Finish the Year Strong
A Closer Look at Mount Hope’s Financial Picture
Mount Hope exists to help people grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to lead others to do the same. Because of your generosity and God’s faithfulness, that mission continues to bear fruit:
- Missions giving exceeds expectations by over $60,000
- A $100,000 gift was recently made to the Future Fund (restricted fund for the future of Mount Hope)
- Mount Hope Christian School continues to thrive and serve families
- Multiple baptisms recently took place at both church locations
- Dozens of lives are being shaped through biblical teaching, intentional discipleship, and spiritual formation
My time at Mount Hope inspired me to call my faith my own. Now I daily use the gifts God has given me to glorify Him in all that I do.
— Abigail
Where Things Stand
While the broader organization remains financially healthy, tithes and offerings to our church campuses are down. We’re currently facing a $125,000 shortfall in our church ministry budget for the fiscal year ending June 30.
This shortfall represents 7% of our total church income budget, but closing the gap will allow us to protect staffing, sustain our campuses, and step into the new year with strength.
This impacts the core of what we do. Our church operations are funded entirely through giving and they support everything from Sunday worship to youth programs to outreach.
Where Your Giving Goes
Here’s a snapshot of how your contributions support ministry:
64% – Personnel (pastors, ministry staff, support team)
24% – Facilities (utilities, maintenance, insurance, custodial)
12% – Ministry & Programs (kids/youth, Sunday morning, outreach, etc.)
Together, personnel and facilities make up nearly 90% of the ministry budget—because our people and our spaces are two of our most vital tools for ministry.
What We’ve Already Done
To be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we’ve taken the following steps:
- Reduced ministry and program budgets
- Renegotiated service contracts (e.g. cleaning, waste removal)
- Explored new revenue streams, including facility rentals
- Delayed hiring to avoid increasing personnel costs
We are doing everything possible to avoid cutting staff or compensation but we need your partnership to sustain our momentum.
Why is there a shortfall if the overall organization is in good shape?
The school and designated funds (like missions and the Future Fund) are doing well. But our church operations are funded by tithes and offerings, which are currently lower than projected causing operational expenses to exceed income.
Is the organization overspending?
No, with God’s help we do everything we can to avoid this. Both the Belmont and Burlington campuses are working to reduce ministry expenses.
Will staff be affected?
We are doing everything possible to protect our ministry staff and avoid reductions in hours, benefits, or roles. But without increased giving, personnel decisions may be necessary.
What happens if giving increases?
How You Can Help
Your generosity makes a direct impact, and no gift is too small. Every dollar helps:
- Sustain staff and pastoral ministry
- Keep our church campuses safe and welcoming
- Provide discipleship environments for kids, youth, and adults
- Launch new outreach efforts in Burlington, Belmont, and beyond
Thank you for partnering with us to see lives changed by the gospel. Together, let’s finish the year strong and move into the next season on mission together.