What does Heartland believe about money?
We believe that both the Old and New Testaments provide incredibly sound financial counsel and have shaped our values below.
For additional Biblical principles on money, visit www.generousgiving.org, and click on “Bible on Money”.
How does the idea of generous giving impact the vision of Heartland?
Our vision for "building a church for the unchurched" is made possible entirely from the gifts and generous giving of regular attendees.
Where does all the money go?
All money given to Heartland goes to advance our vision...supporting our ministries like Children’s Ministry, CONNECT communities, ASSIST, and Heartland Extension Ministry Initiative (HEMI), as well as services, classes, special events, staff salaries and training, and the general operation of our church. Each year we have an additional "Year End Giving Project" to support one of our Big Rock Goals for the upcoming year. Different ways to support the vision of Heartland include: tithing (10 percent of earnings), above and beyond, HEMI, and go.
Who is responsible for financial oversight?
We have an independent Board of Trustees comprised of financial advisors and marketplace professionals from within our church. They help to insure that the financial and legal affairs of the church are handled responsibly and with integrity. In addition, we have an Audit Review Team that annually handles the internal audit.
How does Heartland have high accounting standards?
We are members of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (www.ECFA.org), a national non-profit accreditation agency with the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability. We are one of just three churches in the Kansas City area to achieve this level of accreditation. Also, the Audit Review Team annually hires an independent firm to perform an internal audit. Upon completion, the Audit Review Team and the Operations Team meet with the auditors for review. The Audit Review Team submits the final audit report to the Trustees. A copy of our ECFA approval letter for our most recent audit may be viewed here
Purpose of the ECFA – The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) steadfast purpose is to enunciate, maintain, and manifest a code of financial accountability, ethics, and reporting which is consistent with enlightened and responsible Christian faith and practice.
Mission Statement of the ECFA – ECFA is committed to helping Christ-centered organizations earn the public’s trust through developing and maintaining standards of accountability that convey God-honoring ethical practices.
How does our annual budgeting process work?
Each ministry area (key leaders and Elder teams) considers what their ministry goals are for the year. Corresponding costs are then determined. Then, each divisional budget is reviewed by the Heartland Management Team, who prioritize, based on the overall vision and the annual Big Rock Goals of the church. The Advisory Team oversees this, making sure the budget prioritization fits the overall vision of the church. Finally, the budget prepared by the Management Team is approved by the Trustees.
What principles are used in setting salaries?
General salary ranges are set by the Trustees, using marketplace standards as indicated by the National Association of Church Business Administrators (NACBA). Staff salaries are then set by the Management Team using NACBA standards and the individual's performance against stated goals and the overall faithfulness and fruitfulness of the staff member. The compensation of the Senior Pastor is proposed separately by the Advisory Team and approved by the Trustees.
Can I get a copy of the annual budget?
Yes. You are welcome to request copies of our annual budget summary. Please contact the Director of Operations (Steve Fisher) during normal business hours.
What other resources does HCC offer?
Steve Fisher
Patty Johnson