by David Washburn, BGAV Treasurer

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Many churches are in budget season, and as you’re planning, I suggest beginning with a critical question: Does our budget reflect our mission and vision?

Churches often focus on maintaining programs, facilities, and staff, but they rarely take the time to ask and answer that question.

Financial planning isn’t just about numbers, it’s about priorities. Every dollar a church spends communicates what it truly values. If the majority of resources go toward building maintenance while outreach programs are underfunded, the budget may unintentionally send the wrong message. Aligning finances with mission ensures that resources actively support the ministry goals that matter most.

A mission-driven budget begins with evaluating programs and ministries. Church leaders should ask:

- Are these programs achieving their intended impact?

- Are funds being used efficiently?

- Could some efforts be consolidated or restructured for better outcomes?

Regular assessment encourages accountability, ensures efficiency, and helps prevent resources from being spread too thinly.

Equally important is planning for growth and flexibility. A church’s budget should anticipate both opportunities and challenges. Setting aside funds for staff development, technology upgrades, outreach initiatives, and unexpected emergencies creates financial flexibility. This allows the church to respond to evolving needs without compromising core ministries.

Engaging the congregation in the budgeting process is another critical step. Transparency about how financial decisions align with the church’s mission builds trust and fosters generosity. When members understand that their contributions directly support ministries and outreach efforts, they are more likely to give thoughtfully and consistently. Clear communication about priorities strengthens the partnership between leadership and the congregation.

Finally, budgets should be living documents, reviewed regularly and adapted as the church’s mission evolves. This continuous process allows leadership to reallocate resources to ministries that are thriving and reconsider programs that may no longer serve the church’s strategic goals.

Aligning a church’s budget with its mission is more than good management, it’s an act of faithful stewardship. It ensures that every dollar spent advances the church’s vision, strengthens accountability, builds trust within the congregation, and maximizes ministry impact. Thoughtful financial planning demonstrates that the church is committed not only to sustaining itself but also to fulfilling its calling in the community.

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