Financial Planning for Deputation
Faithful stewardship during deputation means planning wisely, tracking carefully, and trusting God to provide.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19
Understanding Support Raising
Support raising is not begging — it is inviting God's people to invest in God's work. The biblical model is clear: those who go are supported by those who send. Your job is to faithfully present the need and trust God to move hearts.
Know your total monthly support goal before you begin. This should include your salary, field expenses, ministry costs, insurance, retirement, and any agency or board fees. Your mission board can help you calculate an accurate figure.
- Personal salary/living expenses — What your family needs to live on the field.
- Ministry expenses — Costs directly related to your work — materials, travel on the field, outreach events.
- Insurance & retirement — Don't neglect these. Plan for health insurance, life insurance, and modest retirement contributions.
- Board/agency fees — Most mission boards charge an administrative percentage. Factor this in.
Budgeting for Deputation Travel
Deputation travel can be expensive if you're not careful. Fuel, food, lodging, and vehicle maintenance add up quickly — especially for families. Creating a realistic travel budget before you hit the road is essential.
Look for ways to reduce costs without cutting corners on safety. Stay with church families when possible (most will offer). Cook meals in your hotel room or vehicle. Plan routes efficiently to minimize backtracking. Many missionaries find that an RV or travel trailer, while a bigger upfront cost, saves significantly on lodging over a long deputation.
Tracking Your Expenses
Keep meticulous records of every expense during deputation. This is both good stewardship and practical necessity — you'll need it for tax purposes and to report to your sending church and mission board.
Use a simple system and stick with it. A spreadsheet works, or an app like YNAB or Mint. Categorize expenses (fuel, food, lodging, vehicle, supplies, postage) so you can identify where your money is going and adjust as needed.
- Save every receipt — Digital photos of receipts work well — paper fades and gets lost.
- Record expenses daily — Don't let them pile up. Five minutes a day saves hours later.
- Separate ministry and personal finances — Use a dedicated account or card for deputation expenses.
- Review monthly — Compare actual spending to your budget and adjust.
Managing Finances on the Road
Living on the road during deputation requires financial discipline. Love offerings from churches will vary — some will be generous, others modest. Don't count on any specific amount from any single church.
Build an emergency fund before you begin traveling. Three months of basic expenses gives you a cushion for slow months, unexpected car repairs, or medical needs. If you don't have savings, consider working part-time before or during the early stages of deputation to build that buffer.
- Emergency fund — Aim for 3 months of basic expenses before you start traveling.
- Health insurance — Don't go without it. Explore options through your board, a health sharing ministry, or the marketplace.
- Vehicle maintenance — Keep up with oil changes, tires, and brakes. A breakdown on the road is costly and stressful.
- Communication with your spouse — Talk about finances regularly. Be on the same page about spending and priorities.
Sample Monthly Deputation Budget
Every family's situation is different, but here's a starting framework:
These are estimates based on a family of four traveling by car in the continental US. Your actual costs will vary based on your situation, region, and travel style.
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