Results through the third quarter of the synod's fiscal year show unrestricted support and revenues of $55.7 million exceeded expenses of $51.8 million by $3.9 million. The synod's chief financial officer cites three main factors for the resulting increase in net assets:

1. A timing difference between revenues and expenses that is expected to reverse by the end of the year.

2. Greater than budgeted investment performance as financial markets continue to recover from their March and April 2009 lows.

3. Donor-imposed restrictions on certain funds have been satisfied, freeing up dollars for unrestricted use, even though the funds will not be spent until future periods.

For the operating portion of the budget, results through March are pointing to a balanced budget or possibly a small surplus, even though gifts congregations give for the collective ministry of the synod known as Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) are expected to be less than budget. The projected decrease is offset by a health insurance premium holiday savings, vacancies, and general cost containment initiatives. Results for the special funds are in line with the budget, and three of the four Ministerial Education schools are projecting a surplus, which will be used for student assistance and campus maintenance projects.