Annual Family
Update + Vote
Each year, WestGate members participate in our Annual Family Update & Vote - an opportunity to reflect on what God has done, look ahead to where we sense He's leading us, and affirm the direction of our church.
The video provides a high-level financial update, shares an exciting ministry update, and introduces this year's proposed budget and elder affirmation. As you watch, we invite you to explore the additional details on this page before casting your vote.
LOOKING BACK
Last Fiscal Year’s Budget
Through God's goodness and your faithfulness, we finished the past fiscal year in a strong financial position. The Here to Stay giving campaign concluded in January, but giving for the remainder of the fiscal year was above the pre-Here to Stay level. In addition, expenses came in under budget, and we invested [$XYZ] million into Compassion Ministries (which included Here to Stay contributions) and $[XYZ] into campus updates and improvements, including our new Student Center (shown here).
We ended the year with a healthy $[XYZ] operating surplus, giving us the flexibility to invest in new ministry opportunities while faithfully stewarding and maintaining the facilities God has entrusted to us.
LOOKING Forward
This Fiscal Year’s Budget
This year's budget reflects our commitment to faithful stewardship and an increased investment in WestGate ministries.
We're forecasting $11 million in total revenue, with an $8.1 million operating budget, prioritizing recruiting and retaining strong and experienced staff, a stronger discipleship pathway, and the launch of our new Pastoral Residency to train the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders.
Our budget forecasts a $2.9 million operating surplus. From that, we've allocated $1.2 million to Global and Local Compassion Ministries and approximately $1.7 million to capital maintenance and improvements and contingency, ensuring we can invest in both today's ministry needs and tomorrow's opportunities.
Expense Summary
Our operating expense budget increases from $7.7 million to $8.1 million this year, reflecting intentional investments in three strategic priorities: strengthening our staff team through additions and compensation adjustments, launching a new Pastoral Residency to develop future ministry leaders, and expanding our Membership and Discipleship Strategy to help more people take meaningful next steps in following Jesus.
WestGate Ministry Expenses
This table outlines how we've allocated our proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. While some areas increase as we invest in strategic priorities, including staff development, discipleship, campus operations, and our new Pastoral Residency, other areas remain flat or decrease as resources are thoughtfully reallocated. Each budget was developed by ministry staff, reviewed by our finance and executive teams, and ultimately approved by our Elder Board as part of our commitment to faithful stewardship. If you have questions about the budget or would like additional detail, we'd be glad to help; simply reach out to our team.
WestGate Compassion Expenses
We’re committed to giving away as much as we can to Kingdom work beyond the four walls of our church. Your generosity enables us to invest in Compassion Ministries, including Beautiful Day, our missionary partners, and local and global outreach initiatives. In addition, we've budgeted $600,000 in response to benevolence needs, disaster relief, and other ministry opportunities as they arise.
capital projects
Core capital projects
In addition to our annual operating budget, we also set aside funds each year for long-term facility stewardship. These are projects that are funded through WestGate's annual budget, not the Here to Stay campaign, to help us care for the campuses God has entrusted to us. This year's Core Capital investments focus on three priorities: creating engaging environments for the next generation, refreshing the spaces where we gather for worship and community, and maintaining the critical infrastructure that keeps our campuses safe, functional, and ready for ministry.
Here to stay projects
Separate from our annual budget, Here to Stay is a designated generosity initiative that funds specific campus improvements made possible through your campaign giving. Current projects include the Saratoga Parking Lot, new Saratoga café and community gathering space designed to blur the lines between our church and our city, and South Hills Beautification. Remaining campaign funds are intentionally reserved until planning, design, and project costs are finalized, ensuring we can complete these projects responsibly.
MORE INFO CLICK HERE
celebration
501(c)3
This past year WestGate officially received IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) - Non Profit.
While we've always operated as a nonprofit church, this formal recognition opens up new opportunities to increase revenue through corporate matching gifts and reduce expenses through nonprofit pricing. In fact, thanks to the hard work of our team and our official 501(c)(3) status, WestGate saved tens of thousands of dollars this past fiscal year, resources that can now be invested directly into the ministries of our church. We're grateful for what this means for the future of WestGate's finances and, ultimately, for the ministry God has called us to.
AFFIRMING OUR NEWEST ELDER
Mark chuang
Mark Chuang isn't new to WestGate or to our board. He previously served on our Elder Board and, after nine years, is returning to serve again. Mark and his wife Cindy have faithfully served WestGate for many years. He brings wisdom, steadiness, strong leadership experience, and, most importantly, a deep love for Jesus and our church family.
We're grateful for Mark and excited to recommend him to you for affirmation.
Get to know mark
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Next steps
QUESTIONS
We need you, as a member of WestGate Church, to VOTE. If you have questions about this year’s annual family update, click the button below, and we’ll answer your questions to assist you in your vote.
VOTE
On Sunday, September 20, you’ll get an email as a member of our church family, where you’ll be invited to vote between 9 am - 9 pm. We’ll make sure we follow up to let you know the results via email. Thanks.