What it is for
The count sheet records how much came in at each service, before the money leaves the room. It shows the offering was counted by more than one person, and it is where the income figure in the financial report comes from.
Gifts by card, bank transfer or mobile payment go on the sheet too, so the total for the service is complete. That money never passes through the cash box: check it later against the bank statement.
How to fill it in
- Print a few sheets and keep them with the offering box, or open the spreadsheet on the church computer.
- Fill in the date, the service and the place before opening the box.
- Count together, always two people who are not from the same family. Write down how many of each note and coin there are: the spreadsheet works out the value.
- Add what came in by card, bank transfer and mobile payment during the service.
- Write down where the cash was kept or when it was paid into the bank.
- Both counters sign, and the treasury checks and signs too. The sheet goes in the month's folder.
Good practice
- Never leave one person alone with the offering, not even for a few minutes.
- Count before any payment: nothing comes out of the offering until it is on the sheet.
- Keep the count sheets with the month's financial report. The finance committee will ask for them.
To learn more, read the guide Tithes and offerings: how to record every gift.
Frequently asked questions
How many people should sign the count sheet?
At least the two who counted, ideally not related to each other. Many churches also ask someone from the treasury to sign. Follow what your church's constitution says.
Do designated offerings go on the same sheet?
They can, as long as they are listed separately in the notes, like a missions offering. That way the financial report can show the designated amount on its own.
What about €200 and €500 notes?
They were left out because they hardly ever turn up in the offering. If one does, write it in the notes.