Church Budgets
Where do I find local church budget information?
• Essential component of a well-run church
– Allows determination that expenses do not exceed anticipated income
– Provides an excellent yardstick to measure progress in meeting goals
– Presents a snapshot of financial matters to congregation
• Prepared annually:
– By Finance Committee member with expertise
– Based upon Input from Administrative Council and Committees
– Allowing periodic comparisons with actual data
– Using QuickBooks or other appropriate software
– Compared to prior year budget and estimate of current year actual
– Published in advance and approved at either Charge Conference or at a subsequent Administrative Council meeting
• Should contain all income and expenses including apportionments
• Periodic financial reporting can strengthen Stewardship efforts; some consider lack of reporting to be drag on efforts to promote additional giving
Include detail of significant components:
• Tithes & Offering
• Other contribution income
• Fees from outside users of church space
• Investment return from money market accounts, bonds and stocks
• Miscellaneous income
• Salaries and health and pension benefits
– Pastor and associates
– Program staff - music, education, etc.
– Administrative staff
– Sexton and custodial staff
• Pastor and Associates accountable reimbursements
• Parsonage costs
• World service and administrative apportionments
• Program expenses
• Administrative expenses
• Building expenses
• Payments on loans
– Principal
– Interest
• Anticipated capital additions
• Miscellaneous expense
Sample Budget Calendar
• February to September:
– Furnish Administrative Council and Committees with a Budget to Actual Report with explanations of variances
– Project amounts to year-end
– Determine actions needed to bring actual amounts in line with Budget
• October:
– Request Committee Chairs to provide input for next year’s Budget
– Obtain from NYAC estimates for next year’s HealthFlex, Pension, Insurance
• November:
– Obtain from NYAC website next year’s Apportionment data
– Compile and distribute draft budget to Administrative Council
• December / January:
– Revise as may be necessary and obtain Administrative Council Approval
– Communicate budget to congregation
