Done correctly, budget planning is a time consuming process.  A church should not build the rocket as it is launched!  Effective budget planning starts well before the budget year begins.  The following is a suggested budget development schedule based on a March 31 year end.  Notice that the work begins six months before day one of the fiscal year being planned. 

• September

Establish a calendar to chart the process

Review the church mission, vision and strategy

Develop ministry goals for the coming year

• October

Project expected revenues, fixed or ongoing costs

Determine available funds

Distribute budget request packets to ministers/laity/teams charged with budget responsibilities

• November

Completed budget requests returned to the budget development team

Requests are reviewed/approved

Preliminary budget developed

• December

Nothing!

• January

Final analysis of budget

Adoption

• February & March

Stewardship emphasis

• April

Implementation