Financial Transparency

Financial
Transparency

How We Use Your Gifts

"The world asks, 'What does a man own?' Christ asks, 'How does he use it?'" - Andrew Murray

Give to Highland Park Pres

Financial Values

There are four values that guide lay leaders and staff in the creation of each year’s budget:

  1. Mission: We value using funds strategically in order to advance our mission of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ.
  2. Stewardship: We value using funds wisely, striving to achieve the maximum impact through the use of minimum resources.
  3. Transparency: We value communicating often and with candor about how we create our budget and how the money is utilized. If you would like a detailed breakdown of Highland Park Pres' budget, contact Executive Director Mark Story.
  4. Accountability: We value the accountability offered by audited financial statements conducted by a third party, as well as sound internal controls, lay-led committees, and review procedures.

Budget Philosophy

Our budget philosophy is to carefully consider both internal and external factors when developing annual spending for the year.

  • Goals: The budget must line up with the goals of the church, which are focused on advancing our mission. Each year, we review and apply Session-directed priorities.
  • Economy: We evaluate the impact of the economic climate on our members as well as on the city and the nation.
  • Giving: The number of giving households and their giving trends from the past several years are also utilized to build the budget.
  • Stability: Leaders evaluate budget decisions and how they can create long-term stability for our church.
  • Relationships: Ministry is relational and our church needs staff to help members carry out our mission. Highland Park Pres is currently within the industry standard for similar churches with our staffing numbers and budget.

2017/2018 Budget

Ministry: 10% $934,938

Worship, spiritual formation, Kids-Adult 60+, leader formation, congregational life

Missions: 16% $1,447,552

Mission trips, global and local mission support, missionaries, church planting

Ministry Services: 21% $1,938,672

Facilities, technology, production, finance, communications, human resources, reserves

Personnel: 53% $4,884,338

Compensation and benefits for all full-time and part-time staff and interns

Total: $9,205,500

Our Annual Numbers

 
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
Covenant Partners
4,165
4,270
4,432
4,554
4,750
Avg. Weekly Attendance
1,691
1,842
1,833
1,791
1,950
General Operating Budget
$7,985,000
$7,795,000
$8,110,000
$8,277,900
$8,683,000
Actual Giving
$10,600,000
$10,160,000
$10,900,000
$10,500,000
 
Other Funds
 
$8,600,000 (Settlement)
 
$3,000,000 (Transform)
 
Actual Other Revenue*
$300,000
$240,000
$300,000
$400,000
 
Total Giving
$10,900,000
$10,400,000
$11,200,000
$10,900,000
 

*Actual Other Revenue consists of funds received from camps, classes, rentals, and other sources.

Questions about Financial Transparency?