At our Quarterly General Meeting on Sunday, we tabled, and accepted, our budget for July 2025 to June 2026. I want to give a short overview of the heart behind our finances.
The income
We didn’t build the budget on wishful thinking. Our income line is not aspirational. The finance committee (David Somerset, Lillian Obi, and Mark Penrith) based it on the income received in the last financial year. This is a stewardship approach. We are trusting God to continue providing through the faithful giving of His people.
The expenses
We have staff costs (68% of budget), and operational costs (15% of budget), giving to missions and external organisations (about 11% of budget), ministry expenses (6% of budget).
We have allocated resources to our two pastoral interns. Lance Long is in his third year at Christ Seminary. Evans Odhiambo is in his first year. We are grateful to support them in their training and look forward to seeing how the Lord uses them.
We’ve allocated a stipend for a part-time associate pastor. As I shared at the QGM, the elders and executive have been prayerfully considering calling a man to this role. A call committee has been established to ensure the process is constitutional. He could start as early as 1 July. The role will focus on shepherding new members through our discipleship path.
Should our income exceed our expenses, either because of growth or increased generosity from our members, we have unbudgeted projects that we would love to pursue. These include facility improvements, technology upgrades, and ministry partnerships.
What we teach about giving?
We believe giving is a grace-fueled, gospel-shaped act of worship. The New Testament teaches that we give freely, cheerfully, and sacrificially. As Paul writes, “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
You can find out more about what we teach about giving here: https://www.benonibaptistchurch.com/members/give/.
How can you partner with us?
We take up an offering during the service. But, EFTs are a cheaper, more convenient, safer way of transferring money. We encourage members to make electronic transfers.
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Lakeside Mall
Branch code: 251742
Account Number: 59640513931
Thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and gospel partnership.