Create clear, readable financial summary narratives that help board members and congregation understand church finances without requiring an accounting degree. This prompt transforms raw numbers into accessible reports that communicate financial health effectively.
Write a financial summary narrative for our church board or congregation.
Financial data for this period:
- Reporting period: [e.g., "October 2024" or "Q3 2024" or "Year-to-date through November"]
- Total income this period: $[amount]
- Budgeted income this period: $[amount]
- Total expenses this period: $[amount]
- Budgeted expenses this period: $[amount]
Year-to-date context:
- YTD income: $[amount] (budget: $[amount])
- YTD expenses: $[amount] (budget: $[amount])
- Current cash position: $[amount]
- Reserve fund balance: $[amount if applicable]
Notable variances or items to explain:
- [e.g., "Giving was down 8% from last month due to holiday travel"]
- [e.g., "Facilities expense over budget due to unexpected HVAC repair"]
- [e.g., "Mission giving exceeded goal by 15%"]
- [e.g., "Staffing costs under budget due to open position"]
Audience for this report: [e.g., "Church board" or "Congregational meeting" or "Finance committee"]
Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative summary that:
- States the overall financial position clearly (healthy, on track, concerning, etc.)
- Highlights key numbers in context (not just listing figures)
- Explains significant variances in plain language
- Notes any upcoming financial considerations
- Ends with appropriate next steps or recommendations if needed
Guidelines:
- Use plain language, not accounting jargon
- Put numbers in context (percentages, comparisons to last year, etc.)
- Be honest about challenges without being alarmist
- Celebrate wins without being dismissive of concerns
- Keep it under 300 words
Tone: Professional, transparent, pastoral. Remember that finances can cause anxiety - be truthful but reassuring where appropriate.