George Bullard recently blogged about church budgets and it got me thinking about addressing this issue specifically for churches in Illinois. I get this question quite often; "how much should be budgeted for salaries? how much for facilities? what about mission?
Here are a few bench marks that I think are pretty fair to keep the church engaged in the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.
70% - Facilities and Personnel
30% - Mission and Ministry
There are times that this will be out of balance. There were several years that I would plan on being out of balance in order to build momentum, create outreach, and specific movements toward vision. However, my goal was to always be within that realm.
I would begin with Mission and Ministry when doing budget. To me they were non negotiable. Personnel was not left to the last. Please don't leave personnel 'to give them what's left over'. If you have to make up for a tight budget start with the facilities. Why would a group of loving followers of Christ in a church family budget for new carpet and air conditioners while leaving staff in the dust for a raise? The Bible calls us to show pastors double honor. I have seen churches put facilities over personnel too many times. Let's start a movement to stop this.
What about cutting staff, salary, benefits? There are times that it happens and it's necessary. Most of the time it's just the easiest thing to do. Here is the only reason I can think of cutting staff or benefits.... when the mission and vision is impeded and people are giving until it hurts.
How much should pastors be making? Check out www.cogpension.org / There are many great resources on this web site.
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