{"id":14804,"date":"2026-07-17T09:31:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:31:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=14804"},"modified":"2026-07-17T09:31:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:31:55","slug":"how-to-create-a-church-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/how-to-create-a-church-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"How to create a church budget"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to create a church budget\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn how to create and manage a church budget that supports your mission, builds accountability, and helps your church plan for staffing, facilities, and outreach.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T09:31:53-04:00\">July 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to create a church budget\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/how-to-create-a-church-budget\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/lauraslingo\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/03\/laura-slingo-headshot-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Laura Slingo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/03\/laura-slingo-headshot-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/03\/laura-slingo-headshot.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Laura Slingo<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing a church budget is about stewardship, trust, and faithfully supporting the mission you&#8217;re called to lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A church budget should be a practical financial plan that helps align real-world income and expenses with your church&#8217;s ministry goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But for many church leaders, budgeting can feel like a heavy responsibility. Managing donated funds, answering to boards and congregations, and planning in the face of rising costs and unpredictable giving can be a lot to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Breaking the process down into clear, manageable steps with adaptable benchmarks can help you budget with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A church budget is a living plan that aligns your church&#8217;s mission with real-world income and expenses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Careful church budgeting improves stewardship, transparency, and trust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using realistic church budget categories and percentages helps leaders make informed decisions while adapting to their church&#8217;s size and priorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular reviews and simple tools make it easier to manage income and expenses for churches, even when giving fluctuates or costs rise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h3>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-church-budget\" data-level=\"2\">What is a church budget?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-does-church-budgeting-matter\" data-level=\"2\">Why does church budgeting matter?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-steps-to-create-a-church-budget\" data-level=\"2\">Steps to create a church budget<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-church-budget-percentages-and-categories\" data-level=\"2\">Common church budget percentages and categories<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-church-budget-examples-for-different-sizes\" data-level=\"2\">Church budget examples for different sizes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-handling-shortfalls-and-monitoring-cash-flow\" data-level=\"2\">Handling shortfalls and monitoring cash flow<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-tips-for-small-church-budget-planning\" data-level=\"2\">Tips for small church budget planning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-church-budget-faqs\" data-level=\"2\">Church budget FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-a-church-budget\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a church budget?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A church budget is a financial plan that outlines how your church expects to receive and spend money over a specific period\u2014usually a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At its core, it aligns ministry goals with available resources, allowing leaders to make informed and sensible decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose of a church budget includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Balancing income and expenses responsibly, so spending doesn&#8217;t outpace giving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting ministries and mission priorities, not just operational needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating accountability and transparency for leadership, boards, and congregants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A church budget is not a one-time spreadsheet. It&#8217;s a living document that should be reviewed and adjusted as circumstances change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When used effectively, it guides everyday spending decisions and longer-term planning for things like added staffing, facility improvements, or expanding outreach programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your church is a registered charity, its budgeting process should also support accurate recordkeeping and financial oversight. The Canada Revenue Agency requires registered charities to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/charities-giving\/charities\/checklists-charities\/keeping-adequate-books-records.html\">keep adequate books and records<\/a> and file an annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/charities-giving\/charities\/operating-a-registered-charity\/filing-t3010-charity-return\/when-file.html\">T3010 Registered Charity Information Return<\/a> no later than six months after the end of their fiscal period<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-does-church-budgeting-matter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does church budgeting matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many churches feel uncomfortable discussing money openly, and that hesitation is understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But when budgeting conversations are avoided, it often creates more stress and uncertainty\u2014especially when you don&#8217;t have clear visibility into the income and expenses for your church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective church budgeting brings clarity and confidence by helping you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practise faithful stewardship of donated funds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Align your church&#8217;s vision and mission with everyday spending decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain financial stability during seasonal or economic fluctuations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build transparency and trust with elders, boards, and the congregation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan more intentionally for growth, staffing, and outreach initiatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-steps-to-create-a-church-budget\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to create a church budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Church budgeting becomes far more manageable when you break it into clear steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These steps create a repeatable process that your church can revisit and refine each year as circumstances change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-determine-income-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Determine income sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by identifying how your church receives income. Common sources include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tithes and offerings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fundraising events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grants or donor-restricted gifts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facility rentals or space usage fees (if applicable).