Highland Baptist Church 2026 Unified Budget: Vision, Worship, and Stewardship — A Paraphrased Overview

Overview: A Faithful Mission Shaped by Worship, Service, and Generosity

The Highland Baptist Church expresses joy in serving the Lord together, highlighting a year defined by purposeful ministry, sincere worship, and a shared drive to reach both the local community and distant fields for Christ. Week after week, the church witnesses lives transformed, new families forming connections, and members stepping into service roles. There is a sense that God is actively moving among the congregation, and members are grateful to participate in His work. The message emphasizes that every facet of ministry, every mission effort, and every act of pastoral care flows from a community that faithfully serves and gives. Each person is seen as vital to the body of Christ, reinforcing the idea that collective generosity sustains a healthy, strong church. The passage of Scripture cited underscores that generosity is a cheerful response to God’s grace and not merely a financial duty, framing giving as an act of worship that acknowledges God’s ownership of all things and prioritizes His mission above personal interests. In this light, giving is presented as a way to fuel ongoing ministries, support missions, and create lasting impact in people’s lives near and far.

Looking ahead to 2026, the church invites every member to participate in prayerful discernment regarding the Proposed Unified Budget. The plan is described as a faithful expression of trust in God’s ongoing work and a prudent stewardship of the resources entrusted to the church. The text emphasizes that regular, prayerful giving strengthens existing programs, broadens the reach to more individuals, and enables responsive action to needs with confidence and love. Gratitude is extended for the faithfulness of the Highland family, and there is a hopeful sense that the days to come hold significant promise as the church seeks to advance its mission with bold faith, generous hearts, and a common commitment to helping people Connect, Grow, and Go. The closing sentiment enfolds a blessing on the community as they pursue service together in Christ.

In closing, the pastor’s message reinforces a shared outlook: the church moves forward with faith, generosity, and a unified desire to serve Christ by empowering people to connect with Him, mature in their faith, and engage the world with gospel-centered compassion. The call is for the Lord’s blessing to rest richly on the Highland family as they labor side by side in this mission, grounded in gratitude, reverence, and a practical plan to steward God’s resources wisely.

Budget Framework for 2026: Size, Scope, and Strategic Focus

The 2026 Unified Budget is presented as a total of $770,331.90, with a stated monthly financial need of $62,325.00. The document indicates an expectation of modest growth for the year, with a notation reflecting a multi-year view of stewardship and financial responsibility. The aim is to maintain stability in programs and ministries while remaining attentive to the church’s obligations to worship, outreach, and care. The figures are described as a means to sustain momentum, enable planned ministry initiatives, and respond intelligently to the needs that arise within the congregation and the surrounding community. The budget is portrayed not merely as numbers, but as an expression of faith in what God will continue to accomplish through His people when they commit to disciplined, prayerful giving.

Within the budget, a dedicated emphasis is placed on missions and cross-cultural outreach, financial stewardship, and the ongoing maintenance of church facilities and professional staff. The budget framework seeks to balance spiritual priorities with practical needs, ensuring that ministries have reliable funding to operate smoothly and to grow in reach and effectiveness. The emphasis on accountability and prudent management indicates a desire to steward resources wisely while pursuing opportunities to fulfill the church’s mission to Connect, Grow, and Go with compassion and clarity.

Several lines of the budget outline the distribution across major ministry categories, including the allocation for mission work, music and worship, education and discipleship, media and outreach, student and children’s ministry, and family life initiatives. The document frames these allocations as essential for sustaining a vibrant worship life, equipping believers for service, and meeting the needs of families and individuals across multiple generations. In short, the framework is presented as a comprehensive plan to advance spiritual vitality, community impact, and global engagement through disciplined giving and faithful stewardship.

Missions Focus: Local, National, and International Outreach

The missions portion of the 2026 budget totals approximately $49,628.15 and is broken into several line items that reflect the church’s commitment to a broad spectrum of outreach. Local programs include activities like ActNow Missions and Benevolence, along with support for Baby Closet and Beds4Kids. National and international commitments are represented through allocations to National Missions and International Missions, while the Cooperative Program supports broader evangelical partnerships. Together, these line items illustrate a deliberate strategy to extend the church’s impact beyond its walls, addressing both urgent local needs and long-term global gospel initiatives. The planning documents also indicate a targeted percentage and budget growth for missions, signaling a steady priority given to outreach alongside internal ministry needs.

In describing the rationale behind giving to missions, the text emphasizes that missions represent more than isolated projects; they are integrated into the church’s identity as participants in God’s global work. The mix of local acts of compassion, regional partnerships, and cross-cultural engagement demonstrates a holistic approach to sharing Christ’s love in diverse settings. The narrative invites the congregation to see giving as a partnership in a larger mission that transcends geographic boundaries and time, ultimately contributing to an eternal impact through evangelism, compassion, and service.

Overall, the missions section communicates both breadth and depth: a framework that supports local ministries that directly touch neighbors, alongside commitments to national and international outreach that extend the church’s witness and assistance to people in various contexts. The financial plan is presented as a way to enable effective, sustainable mission work that aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and generosity, inviting participants to participate in God’s work with enthusiasm and trust.

