Church Operations

A local church is a unique community — it has the spiritual importance which people expect, but alongside that are the organisational requirements of any normal business: administration, finance, governance, and compliance.

A church and a business, while sharing many common elements, are also very different places. And yet both areas need to be equally developed and managed well within the church context – it is a tension and a balance to do this. 

As the demands from society on churches increase, appropriate and spiritually minded operational management can make a big difference in the effectiveness and fruitfulness of the church’s witness. 

Our Ministry

A big part of our purpose is to provide information and resources to the local church so they can effectively manage these behind-the-scenes tasks. Some people might label these things as “boring church stuff”. However, we think of them as important ministries that enable the church to do the evangelism, discipleship, and transformational stuff. Here’s how the BCSANT Support Team can help. 

Administration

  • Bookkeeping 
  • Policies & Procedures Template 
  • Forms 
  • Copyright 
  • Privacy 
  • Staff Employment / Appointment 

Finance 

  • Long service leave 
  • Church contributions 
  • Minister’s relocation fund 
  • Banking and finance 
  • Stipends & Wages 
  • Bequest Wording 
  • Church Treasurer Guide (BFS) 

Governance

  • Constitutions 
  • Incorporation 
  • Property Trusts 
  • ACNC 

Compliance 

  • Work Health and Safety 
  • Insurance 
  • Acts and Regulations 

Operations Team

  • Glenn Dixon

  • Tam Battersby

  • Jenny van Tienen

  • Katrina Levi

  • Bridget Townsend

  • Alison Jeisman

  • Ruth Grace

Information and knowledge to support your local church

The BCSANT Church Operations blog seeks to keep you informed of any changes, updates, and new items of interest that involve the administrative, financial, compliance, and governance functions of the local church.

Latest Operations Resources

Every year The Baptist Churches of SA provides a minimum recommended ministers stipend package, as the basis for payment to pastors and church workers. Churches can adapt the recommendation to suit the particular circumstances of the pastor and the church. This is currently based on the Teacher’s Award and has been approved by the Executive since 2007.

View Resource

Guidelines for correct use of the BCSANT logo, colours and fonts

Download file

BCSANT holds a centralised fund for the accumulation of Long Service Leave entitlements for SA Baptist pastors as they move from church-to-church within SA. 

View Resource

Every year The Baptist Churches of SA provides a minimum recommended ministers stipend package, as the basis for payment to pastors and church workers. Churches can adapt the recommendation to suit the particular circumstances of the pastor and the church. This is currently based on the Teacher’s Award and has been approved by the Executive since 2007.

View Resource

A collection of policies to keep your local church functioning!

Visit website

Baptist Financial Services is proud to sponsor the ongoing provision of Financial Guides and other resources for church financial leaders. Contact the BCSANT office for log in details.

Visit website

A simple form for registering church volunteers.

Download file

An aid to compliance with the South Australia Work Health and Safety Act 2012 – an Act to provide for the health, safety and welfare of persons at work

Download file


We have a close working relationship with both Baptist Insurance Services and Baptist Financial Services – in fact, we share an office! You can get in touch on (08) 8357 1755. 

Glen Thornley
State Relationship Manager SA/NT (BFS) & State Insurance Manager SA/NT (BIS)