A Budget is a summary of intended expenditures along with proposals for how to meet them.
Therefore, a budget is presented in two parts: the income and the expenses. In the best of all
possible worlds the “total anticipated income” and the “total anticipated expenses” will be exactly
equal amounts. Because a budget is a projection of future income and expenditures it is also, by
definition, a ministry plan both for current ministry and for managing future ministries. It is also
important to note that a budget is an estimate of what is expected to happen and should not be
treated as infallible.
By way of example, here is a sample of what a congregations annual youth ministry budget may
look like. Note, this budget does NOT include a paid staff’s compensation as that would normally
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be expressed under the congregation’s budget.
Youth Ministry Plan
Saint Someone Lutheran Church, ELCA
Purpose:
To provide opportunities for youth in our community to
proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and to hear that
proclamation.
2005 Objectives:
To offer Vacation Bible School, Confirmation camp,
mission trips, leadership training, Bible study and regular
youth events to this community’s youth. To effectively
communicate to local youth by email, Church newsletter and
direct mail. To offer opportunities for youth to develop a
closer relationship with Jesus, with the congregation and
with each other.
2005 Plan:
I.
Anticipated Income
A.
$ __________
Congregational Support
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B.
$ _5,800.00____ Confirmation Camp Registration Fees
C.
$ __125.00___
VBS Registration Fees 25 @ $5.00
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D.
$ __________
Fund Raiser #1
E.
$ __________
Fund Raiser #2
$ _________ Total Anticipated Income
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II.
Anticipated Expenses
A.
$ ___184.74__
Total Vacation Bible School
1. $59.99
1 @ $59.99 starter Kit
2. $49.75
25 @ $1.99 individual kits
3. $25.00
arts & Crafts supplies
4. $50.00
treats