability and ensuring that financial decisions support the mission of the church.

During this quinquennium, NPUC continued to receive clean, unqualified audit opinions each year from General Conference Auditing Service, affirming the reliability of our financial reporting and internal controls.

Showers of Blessing

Tithe across NPUC remained strong — reflecting the faithfulness of our members even during periods of economic uncertainty — amounting to $564,387,524, which represents an increase of 16.57% over the prior quinquennium, or an annualized growth rate of 3.11%. 

Support for education has remained a high priority. Appropriations totaling $26,542,387 were made to Walla Walla University by NPUC and its conferences for operating, capital and special initiatives, including Bright Future and NextGen scholarships. 

Contributions to the K–12 system across the union through direct appropriations, scholarships, curriculum, training and professional development initiatives totaled $16,218,578.

Evangelism funding was emphasized, with substantial allocations directed to local conferences to support outreach initiatives, public meetings and community engagement efforts totaling $8,952,642.

Mission Priorities

Several opportunities and challenges are emerging that will shape NPUC’s financial leadership and mission in the years ahead.

Stewardship Education

Inflation, rising costs and changing giving patterns continue to place pressure on churches and conferences across the Northwest. These challenges also create an opportunity to strengthen stewardship education and expand the use of digital giving tools, helping members see how faithful giving supports lives changed through God’s mission locally and globally.

Leadership Development

Leadership transitions create an opportunity to strengthen the next generation of financial and ministry leaders. As experienced leaders retire or change roles, intentional mentoring, training and internships can help preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen understanding of church structure and policy, and prepare new leaders to serve with confidence and stability.

Accountability and Security

Governmental, legal and financial regulations continue to increase, creating added pressure for conferences, churches and schools. Smaller organizations may need additional support to meet audit expectations, denominational policies and regulatory standards. Continued investment in training, internal controls and cybersecurity will help protect the overall organization and reduce risk.

Organizational Efficiencies

Increased collaboration in administration and services will remain vital to effective ministry. Making full use of available denominational systems can help conferences, churches and schools work more efficiently while strengthening support across the Northwest.

Partnering With God

The treasury department remains committed to supporting the mission of NPUC through responsible financial management, transparent reporting and collaborative leadership.

We express deep appreciation to our members, employees and ministry partners for their faithfulness and dedication. With God’s guidance, we will continue to steward His resources with integrity, wisdom and a steadfast focus on advancing His work throughout our territory.