Why We Give: Biblical Foundations, Personal Journeys, and Shared Convictions

A central question posed in the document asks why members give to the church, inviting reflection on Scripture and personal experience. The narrative shares a journey from childhood to adult stewardship, describing how tithing began as a practical starting point learned in youth and gradually deepened into a heartfelt discipline. The emphasis is on giving not as obligation but as a voluntary act of worship, shaped by a personal sense of God’s lordship over all aspects of life. The message encourages each person to engage with the Lord in prayer, to determine their level of giving in partnership with Him, and to avoid guilt if one’s starting point is modest. The underlying theme is a relationship-driven approach to generosity—trusting God to meet needs as gifts are given back as a sign of worship and dependence on Him.

The text also shares a pastoral and relational dimension: giving is presented as a privilege that expresses gratitude for God’s blessings and as a joyful opportunity to participate in God’s work through the church. The invitation is for individuals to consider how their own relationships, families, and finances intersect with the church’s mission, and to pursue a posture of generosity that grows as faith deepens. In short, the church frames giving as personal discipleship, grounded in prayer, Scripture, and a trust in God’s ongoing provision, rather than a rigid rule or social expectation.

The personal testimonies of church members reinforce this perspective. One account describes how a family has consistently taught their children about tithing—modeling faithful stewardship through family practices that begin with small, faithful gifts and grow as opportunities and resources expand. The narrative explains that the blessings observed from God’s faithful provision anchor their conviction that generosity is part of a life of following Christ. The overarching message is that generosity is a joyful response to God’s goodness, a lens through which believers learn to trust Him more deeply, and a conduit for participating in God’s work both locally and around the world.

Ministry Areas and Budgets: Music, Education, Media, Outreach, and Beyond

The document itemizes several ministry areas with associated budgets, highlighting a balanced approach to worship, discipleship, and community engagement. The Music Ministry allocates funds to sustain worship services, musical leadership, and related activities that enrich the congregation’s spiritual life and corporate praise. The Adult Ministry category encompasses educational resources, training opportunities, and programs designed to deepen faith and strengthen family discipleship. The Family Life segment includes support for life-stage ministries and programs that nurture relationships, spiritual growth, and practical care for households. The Media Ministry and Outreach allocations reflect a commitment to effective communication, digital and public outreach initiatives, and special events that broaden the church’s reach. The Student and Children’s Ministries receive dedicated funding to support age-appropriate teaching, programming, and opportunities for faith formation, along with events and camps that aim to engage younger generations in meaningful ways.

In terms of scale, each ministry area is presented with its own line items and total budget figures, illustrating a thoughtful distribution of resources across keys areas of church life. The numbers convey a structured plan to sustain ongoing programs, equip volunteers, and launch new initiatives aligned with the church’s mission to connect people to Christ, help them grow in their faith, and empower them to go out as witnesses in their communities. The budgeting approach signals a recognition that vibrant worship, solid education, and active outreach are interconnected components of a healthy church ecology, each requiring appropriate investment to yield lasting spiritual fruit.

These ministry allocations also emphasize the importance of collaboration among staff, volunteers, and families. By investing in Music, Education, Media, and Outreach, the church aims to create engaging environments where people can encounter the gospel, develop their gifts, and participate in a shared mission. The narrative suggests that well-funded ministries create momentum for spiritual growth and community impact, reinforcing the idea that giving is a strategic investment in people’s lives and in the church’s capacity to serve others with love and integrity.

Staffing, Operations, and Facility Stewardship

The Personnel section outlines the financial commitments related to salaries, housing allowances, supplements for staff, reimbursables, benefits, and support staff. The total for ministerial salaries and housing is presented as a significant portion of the overall budget, complemented by staff benefits and the support structure necessary to sustain ministry work. The figures indicate a deliberate investment in leadership, pastoral care, and administrative capacity, with a noted increase in personnel costs reflecting growth, inflation, or expansion of responsibilities. The document highlights that personnel expenses account for more than half of the budget, underscoring the central role of leadership and staff in delivering the church’s programs and pastoral care.

Office and properties costs are outlined separately, including equipment purchases, ongoing office support, capital improvements, building maintenance, utilities, security systems, custodial supplies, and transportation-related expenses. This category demonstrates a commitment to maintaining safe, functional facilities that support worship, learning, and outreach. The combined totals for these operational items are presented with a focus on responsible budgeting and prudent increases, ensuring that the church’s infrastructure remains reliable and capable of serving both current ministries and future growth. Together, personnel and operations form the backbone of daily life at Highland Baptist, enabling ministries to run smoothly and the church to remain a welcoming, well-functioning community place.

The narrative surrounding these budgetary elements reinforces the principle of stewardship: resources are allocated to meet current needs while also planning for ongoing maintenance and future opportunities. The emphasis on a measured increase in both personnel and operational categories signals a careful approach to growth, ensuring that the church can continue to uphold its commitments to worship, care, and mission without compromising financial health. The overall message is one of disciplined management paired with faithful, mission-driven expenditure that aligns with the church’s stated goals of Connect, Grow, and Go.

