Part Three- Annual Strategic planning continued: Budgeting
Budgeting was a bit of a new thing for me. I am a nurse practitioner after all! I’ll be honest, at first, it felt daunting. Numbers, spreadsheets, and endless lines of expenses didn’t feel like the most “mission-driven” work. But over time, I’ve learned that budgeting is actually one of the most faithful and freeing parts of leadership.
Budgeting allows us to pause and look back—to see where we’ve been, what God has done, and how He’s provided. It also allows us to look forward—to dream, plan, and steward well what’s been entrusted to us.
The Heart Behind the Numbers
Scripture reminds us that wisdom and stewardship go hand in hand:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
— Luke 14:28
Budgeting isn’t just a financial task—it’s a spiritual discipline. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I want to be faithful with what You’ve given me.”
John Maxwell puts it this way:
“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”
When we sit down to plan, line by line, number by number…we’re not just forecasting expenses. We’re aligning our mission, our values, and our vision with real, tangible stewardship.
From Dread to Delight
Over the years, I’ve found that the more I enter budgeting with a heart of gratitude, the more it becomes an act of worship. Each number tells a story: a patient healed, a life changed, a new opportunity opened. Every line of the budget becomes a reminder that we are partnering with God in something eternal. As Mother Teresa once said:
“We are not called to be successful, but faithful.”
And yet, when faithfulness meets stewardship, something beautiful happens. The numbers start to tell a story of hope, growth, and God’s providence.
Practical Wisdom
First, when you approach your next budget…
Begin with prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit into the process.
Reflect on last year. Where did you see fruit? Where did you stretch?
Ask. What is God inviting us to do next year that will require bold trust?
Align every expense with mission. Each dollar should have a “why.”
Second Tip: Don’t do it alone. Finding a faithful CFO or accountant is invaluable to ensure you’re on point. If you need one, I highly recommend:
Acru Solutions: https://www.acru.solutions/
St. Joseph Financial Solutions: https://stjfs.org/
(Please tell them that I recommended you!)
Lastly, reach out! I am happy to share a simple budgeting template we use at Bella to help you get started.
As we wrap up… I just want to remind you: Budgeting is not about cuts, it’s about stewardship. It’s about focusing resources on what truly matters. So, as you sit with your spreadsheets and projections, remember: you’re not just making a plan. You’re practicing faithfulness.
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."