2013 Budget

Click here for the Revised 2013 Proposed Budget.

Click here to complete online pledge card.

Click here to view the 2013 Proposed Budget.

Click here to view the 2013 Proposed Budget notes.

Click here to view the Missions Budget video.

Click here to view the summer Missions and Ministry video.

Click here to view the Guatemala mission trip video.

General Information

The proposed 2013 Mission and Ministry (General) Budget is far more than “numbers on a page.”  It’s an overview of the mission and ministry initiatives which will help us live-out our commitment to be “a community of faith, centered on Jesus Christ and committed to his purposes in the world.”  It outlines many of the ways we will offer “freedom, friendship, and faith” to our community.

The proposed budget reflects our hope to increase hands-on missions and ministry involvement; to enhance the ways we nurture the faith of all of our members, especially our children and youth; and to sustain our vibrant ministries of worship, music, fellowship and pastoral care for people at each stage of life.  Funding the proposed budget will be one expression of our intention to be the voice, hands and feet of Jesus in our region and around the world.

We’ve arranged the budget categories to reflect our new Collaborative Ministry Model, with each of the mission and ministry sections of the budget corresponding to a Ministry Council.

You can find more detailed information about the budget on the church’s website:  www.fbca.net (Click on the “2013 Proposed Budget” link).

Income for this budget will come largely from pledges in two categories: (1) Commitments to the General Budget and (2) commitments to Building/Debt Retirement (there’s a sample of the Commitment Card at the back of this information booklet).

Budget Preparation and Stewardship Leaders

Celeste Collins, Finance Committee Chair

Mary Cunningham, Budget Planning Chair

Charlie Glazener, Stewardship Committee Chair

David Blackmon, Coordinating Pastor

Wally Davids, Operations and Finance Manager

Guy Sayles, Pastor

Key Dates

Sunday, September 16, 7:00 PM: Budget Roundtable in the Dining Room

Sunday, September 30:  ALL-IN: Giving as Jesus Gave Commitment Sunday

Late Fall: Adoption of the Final Budget, Amount Based on Pledges and Other Anticipated Gifts

Comments from Mary Cunningham, Budget Planning Chair:

“For the first time in several years, a modest expense increase of approximately 5% has been recommended.  This increase is primarily in areas of outreach and ministry to our members and the greater community of people who need our help.

The cloud of our worst economic recession still looms after five long years.  Out of respect for our own members who have struggled with loss of employment, under employment, and increased living expenses, we have purposely presented relatively flat budgets in recent years.  Some may say the recession’s not over.  People are still struggling.  Some may ask, “Is this the time for a budget increase?”

“Yes!”  Our ministry outreach and assistance to the community have never been more needed or vital.  Putting our money where our ministry vision and reputation has been is not only politically and ethically correct; it is Christian correct.  Jesus said as we do for the least of these we do for Him.  We hope this budget will inspire members.

There are four significant aspects of next year’s budget:

Number one:  The increase to Total Missions and Hands on Ministry is $26,200. The total increase to Christian Formation is $13,075.00.  The total increase to Congregational Worship through music is $9,000.00.  These three areas of proposed increases add up to $48,275.00. These areas draw people to First Baptist and equip us as members to reach out more effectively to those in need.

Number two:  The other significant expense in the budget is in the area of personnel and reflects the full absorption of the salary expense for the Coordinating Pastor position.  This position up til now has been partially funded by previously set-aside reserves.  It is not a new expense, per se.  It is an expense now to be met with current budget year income rather than previously set aside reserves.

Number three:  The most significant expense re-allocation is presented under Communications and Outreach.  This re-allocation involves a shift from Charter Communications to using primarily video web-based broadcasts, which will allow for a varied means of strategic outreach, not only web-based broadcasts, but through radio, TV, print buys, etc.

Number four: Both the pastoral and administrative support areas actually propose a decrease of $4,500.00.  We will operate more efficiently while reaching out to our community in more new and exciting ways than ever before.

This budget has been prepared thoughtfully, emphasizes missions and outreach, is straightforward, and moves us forward in our quest to be Christ-centered and people focused.”