Looking Back and Praising God for His Faithfulness

Now that we are nearly four weeks into a new year, I wanted to take this opportunity to give a summary of our financial standing after we have closed our books on 2025. As you know, we had many unexpected maintenance expenses last year – specifically A/C units and roof repair. Even with these unexpected expenses we had a good year. The 2025 budget was planned based on an anticipated income of $347,000. Last year our income totaled $372,000 for the year. That is $25,000 more than was anticipated. That is a gift from God and a testament of your faithful and generous giving to the work and the mission of this church. In 2025 we gave $55,000 to missions, missionaries, and mission partners 

I am thankful for the work of our Ministry Funding Team and for our Treasurer, Mikey Norris. These individuals have spent many hours praying over our finances and working to figure out ways to fund the work and the ministry of this congregation. We have worked to improve the communication from Ministry Funding Team to the congregation by creating concise, easy to understand charts and reports. These methods seem to be helping based on an increased average giving over the last six months. You can clearly see that in the Simplified Cashflow Chart included with this article.

The bad news is we did end the year with a significant deficit, but the good news is we have several brand-new A/C units that are now under warranty. Much of our Rainy Day funds were used to fulfill the costs of maintenance issues. However, the 2026 budget increases the amount of money we are directing to our Rainy Day fund.

I asked Mikey if he would provide a summary of the past year from his perspective as treasurer. Here is what he submitted:

       
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2025 Snapshot (rounded figures)

• Total giving received: $372,000 Includes general giving and designated gifts (e.g. Food Pantry, Lottie Moon, Moment of Hope, etc.)
• Total expenses: $409,000
• Standout: Facilities- about $130,000 or around 35% of total spend
  
  
• Important figures:
• We expected $347,000 of income but we got $372,000 - That’s $25,000 more giving than we anticipated
• Planned deficit: -$24,000 ---> Actual deficit: -$37,000
• We gave over $55,000 to missions, missionaries, missions partners
• For the peace of mind of you bean counters, remember, if you make a designated offering (say, to Lottie Moon) we must honor it.
• Therefore, the $55k missions giving testifies to your Kingdom-mindedness in spite of growing facilities bills. Praise the Lord for that fruit of the spirit!

Bottom Line

We planned to outspend income by $24,000 but we spent even more than that. Nevertheless, giving was stronger than anticipated; God provided. I’m confident this exactly how ministry resources should be utilized and am comforted by your individual response to our church’s needs. Thank you!

About the Cash Flow Chart

• Monthly, I prepare a simplified cash flow chart and post it at each door
  
  
• This is separate from the official financial statements
  
  
• Key differences:
• I removed Rainy Day Fund transfers from income line 0093
• On official reports, Rainy Day spending is counted again as income (see line 0093 on standard cashflow reports)
• This muddies the water and confuses the average reader
• My simplified report lets me fix these shortcomings manually. 
• Ask me about these- I can’t define everything here.

Looking Ahead to 2026

• The 2026 budget is approved and posted --> Few major changes:
• Planned facilities spend increases from $27,000 to $40,000 in 2026
• Rainy Day savings increase from $750/month to $1,000/month

I am thankful, encouraged, and looking forward to a strong new year in 2026. God is so, so good. 

Respectfully, Michael “Mikey” Norris II 

Treasurer 

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I am thankful for Mikey and for our Ministry Funding Team in how they are serving this congregation. I am also very thankful for you, our church family. You all have an incredible heart for seeing people come to faith in Jesus and to meet needs. It is my prayer that 2026 continue the faithful legacy of Beulah of intentional Kingdom work.

You can click HERE to view, download, or print monthly financial reports throughout the year.

https://www.beulahbaptist.com/financial

Cameron