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review giving trends from previous years and look for patterns. Forecast conservatively\u2014especially if your church experiences seasonal fluctuations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many churches plan using the lower end of recent averages rather than optimistic projections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-identify-major-expenses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Identify major expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, capture all your church&#8217;s expenses, both fixed and variable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fixed costs may include rent, salaries, or loan payments, while variable costs often include utilities, repairs, and programme supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use prior-year budgets, bank statements, and invoices to make sure nothing is overlooked. Commonly missed church expenses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Software subscriptions and online tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insurance cost increases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building maintenance and unexpected repairs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payroll taxes and employee benefit costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-organise-expenses-into-budget-categories\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Organise expenses into budget categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grouping expenses into clear church budget categories makes it easier to explain financial decisions to your board and congregants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prioritise mission-critical spending first, then allocate remaining funds based on your church&#8217;s priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Percentage-based guidance can be helpful, but your categories should reflect your church&#8217;s actual needs, not an idealised model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-plan-for-reserves-and-emergencies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Plan for reserves and emergencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unexpected expenses, such as roof repairs, equipment failures, or sudden dips in giving, are a part of church life. Building a reserve gives your church more flexibility to respond without immediately cutting ministries or taking on additional debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set your reserve target based on your church\u2019s fixed costs, payroll obligations, property risks, income stability, and access to unrestricted funds. A target of three to six months of operating expenses can be used as a planning benchmark, but it is not a fixed rule or Canadian legal requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canadian nonprofit guidance provides a more specific starting point for organizations with employees. <a href=\"https:\/\/imaginecanada.ca\/en\/360\/tips-protect-nonprofit-board-directors-personal-liability\">Imagine Canada recommends<\/a> that, where possible, organizations maintain enough reserves to cover at least three months of employee wages and related Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and income tax remittances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your preferred reserve target feels unrealistic right now, start with a modest monthly contribution and build the fund over time. Review the target regularly as your church\u2019s costs, staffing, property needs, and financial position change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think of reserves like a household emergency fund: you may not need them often, but they can provide essential breathing room when an unexpected issue arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-review-and-adjust-throughout-the-year\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Review and adjust throughout the year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A church budget functions most effectively when it&#8217;s reviewed regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monthly or quarterly check-ins help you spot issues early so you can make minor adjustments rather than major cuts later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using consistent accounting policies also makes financial results easier to compare from one period to the next. Depending on your church\u2019s reporting framework, its financial statements may be prepared according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/a-guide-to-generally-accepted-accounting-principles-gaap\/\">generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)<\/a>, including Canadian accounting standards developed for private-sector not-for-profit organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-church-budget-percentages-and-categories\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common church budget percentages and categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Church budget percentages can provide useful reference points, but there is no one-size-fits-all breakdown that will work for every Canadian congregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ranges below are illustrative planning benchmarks rather than fixed rules or Canadian averages. Your church\u2019s size, staffing model, property costs, debt, ministry priorities, and approach to categorising expenses will all influence what a sustainable church budget should look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Financial ratios also need context. For example, one church may record community programs under missions and outreach, while another includes them within its general ministry budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Canadian Centre for Christian Charities (CCCC) notes that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/cccc\/2023\/11\/going-beyond-the-fundraising-ratio-broadening-the-view-on-charitable-impact\/\">financial ratios should be considered alongside factors<\/a> such as a charity\u2019s activities, geographic reach, funding sources, and volunteer workforce rather than treated as standalone measures of effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the following church budget categories and percentage ranges to evaluate your current approach, identify potential gaps, and develop a budget that reflects your church\u2019s actual needs and priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-staff-expenses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Staff expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This category includes salaries, benefits, payroll taxes, and stipends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Typical range:<\/strong> 40\u201360%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As your church grows, balancing fair compensation with long-term sustainability becomes increasingly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-missions-and-outreach\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Missions and outreach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local and global missions, benevolence, and community programmes fall under this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Typical range:<\/strong> 10\u201325%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because every church defines &#8220;missions&#8221; differently, it&#8217;s essential to be clear about what&#8217;s included and how these efforts support your broader ministry goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-facilities-and-operations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Facilities and operations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Include utilities, maintenance, insurance, and building repairs in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Typical range:<\/strong> 20\u201330%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older buildings or church-owned facilities often require higher allocations and more planning for long-term capital improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-administration-and-technology\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Administration and technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This category covers office expenses, accounting, communication tools, and software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Typical range:<\/strong> 5\u201310%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investing in the right technology can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, making it easier to manage your church&#8217;s finances and communicate effectively with leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-debt-repayment-or-reserve-funding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Debt repayment or reserve funding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loan payments and intentional contributions to reserve funds are included