Personal Reflections on Giving and the Call to Generosity

In addition to the programmatic aspects of the budget, the document includes intimate reflections on the conviction behind giving. One section emphasizes how serving in various church ministries—ranging from support for families in need to youth and senior adult programming—offers a vivid testimony to the church’s impact on the community. The writers describe how giving is tied to obedience to God’s call and to the belief that ownership over resources belongs to Him. They highlight that faithful stewardship leads to blessings and spiritual depth, and they stress the importance of modeling generosity for children so that they grow up with a biblically grounded understanding of stewardship. The message invites readers to view tithing not as a constraint but as an invitation to participate in God’s abundant provision and to trust Him with the portions He asks for, allowing generosity to shape a person’s relationship with God and others.

The text also presents a personal perspective on how generosity can yield practical transformation within a family. By sharing stories of disciplined giving and the ways in which small contributions, repeated over time, can accumulate into meaningful impact, the document portrays generosity as a collaborative, faith-filled practice. It points to the tangible ways in which church resources support ministries, neighborhood outreach, and international partnerships, allowing believers to extend God’s love beyond their own community. The overarching idea is that giving is a lived expression of faith that strengthens witness, fosters gratitude, and demonstrates trust in God’s provision.

Further personal testimony reflects on the role of generosity in guiding family decisions and shaping children’s spiritual formation. The accounts recount how parents intentionally teach their children to participate in tithing and how these practices are integrated into daily life. The narratives emphasize that the Lord’s faithfulness becomes evident as families practice stewardship, reinforcing a sense of blessing that accompanies obedient generosity. The shared conviction is that faithful giving is part of a holistic discipleship journey—one that invites believers to live with open hands and grateful hearts, both for present needs and for the opportunities God may bring in the future.

Where the Resources Go: A Closer Look at Key Ministry Areas

Within the ministry portfolio, the document divides resources into distinct areas, each playing a crucial role in fostering a holistic church experience. The Music Ministry receives dedicated funding to sustain musical leadership, seasonal presentations, choir activities, instrument maintenance, and worship literature. These investments aim to enrich the worship experience, cultivate creative expression, and support the spiritual formation of congregants through music. The Adult Ministry category covers educational resources, literature, training, and discipleship programs that challenge believers to grow in knowledge and faith. Family Life initiatives, including senior adult programs, men’s and women’s groups, and related ministries, are funded to support relational and spiritual development across generations. The Media Ministry and Outreach allocations reflect a commitment to effective communication, digital presence, and events that engage both church members and the broader community. The Student and Children’s Ministries include evangelism, worship, disciple-making, and programming designed to reach young people and families with the gospel. Each area demonstrates a clear intention to equip volunteers, nurture faith, and create environments where people can encounter Christ and respond with service.

The budget narrative also suggests a coordinated approach across areas: worship, discipleship, and outreach are not isolated silos but interconnected strands that reinforce each other. By funding music and worship alongside education and outreach, the church aligns its resources with a mission to form mature disciples who actively participate in ministry. The allocations reflect a belief that when people are spiritually fed, equipped to serve, and given opportunities to engage with others, the church experiences vitality, growth, and an expanding sphere of influence.

In sum, this section communicates a strategy for sustaining a dynamic church life. The allocations are presented not as abstract numbers but as deliberate investments designed to produce lasting spiritual fruit, strengthen community bonds, and extend the church’s reach into families, neighborhoods, and beyond. The underlying message is that thoughtful budgeting for ministry areas is essential for fulfilling the church’s calling to Connect with Christ, Grow in faith, and Go out with gospel-centered impact.

Closing Reflections: A Call to Faithful Stewardship and Shared Hope

As the document closes, the overarching theme is a call to faithful stewardship grounded in biblical conviction and communal trust. The writers reiterate that generosity originates from a deep sense of God’s generosity toward humanity and a recognition that all resources belong to Him. They emphasize that cheerful giving, rooted in gratitude, invites God’s sustaining provision and unlocks opportunities for ministry that can bear eternal fruit. The testimonies from clergy and families alike underscore that generosity is not merely about meeting budgetary needs; it is about shaping a community that reflects God’s character, sacrificial love, and a passion for the Gospel’s expansion. The message invites readers to participate with hope and anticipation, confident that God will continue to do more than can be asked or imagined when His people respond with faith, mercy, and a readiness to serve.

In a final note of blessing and unity, the document closes with encouragement to press forward together. The Highland family is urged to move ahead with faith, generosity, and a shared purpose to support Christ’s mission by helping people connect with Him, grow in their walk, and go forth to serve. While numbers and budgets guide planning, the emphasis remains on the living, relational covenant of God’s people who partner with Him to transform lives and communities. The closing sentiment embodies hope: with God’s direction, steadfast generosity, and a unified church body, the horizon holds promise beyond what may be imagined, as they serve Christ beside one another in love and truth.

2006 Illustrated Budget - Flipbook by Fleepit