Budgeting Process Overview

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year July 1 to June 30.

Budget Timeline

The annual budgeting process follows a structured timeline to ensure proper planning, review, and approval:

  • January – Budget process begins
  • January–May – Budget development, review, and revisions
  • June – Final approvals and submission
  • July 1 – New fiscal year begins 

Roles & Responsibilities

Director of Operations

  • Oversees and manages the entire annual budgeting process
  • Provides guidance, structure, and deadlines
  • Ensures alignment with overall organizational strategy and financial health
  • Reviews and finalizes budgets prior to approval 

Campus Pastors

  • Responsible for developing and managing their campus-specific budget
  • Ensures budget aligns with ministry goals and available resources
  • Leads internal review process with their Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
  • Secures ELT approval prior to submission

Executive Leadership Team (ELT)

  • Reviews campus budgets for alignment with vision, priorities, and stewardship expectations
  • Provides accountability and final approval at the campus level 

Key Principles

  • Budgets should reflect intentional stewardship and mission alignment
  • Planning should be realistic, data-informed, and forward-looking
  • Collaboration between campus leadership and central operations is essential
  • Final budgets must be approved before the start of the fiscal year

Summary

The budgeting process is a multi-month, collaborative effort led by the Director of Operations and executed by Campus Pastors with ELT oversight. Proper planning and timely approvals ensure the church enters each fiscal year positioned for strong financial and ministry impact.