Body
“The process of creating the church budget is important. In many ways, it’s a ministry roadmap for the upcoming year. As you walk through this budget season, here are six quick tips to consider.” - Toolbox
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Most Churches’ Fiscal Years Begin in January, More Variety in Who Makes the Budget
Body
“74% of Protestant pastors say their church’s fiscal year starts in January…. Most say the trustees or church board (77%), the treasurer (69%), the pastor (61%) and a finance or stewardship committee (58%) are involved in creating the budget.” - Lifeway
Tips for Managing a Church Budget Shortfall
Body
“Although a budget isn’t considered by many to be a spiritual topic—much less an exciting ministry conversation to have—every church faces financial issues. And every church, at some point or another, will face a budget shortfall.” - Facts & Trends
“Dave Ramsey says pastors should not ask 'broke people' to tithe until they first work on their debt and budgeting.”
Body
“Not everyone agrees with Ramsey’s advice, however. Chuck Bentley, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, says Christians should tithe no matter what their financial situation.” - Christian Headlines
Ordering Finances Wisely Part 9: Planning to Give, Save, & Spend
Originally posted in 2013. Read the series so far.
On “Paying Yourself First”
Perhaps the reader has heard the oft-repeated maxim, “Pay yourself first.” “Pay yourself first” simply means to save first—sometimes at a recommended rate of 10%—and use the remainder for spending. Forbes calls “pay yourself first” “the most important rule for a comfortable retirement.” Investopedia notes that “some financial professionals even go so far as to call ‘pay yourself first’ the golden rule of personal finance.”
The Word of God disabuses this maxim. Indeed we are to give to the Lord first as taught in verses such as:
