Stewardship FAQs
Q. How big is our annual operating budget?
A. Approximately $500,000
Q. Where does all the money go?
A. The two largest items are staff salaries (60%) and Facilities (30%). That's 90% of our budget.
Q. How much am I expected to give?
A. We don't tell anyone how much to give. Whatever you "give" is just that--a "gift" to the ministries of Christ in our church.
Q. How much do most people give?
A. Pledges range from $500 to $20,000 for the year. The average pledge is just under $2,000.
Q. How much does God want me to give?
A. God wants you to give in accordance with how you have been blessed. Scripture also teaches us to "tithe" or to give 10% of our income to the Lord's work. How much you give is between you and the Lord, but we urge you to "strive to tithe."
Q. I don't want to "pledge"; but I will give. Is that OK?
A. Sure. Just turn in your pledge card or go on-line and tell us that in the comment field. We'll send you offering envelopes for you to use as you wish.
Q. Someone told me that we give away 10% of our pledge income. Why?
A. If we are urging our people to "tithe," then we as a church should tithe. This year we will give over $36,000 to mission and social service agencies, including our denomination, the United Church of Christ. We also expect to give away over $16,000 in special offerings and mission projects.
Q. What if I can't fulfill my pledge?
A. That happens occasionally. Just send us a note and tell us. No one will ask why. Your pledge is not a "bill"; it's your gift to the Lord.
Q. Honestly, I work hard for my money. Why should I give it away?
A. Good question! It depends on how I look at "my" money. If everything I have comes from God, then the question becomes: "How much of God's money do I need to keep for myself?"
I also give as a way of "doing my fair share" in my church, and I give to show my gratitude to God.
I also give "in obedience" to Christ. Jesus knew that "where our treasure is, there our heart will be also." That's a powerful way for Jesus to say: "Put your money to work for the Lord. Wherever you put your money is where you also put your heart!"
