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PREPARING A BUDGET FOR YOUR WORSHIP MINISTRY | Bill Gibson
Budgeting for a church is an interesting process . On one hand you want to get the right tools to do the job well and on the other hand resources are almost always scarce . That means choices need to be made between what ’ s necessary and what ’ s just on the wish list . It ’ s important to make a prioritized list of needs and desires . It ’ s not easy to turn away from the excitement of new music / audio toys , and it doesn ’ t necessarily need to be . However , when you ’ re using donated money , you have a special obligation to shepherd it prayerfully , thoughtfully , and with wisdom .
When it comes to sound equipment , either the Worship Director or the Audio / Media Director will be called on to develop a budget ; however , in smaller churches it might even be the pastor . Every church is different and every church situation is different . If you ’ ve been given the responsibility to lead the worship or media ministries , there will be times when you ’ ll need to present a budget to your church for new equipment and other purchases that ’ ll help your ministry serve your congregation . No matter what your situation , the following considerations are worth reviewing .
Having been through this process several times with churches of different sizes , and having design systems for churches that include cost projections , I ’ ve experienced consistencies with a few different approaches to how budgets can be submitted , no matter who is reviewing them .
Most always , budget proposals are submitted to the church council , the church financial committee , the pastor , and sometimes all of the above . Consider all of these people your allies , not your adversaries . In virtually all cases , they want to help you provide the best ministry possible . They are also , very likely to be somewhat successful in their own right , and experienced at being faithful in giving , spending , and earning money . Their decisions will be based on everything they ’ ve learned in all of those processes .
PRAYER Don ’ t underestimate the importance of prayer in this process . It ’ s so easy to move ahead with all of your decisions based on desire and none of them based on what God tells you in your heart is the best way to go . Always keep in mind that the money you were spending was given faithfully by your congregation to God , Himself . It ’ s your obligation to include him in your budgeting process . He will help guide you toward needs that will help you communicate more effectively with the congregation and away from a natural desire and lust for gear . And , don ’ t think for a second that many manufacturers don ’ t advertise in a way that appeals to desire and lust . Ask Him ; He ’ ll help .