in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Typical range:<\/strong> 5\u201310%<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing debt and building reserves strengthens your church&#8217;s financial stability and provides flexibility when unexpected needs arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-church-budget-examples-for-different-sizes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Church budget examples for different sizes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sample church budgets can be helpful reference points, but they&#8217;re most effective when you adapt them to reflect your church&#8217;s mission, structure, and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following sample church budgets are hypothetical planning examples in Canadian dollars. They are not Canadian averages, and attendance alone should not be used to predict a church\u2019s income or expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Category<\/th><th><strong>Small church: $165,000<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Medium church: $550,000<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Larger church: $1.65 million<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Staff<\/td><td>$75,000<\/td><td>$300,000<\/td><td>$870,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Facilities<\/td><td>$40,000<\/td><td>$110,000<\/td><td>$330,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Missions and outreach<\/td><td>$20,000<\/td><td>$80,000<\/td><td>$245,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Administration and technology<\/td><td>$15,000<\/td><td>$30,000<\/td><td>$120,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reserves or debt<\/td><td>$15,000<\/td><td>$30,000<\/td><td>$85,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$165,000<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$550,000<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$1.65 million<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-small-church-budget-sample\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small church budget sample<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>50\u2013100 attendees | $165,000 annual income<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Staff: $75,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilities: $40,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missions and outreach: $20,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administration and technology: $15,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserves or debt: $15,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small churches often rely heavily on volunteers and shared leadership roles, which can help keep staffing and administrative costs lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-medium-and-growing-church-budget-example\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medium and growing church budget example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>100\u2013300 attendees | $550,000 annual income<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Staff: $300,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilities: $110,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missions and outreach: $80,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administration and technology: $30,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserves or debt: $30,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As your church grows, its budgets typically reflect the addition of staff, expanded ministries, and increased operational complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-larger-congregation-church-budget-example\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Larger congregation church budget example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>500+ attendees | $1.65M annual income<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Staff: $870,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilities: $300,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missions and outreach: $245,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administration and technology: $120,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserves or debt: $85,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Larger churches may benefit from economies of scale but also require stronger systems, more transparent processes, and more formal financial oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-handling-shortfalls-and-monitoring-cash-flow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Handling shortfalls and monitoring cash flow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The income and expenses for churches will naturally fluctuate. Seasonal giving dips or unexpected costs don&#8217;t signal failure, but the need for adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When shortfalls arise, helpful strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitoring cash flow regularly to spot issues early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporarily reducing discretionary spending.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicating openly and transparently with church leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/industry\/nonprofit\/\">church accounting software<\/a> can support more accurate forecasting to help you better plan for financial ups and downs and make better-informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-tips-for-small-church-budget-planning\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for small church budget planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re part of a small church, you likely have fewer resources but you also benefit from greater flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the average church budget breakdown can provide helpful context, while thoughtful planning allows you to maximise your resources and stay true to your mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-forecast-conservatively\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Forecast conservatively<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use recent giving patterns, prior-year financial information, and known changes in your congregation to build a realistic income forecast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The United Church of Canada\u2019s <em>Financial Handbook for Congregations<\/em> states that a church budget should reflect members\u2019 giving potential, the previous year\u2019s financial information, and the needs of the local church. It also recommends comparing financial results with both the budget and the previous year to help assess the church\u2019s position. <a href=\"https:\/\/united-church.ca\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-12\/financial-handbook-for-congregations-2025-2028.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Review the Financial Handbook for Congregations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some churches choose to budget below their expected income to create a buffer, but there is no standard percentage that will suit every congregation. The appropriate margin depends on how predictable your giving is, how much unrestricted cash your church has available, and how easily expenses can be adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if average monthly giving is $10,000, do not automatically assume that the same amount will be available every month. Review seasonal variations, one-time gifts, changes in attendance, and any known donor or funding changes before deciding how much income to include in your church budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-collaborate-with-key-leaders\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Collaborate with key leaders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Involving your treasurer, finance team, and trusted volunteers in the budgeting process is essential. Shared ownership strengthens accountability and builds trust across leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-adapt-allocation-models-to-reality\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Adapt allocation models to reality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your church&#8217;s budget percentages may differ from published benchmarks\u2014and that&#8217;s OK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus on what&#8217;s sustainable for your church today, not on idealised models that don&#8217;t reflect your current capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A well-managed church budget brings clarity, confidence, and alignment to your ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It supports faithful stewardship while giving you the structure to plan responsibly, even as circumstances and needs evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfection isn&#8217;t the goal. What matters most is visibility, accountability, and the ability to adapt when things change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the right approach and support, budgeting becomes a tool that strengthens your ministry rather than a task that weighs it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explore church <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/\">accounting software<\/a> to learn how it can simplify financial management and give you clearer, actionable insight into your church&#8217;s income and expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-church-budget-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Church budget FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294782182\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What percentage of a church budget should go to personnel?