Adam Flynt is the Family Ministry Director at Access Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Access Church is a strategic partner of North Point Ministries. We’ve asked Adam to share a series about the budgeting process and what he’s learned along the way as they’ve started Access Church from scratch. We know that this process can look very different when you are first starting out, but as I read his information, I knew that these principles were helpful no matter where you are at in ministry. For more great insight, you should check out Adam’s blog at www.orangefamilies.com or follow him on Twitter.
Check out Part 1 and Part 2 for a discussion about why budgets matter and a step-by-step budgeting process.
How do you create a solid budget when you’re not an accountant or don’t like administration?
Budgets don’t need to be complicated, just clear and useful. Budgets also don’t need to be too long, just complete. Ministry shouldn’t conform to a budget structure. The budget should serve the ministry.
Here is a sample budget structure for a Family Ministry:
Family Ministry
1.0.1 Background Checks
1.0.2 Design, Print & Postage
1.1 Waumba Land (nursery)
1.1.1 Curriculum, Supplies, Decorations, and Food
1.1.2 Leader (training, appreciation, contact work, t-shirts, name tags, etc.)
1.1.3 Production (set, equipment, meeting expenses)
1.1.4 Special Events (rental, promotion, planning meetings, food, decorations)
1.2 UpStreet (elementary)
1.2.1 Curriculum, Supplies, Decorations, and Food
1.2.2 Leader (training, appreciation, contact work, t-shirts, name tags, etc.)
1.2.3 Production (set, equipment, meeting expenses)
1.2.4 Special Events (rental, promotion, planning meetings, food, decorations)
1.3 Student Ministry (middle & high school)
1.3.1 Small Groups (curriculum, food, supplies, planning meetings)
1.3.2 Production (set, equipment, band and speaker fees, meeting expenses)
1.3.3 Student Impact (training, t-shirts, name tags)
1.3.4 Leader (training, appreciation, contact work, t-shirts, name tags, etc.)
1.3.5 Special Events (rental, promotion, planning meetings, food, decorations)
1.3.6 Student Contact Work
Do you ever think, “I’m not frivolous. So why do I always seem to overspend?”
If you’re like me, there are things that are “no-brainers” in your budget. Then there are things that get completely missed every year, but still should have been budgeted, and cause overspending.
Here’s are some types of items you’ll want to remember in your budget:
Little Items: When you grow, it takes more cleaning supplies, crayons, paper, snacks, security tags,leader t-shirts, and name tags. Remember that mass mailing that never seems to be planned, but happens every year?
Beyond Salaries: There are staff costs beyond salary and benefits like birthday lunches, staff retreats, conferences, Starbucks each time they meet with a leader. The hiring process is really expensive, too.
Replacement: Things break. Projector lamps go out. Flooring gets worn out. Walls need fresh paint. Decorations get tired. Maintaining your environments has got to be considered as part of your budgeting process.
Appreciation: Plan for note cards, stamps, and small “thank you” gestures. The annual Christmas party shouldn’t surprise you.
You’re now a certified budget expert . . . or bored to tears. None the less, be wise, prayerful, and God-honoring with your resources. Don’t forget to step out, depend on Jesus, and take some risks, too!
Post written by: Adam Flynt - Family Ministry Pastor - Access Church
October 26th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Thank you for this. I have “one of those” children. His father and I try so hard to teach him to respect and obey us and others. But we’ve struggled with him at church. He’s very active and doesn’t like to have to sit still for long periods of time. And so he gets in trouble a lot. I know sometimes he really does disobey, but honestly I believe that our nurseries and S.S. classes, as with most all educational settings, are geared toward girls and low key little boys. Mine is 150% boy…which does NOT automatically equate bad…and there are limited options for children like this.
I’m looking forward to part 2.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Hi Brooke,
I have 4 kids and all of them are very different. Believe it or not, it’s my girl who has always kept us hopping! I agree, we have to write and create activities that are fun for all kinds of kids and connect with them in the way that they learn best. We also need to recruit leaders who understand the differences in kids and works with those differences! I’m a firm believer that some of our most strong-willed, energetic, and out-spoken kids, will be amazing leaders as they grow! Glad this was helpful.
Kendra
December 9th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
A great read this however, lets face it budgeting is one of those topics we’d rather avoid, although in company, it’s an absolute necessity. To prepare a reasoned and thoughtful budget, an accountant or ought to start by means of a broad-based urgent analysis of the the majority modern actual performance and position of the company by the managers who are responsible for the results. Then the managers influence on precise and concrete goals for the coming year. It demands a fair quantity of management time and energy. Budgets must be worth this time and effort. It’s one of the key components of a manager’s job.