BMA FINANCIAL: Ministry Drives Money - Why the Church Budget Must Follow the Mission

By Steve Crawley, PhD, Executive Director • BMA Financial

Let’s be clear, a church budget is not about crunching numbers — it’s about carrying out the mission. Money should never lead the ministry. Ministry must drive the money. If we get that backwards, we’re managing a balance sheet, not stewarding God’s resources.

Before we ask how to budget, we must settle why. The answer is simple and scriptural — to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Love God, love people and make disciples. That’s the assignment. The budget is just a tool to help us fulfill the assignment more effectively.

• Start with the Mission, Not the Math — Every budget starts with vision. If you’re not clear on what God has called your church to do, no spreadsheet will fix that. Once you know your mission — to reach the lost, make disciples and serve your community — the financial plan becomes a ministry tool and not merely an academic exercise. Think of the budget as a written testimony of your church’s priorities. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21 ESV). Budget for evangelism, discipleship and missions. Let your dollars show your focus.

• Don’t Just Track Spending, Measure Stewardship — Too many churches settle for income and expense reports. That’s a start, but it’s not the whole picture. Healthy churches also monitor their balance sheet (assets and liabilities) and cash flow (timing of money in and out). You can’t lead well if you only look in the rearview mirror. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” That’s not about prosperity — it’s about preparation.

• Communicate the Budget as a Ministry Plan — The budget, better stated as a financial plan, shouldn’t be locked in a drawer or shared in a PowerPoint once a year. It should be a living, breathing part of your ministry. Share it with the church — not just to report dollars spent, but to celebrate ministry accomplished. Budgeting builds trust when it’s transparent, builds unity when it’s mission-driven and builds generosity when people see how their giving fuels kingdom work.

Bottom Line

A budget is not merely an administrative requirement. It’s about people. It’s not about money — it’s about ministry. When we budget biblically and lead faithfully, we position the church to fulfill exactly what God designed it to do — make disciples and glorify Him.

At BMA Financial, we don’t just care about numbers — we care about people and the mission. We’re here to walk alongside you with tools, wisdom, and support for financial discipleship, whether you’re leading a church or managing your personal finances. Let us know how we can help you steward what God has entrusted to you. We desire to assist you in becoming a better steward of God’s resources. Contact us today at bmafinancial.org/contact. We are ready to serve you. Not a BMA Financial Member yet? Schedule a free Financial Assessment at bmafinancial.org to see how we can help you manage God’s money, God’s way, for God’s glory!