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Many churches allocate around 40\u201360% of their budget to personnel, depending on church size, staffing levels, and ministry structure.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294792051\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What percentage of a church budget should go to missions?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A common range is 10\u201325%, though this varies based on your church&#8217;s mission priorities and definition of outreach.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294808060\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How often should churches review their budget?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Monthly or quarterly reviews are recommended to catch issues early and make timely adjustments.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294815290\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the average cost to run a church per attendee?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There is no reliable Canada-wide average cost per attendee because staffing, property ownership, location, ministry activities, and accounting categories vary widely. Your church can calculate its own annual operating cost per attendee by dividing total annual operating expenses by average weekly attendance, then monitoring the result over time or comparing it with a suitable denominational or peer-group benchmark.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294826419\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should churches use zero-based budgeting?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some churches choose zero-based budgeting to increase accountability, but it&#8217;s not the best choice for everyone. It requires more time, discipline, and detailed planning.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294833893\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How much should churches keep in reserve funds?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Many churches aim to maintain three to six months of operating expenses in reserve to handle unexpected costs or income fluctuations.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784294844911\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which church budget categories are most often overlooked?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Technology expenses, insurance increases, building repairs, and payroll-related costs are commonly underestimated or missed.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cta-content__title\">Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-8949a954-88b2-43bb-8b8a-77c53eb34350\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/accounting-101\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccounting 101\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/business-finances\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness finances\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/business-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/business-strategy\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness strategy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/cfo\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCFO\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/financial-insights\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfinancial insights\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/making-financial-decisions\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaking financial decisions\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/nonprofit\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tnonprofit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-14816 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-business-finances tag-expenses tag-financial-insights tag-profit-and-loss tag-small-business tag-tax business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business industry-healthcare card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1285289807-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1285289807-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1285289807-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1285289807-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-20T06:21:32-04:00\">July 20, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">18 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/guide-to-dental-practice-accounting\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDental practice accounting: A complete guide\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tUnderstanding dental practice accounting helps your practice run smoothly and profitably, so you can spend less time on the books and more time on patient care.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading 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2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is family office governance and why does it matter?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-14800 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-business-finances tag-investments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business industry-financial-services\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-percent-of-your-portfolio-should-be-cash\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_HR-Professionals_2126-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_HR-Professionals_2126-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_HR-Professionals_2126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_HR-Professionals_2126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T07:08:02-04:00\">July 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat percentage of your portfolio should be cash?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-14767 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-business-continuity tag-financial-insights tag-how-to-grow-your-business tag-making-financial-decisions tag-midsized-business tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-fair-market-value-fmv\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1272758830-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1272758830-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1272758830-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1272758830-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T05:26:46-04:00\">July 16, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tFair market value: What it is and how to calculate it\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to create and manage a church budget that supports your mission, builds accountability, and helps your church plan for staffing, facilities, and outreach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1910,"featured_media":13301,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,11],"tags":[162,266,168,169,271,274,190,195,459],"business_type":[3,99],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[138],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[279],"coauthors":[528],"class_list":["post-14804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-accounting-101","tag-business-finances","tag-business-management","tag-business-strategy","tag-cash-flow","tag-cfo","tag-financial-insights","tag-making-financial-decisions","tag-nonprofit","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-business","industry-nonprofit"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Laura 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