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Frequently Asked Questions
Each year we get questions about giving at LOPC. The Stewardship Team, with the help of our pastors and many elders and deacons, have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions as a base of information.
Why do we have an annual stewardship campaign?
The easiest answer to that question is “because we’ve always done it that way.” We must have a better reason than that! We Presbyterians elect members of the congregation to serve three year terms as Elders. Together with the pastors, the 24 leaders elected by the congregation comprise the Session. The Session, which meets monthly, is divided up into teams ranging from Personnel to Children’s Ministry to Facilities. Each of these teams goes through a careful budgeting process for the coming year, but before their budgeting work can be completed, Session needs to know the extent of financial resources available to the church in the coming year. Members and friends are asked to prayerfully consider what portion of their income they plan to give to the church in the coming year, and once those pledges are received, the Session can plan effectively for the coming year.
What are the emerging needs for the 2007 budget?
As we put this FAQ sheet together, the Session is working on budget development for the coming year. While it’s too early to have everything nailed down, budget needs for 2007 will center on three things: leadership, operations and mission. In the area of leadership, it is now evident for all to see that LOPC has assembled a top notch staff. Over the past three years, we have completely redesigned and streamlined our staffing model to be more efficient and effective. The team you requested is in place, including many developments in our care ministry - a new Senior Care Coordinator, Administrator and Chaplain for in-home visitation - and new we have to make sure they are supported. With regard to operations, we all know that it will simply cost more to maintain the ministry overhead than it did last year. Virtually all of the expenses in this area are non-negotiable, even as we look for savings wherever we can. We must clean, heat, insure, light, maintain, print copy and much else to support all the work done by our various ministries, including costs related to our new Christian Life Center which is used primarily for our growing programs with children and youth. It isn’t glamorous, but it is essential. Finally, we are excited about the growth in our mission initiatives. We are funding work throughout the community, region and world which is dramatically changing, and in some cases saving people’s lives. We will be hearing more about new programs and projects in coming months, and we want to be able to say, “Yes”. We are also thrilled that in all likelihood LOPC will have five seminarians under care this coming year, preparing to serve God’s purposes in the world through the church, and we must be ready to support them. What kind of price tag can we put on all of this? At this point we think we’re looking at $300,000 which represents an increase of about10%. It’s a big challenge, but one we can meet together.
What does the 100% mean?
At LOPC, we believe that every member and friend of the church matters to the ministry. We all have something to contribute in time, talent and treasure. What we give is between us as individuals and God, but everyone is called to participate at whatever level they can.
Where does the money go?
All the funds received and the expenses incurred by the church are reflected in the year end financial statement. The annual operating budget established by the Session each January is a projection for the coming year, but the real story is always revealed at the end of the year when we factor in additional giving received and expenses incurred during the year. Each year we provide a graph showing where the funds are deployed, and here is the graph for our most recently completed budget year (2005).
How much should I pledge?
This is a question worthy of some thought and consideration. The Bible has some good news and guidance for us. It teaches that while we ultimately own nothing, since all belongs to God, we should start with keeping 90% to meet our own needs and set aside 10%, the tithe, to do God’s work in the world. Some have asked whether this is a percentage of the gross or net income we annually receive, and while there is no specific guidance on that in the Scriptures, we can reasonably assume it’s 10% of our gross income because we are told the tithe comes first, even before taxes! Whether we give 10% or some other percentage, the underlying principle is that we don’t give a set amount in our pledge, but a percentage of our annual income. LOPC considers all funds given to support God’s work in the world, even philanthropic endeavors outside the church, to be part of the tithe. Most of our members give a generous portion of their tithe to the church, but also have other benevolent causes they support. For many of us, the simple truth is that we have to grow towards the tithe. If we do an analysis and discover that we are currently giving a 2% tithe, a good growth strategy is to add an additional 1% each year until we achieve the goal of a full tithe. Where things get really interesting is when God calls us to move beyond the tithe, and give upwards of 10% away. What amazing things we can see our dollars accomplish when we turn them loose for God instead of holding on and storing up. God calls us to be faithful now, and not at some point in the future.
Why do I need to pledge - I give regularly?
Our lives are defined by the regular practices of life and the commitments we make. Asking members and friends of the church to pledge is a request for a tangible expression of commitment to Christ and his church. Beyond the assistance it provides the Session in effectively building the ministry, it provides a vehicle for each of us to declare ourselves and our resources for God.
I have already pledged. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, Session uses the pledges received in the fall of each year to plan for the next year. A pledge is really an estimate of what a member or friend of the church intends to contribute next year. Many times circumstances - either plus or minus - require or allow people to change their pledges for the next year.
I want to give my money to children...mission...music...youth...etc. How do I do this?
Pledges to the church are automatically applied to the annual operating budget, and are applied where they are needed. The finances of LOPC are not hidden or secret, as any member can request financial information. While some information, such as non-clergy salaries, are kept confidential as a matter of professional courtesy, we are very open about our finances. In some cases, such as youth stock sales or special offerings, donors designate a specific ministry area and that is the sole recipient of those funds. This is called designated giving and, as per the donor’s intent, we honor their wishes.
Does it matter if I pledge yearly, monthly or weekly?
Our members and friends give in each of these ways, depending on their wish and custom.
How do I pledge?
Each year in the fall, we have an all church pledge campaign, in which members and friends fill out an Estimate of Giving card for the coming year and offer it in worship on Consecration Sunday. Those who cannot be present on this festival day, may drop their cards in the offering plate on another Sunday or deliver them by mail or in person to the church office. New members and friends are invited to fill out pledge cards when they affiliate with the church at any point during the year.
When do I need to send in my pledge?
As you have indicated on your Estimate of Giving card - weekly, monthly or yearly. The amount of your pledge - estimate of giving - will be used to budget for 2007. Normally, pledges are received on Consecration Sunday, November 12, 2006. We do need to know the amount of your pledge by December of 2006.
What happens if my circumstances change and I need to change my pledge?
The wonderful thing about giving that is based on a percentage of annual income is that if our circumstances change, so does our giving. What we pledge to the church is a matter between us and God, but we do have a church treasurer, Jim Fulford, with whom you can speak confidentially if you need to change your pledge - either up or down!
Does my pledge have anything to do with the Capital Pledge Campaign?
One of our great joys as a church family is the recent completion of the Christian Life Center. Over $7,000,000 was pledged to this effort, and most of that pledge income has already been received. That campaign income is held separate from the annual operating budget, however, and pledges to the annual operating budget do not go into it.
When do I get the envelopes for my pledge?
Envelopes - weekly or monthly - are distributed in early January to those people who submit their pledges on Consecration Sunday. You do not need an envelope to pledge if you pay by check.
Are donations to LOPC tax deductible?
Yes. LOPC is considered a charity under IRS rules. By IRS rules we will send you a quarterly statements that you can use for tax purposes. All our procedures are in keeping with various IRS rules and guidelines.
What about other monies collected each Sunday - and the free will offerings?
Free will offerings are used to offset the cost of that particular event or service. Loose offerings, cash given each Sunday, also go into the operating budget. The only difference between cash and checks is that checks are covered by IRS rules and can be used as a tax deduction by the giver. Checks from people who have not pledged are also covered by various IRS rules and we follow them exactly. Pledging helps the church budget. Giving is really what it is all about and you do not have to pledge to support the church. |
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