Free Church Budget Template for Small Churches
A simple, practical budget template designed for churches under 100. Download and customize for your congregation.
How to Use This Template
A church budget does not need to be complicated. For most small churches, a simple spreadsheet with five categories covers everything you need:
The Five Budget Categories
- Personnel — pastor compensation, part-time staff, honoraria
- Facilities — mortgage or rent, utilities, maintenance, insurance
- Ministry — Sunday school curriculum, youth ministry, outreach, VBS
- Administration — office supplies, software, website, printing
- Missions and Giving — denominational giving, missionary support, benevolence
Sample Budget Percentages
These are general guidelines, not rules. Every church is different.
- Personnel: 40-50% of total budget
- Facilities: 25-35% of total budget
- Ministry: 10-15% of total budget
- Administration: 5-10% of total budget
- Missions: 5-15% of total budget
Free Church Budget Template (Copy and Use)
| Category | Monthly Budget | Annual Budget | Actual YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERSONNEL | |||
| Pastor salary | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Housing allowance | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Health insurance / HRA | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Mileage reimbursement | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Personnel Total | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| FACILITIES | |||
| Mortgage or rent | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Utilities | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Insurance | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Maintenance and repairs | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Facilities Total | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| MINISTRY | |||
| Sunday school curriculum | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Youth ministry | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| VBS | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Outreach and evangelism | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Ministry Total | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| MISSIONS AND GIVING | |||
| Denominational giving | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Missionary support | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Benevolence fund | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| TOTAL BUDGET | $___ | $___ | $___ |
How to Present the Budget to Your Board
- Present the budget at least two weeks before the vote — give members time to review it
- Show the previous year actual alongside the proposed budget — context matters
- Explain the reasoning behind any significant changes
- Include a one-paragraph narrative from the pastor about the ministry priorities behind the numbers
- Be honest about uncertainty — if giving is unpredictable, say so
Looking for a simple way to share the gospel?
The Rescue Gospel framework is a free evangelism tool any Christian can learn in 10 minutes. Or get the complete church starter bundle for $24.99.
Related MinistryPlace Resources
- How to Create a Church Budget When You Have Almost No Money
- Small Church Budget Template Guide
- Rescue Gospel Framework — free evangelism tool for your congregation
- Rescue Gospel Small Church Starter Bundle — $24.99
Want to increase giving? Church Stewardship Campaign Guide — a simple 4-week process that typically increases giving 10-20%.
Not sure how to allocate your budget? Church Budget Percentages for Small Churches — recommended percentages for all five budget categories.
Ready to report on your finances? Church Annual Report Guide — free template and practical guidance.