We desire for the financial integrity of the Summit to remain above reproach. In these practices and in all that we do, we strive to honor God’s provision by pursuing wise and faithful stewardship, ethical business practices, and transparent
accountability. To that end, we apply the following practices:
- ECFA certified church. ECFA provides accreditation to leading Christian, nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, transparency, fundraising, and board governance.
- Professional financial department. We employ qualified financial professionals (including those with advanced degrees such as CPA and MBA) to oversee our budget and financial practices.
- Secure offering procedure. To ensure the highest level of accountability, those who count our offering always do so with at least two people present. We also require a different person than the “counter” to
transport the funds and maintain a record of the weekly offering.
- Pastoral compensation policy. To ensure that our pastoral compensation is fair and not based on a person’s “sense” of value, we consistently compare compensation with comparable churches of similar size. This is
not the only item for consideration, but it gives us a helpful starting point and establishes external boundaries. When it comes to pastoral salaries, we remember that the aim of the Summit is to prioritize the gospel above all, do whatever it
takes to reach all people, make disciples (not just converts), and send every member. To that end, we want to ensure that everyone on staff is here because they believe in this mission, not as a way to get wealthy. At the same time, we also want
to pay our employees in such a way that they know they are appreciated. In other words, we aim to compensate our pastoral staff generously, but not lavishly. You can find more on this policy here.
- Robust budgeting process. Pastors and administrators work together to allocate resources in such a way that maximizes kingdom impact and aligns with our church’s vision. Annual budgets represent a collaboration
between ministry leaders, administrators, and directional elders. And since the Summit is a congregational church, our congregation also has an opportunity to ask questions about these budgets before they are presented for approval.
- Transparency. We regularly publish financial updates highlighting what our budgeted resources have allowed God to do through the Summit. This acts as a way of celebrating what God has done, while showing how our
operating budget relates to our mission.
Our approved annual operating budget is available on our website. Members of the Summit are always invited to contact the church with questions or to request an in-person meeting to review more detailed financial information.
- Annual external audit. Every year we voluntarily undergo an organization-wide audit performed by an independent, certified public accounting firm. To date, we have met the high standards of scrutiny for these
audits every year.
- Leadership generosity. Generosity is not something that can merely be taught; it must also be caught. Thus we review leaders’ giving (elders and staff) regularly to ensure that we are setting
faithful examples of gospel-shaped generosity.
If you have further questions, please contact our executive pastor of ministry support, Todd Ervin, or 919-354-5975.