A Godly approach to church finances

Key drivers & input

Jeff Mittelstadt Pastor - Christ Ev. Lutheran Church of N. St. Paul & Hugo

Training - Grew up with family on farm near Juneau, WI. • NPS high school-1985; NWC-1989, WLS Seminary-

1993. • 1991, Vicar at St. Paul of Norfolk-NE. • 1993-2006, Pastor of Resurrection of Maumee-OH. • 2007-, Called to serve Christ Lutheran of NSP & Hugo-

MN

Experience – • My farm boy upbringing taught me to be frugal, not wasteful, and make every penny count.

• My interaction with layleaders in both OH and MN has taught me to be generous with God’s riches, not stingy, and make the most of every chance to share the Gospel!

Wilt FeiderTreasurer - Christ Ev. Lutheran Church of North St. Paul & Hugo

Training - Civil EngineeringExperience - Navy Seabees & Quality Engineering in

electronics manufacturing (Retired in 2009 after 35 years)

• Grew up on the east side of St. Paul, member and student of St. John's Church & School in St. Paul, attended St. Croix LHS.

• Treasurer at Christ for 23 years, previously holding committee positions on the church council

• Leadership roles in Lutheran Pioneers (Ass’nt Natl Cmdr - AV)

• Tour Manager for a local high school choir for the past 11 years

I've always been a detail oriented guy following my confirmation passage "Let all things be done decently

and in order". 1 Corinthians 14:40 (King James version)

Looking for answers?

Expectations!

I have one – Is anyone using EFT or ACH for contributions?

Drivers Wanted.

Pride

“We’ve never missed a payment yet”

NOSTALGIA

“We’ll survive, we always do. Remember when…”

G - U - I - L - T

“If you really love your Savior, you will…”

“If we don’t come up with the money, our utilities will be shut off…”

THE BOTTOM LINE… $$$

“We all agreed to this Budget, it’s time we stepped up!”

JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED!

(1Corinthians 2:1-5)

Oh Death, Where Is Your Sting!

The Driver’s Promises

…to trump FEAR Rom 8:15…to trump GUILT Rom 8:32

…to trump NOSTALGIA 2Cor 8:9…to trump PRIDE 2Cor 9:8,

• Known for Be___________, …Not for Bitterness.

• Known for Hand-______________, …Not for Hand-wringing.

List some Godly $$ Attitudes to nurture in Church Leaders?

• others?

Forgiven much, Loves much!

(Luke 7:36ff)

Bringing the Cross into our accounting…

Christ Ev. Lutheran Church of North St. Paul & Hugo Finance Structure:

Treasurer, Financial Secretary, a standing finance committee (Treasurer and Financial Secretary co-chairs), and an audit committee on request.

This gives us the confidence and comfort level that all financial matters are handled the way God intended. We have the checks and balances in place to avoid mishandling of funds.

• The Treasurer is responsible for the execution of the financial plan. (Appointed by Council)

• The Financial Secretary is responsible for reporting status of the financial plan. (Appointed by Council)

• The finance committee is responsible for budgeting and financial consultation and oversight. (Ratified by Council)

• The audit committee is responsible for ensuring accuracy and fiscal compliance. (Appointed by Council)

Church Management software:We use software called LOGOS, which includes Accounting (General Ledger, Accounts Payable and Payroll) and Membership Management (Contributions, Attendance and Membership).

There is an online comparison that I found through Christian Computing Magazine that shows what software has features you may interest you.

(http://www.ccmag.com/cms/index.php?chartid=1)

Salary Spreadsheet Demo

Q & A

Open Forum

Budgeting basics

A healthy approach

Timeline All dates approximate    

When What To whom Considerations / OutputJul 1st Budget call All budget line

owners 

Aug 15th Review of expected expenses

Finance committee

Gas & oil prices, postage increases, internet article input, financial publication input, industry expert input

Aug 31st Budget line requests due

All budget line owners

New programs, past spending and trends

Sep 15th 1st cut budget review Church council Review and input

Sep 30th Additional request clarification

Specific budget line owners

Program focus change, delay start of new program

Oct 15th Revised budget reviewChurch council Review and input

Oct 31st Final finance committee review

Finance committee

Recommendation

Nov 12th Family Forum All members Review and inputNov 15th Final budget review Church council Review and inputNov 18th Tough decisions

meetingFinance committee and staff

Programs and support

Nov 22nd Final budget recommendation

Church council Recommendation

Nov 25th Budget approval Congregation Approve

Regular Updates and Reporting

• Live presentations• Bulletin inserts• Newsletter• Posted Financials in an information center

Budget Spreadsheet Demo

BUDGET PITFALLSfor God’s People to Avoid

Missions... or My Own Congregation?

Pitfall #1

*Matthew 28:19Luke 19:101Cor 10:32

(Group) Luke 15:4-7, 8-10, 11-32

Missions (Seek the Lost!)

*Matthew 28:19Galatians 6:101Timothy 5:8Ephesians 5:251Timothy 5:17

My Own Congregation…(Strengthen the Saved!)

WHY NOT BOTH?

Frugal-n-Financial People vs. Faith-n-“FuzzyNumbers” People

Pitfall #2

Psalms 37:21James 5:4Matt 25:19

Frugal-n-Financial

2Cor 9:6 2Cor 9:8 Luke 1:37*Mark 12:41-44 Luke 12:21

Faith -n- “Fuzzy Numbers”

WHY NOT BOTH?

Help Others Take Ownership

• Accurate/Consistent Recording• Regular/Transparent Reporting• Active Council Leadership• others?...

Q & A

Open Forum