Annual Family
Update + Vote
Each year, WestGate members gather for 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, this past fiscal year was another strong year financially. General giving was above pre-Here to Stay Giving Campaign levels, 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.
We ended the year with a healthy $[XYZ] million balance, positioning us well to continue investing in the mission God has entrusted to us. (operating surplus of XYZ)
LOOKING Forward
This Fiscal Year’s Budget
This year's budget reflects our commitment to faithful stewardship and ministry investment.
We're forecasting $11 million in total revenue, with an $8.1 million operating budget, prioritizing healthy leaders, a stronger discipleship pathway, and the launch of our new Pastoral Residency to train the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders.
Beyond our operating budget, we've also allocated $1.2 million to Compassion Ministries and approximately $1.7 million toward capital 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 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
The table summarizes each ministry and operational department's proposed budget for the coming fiscal year compared to last year. While several areas increase as we invest in key priorities like staff development, discipleship, campus operations, and the new Pastoral Residency, other departments remain flat or decrease as resources are reallocated. Every budget request was reviewed by ministry leaders, refined by our finance and executive teams, and ultimately approved by our Elder Board as part of our commitment to thoughtful stewardship.
WestGate Compassion Expenses
Add text explaining the four buckets… (inside our walls)
Your generosity allows us to invest in compassion efforts including BD, Missionaries, XYZ with additional forecasted surplus of XYZ.
capital projects
Core capital projects
In addition to our annual operating budget, we're committed to stewarding the facilities God has entrusted to us through thoughtful long-term capital investments. Planned improvements over the next several years include major HVAC replacements across our campuses, as well as significant upgrades to the Saratoga Campus through interior and exterior painting, carpet replacement, and a refreshed Children's Ministry environment at our South Hills Campus. These investments help ensure our campuses remain welcoming, safe, and well-equipped for ministry for years to come.
Here to stay projects
Separate from our annual operating budget, Here to Stay is our long-term initiative to strengthen the campuses God has entrusted to us for future generations. Current projects include the Saratoga Parking Lot, Saratoga Retail Space, and South Hills Beautification Project, all designed to improve accessibility, hospitality, and ministry effectiveness. The remaining funds provide flexibility as project costs are finalized and allow us to respond wisely to future opportunities and needs.
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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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.
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 Sep X you’ll get an email as a member of our church family where you’ll be invited to vote between 9am-9pm. We’ll make sure we follow up to let you know the results via email. Thanks.