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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, have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions as a base of information.
How much should I give?
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 that it is 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 gifts, 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 estimate my giving - 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 estimate their giving 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 turned in an estimate last year. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, Session uses the estimates of giving received in the fall of each year to plan for the next year. An estimate of giving 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?
Gifts 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 estimate my giving yearly, monthly or weekly?
Our members and friends give in each of these ways, depending on their wish and custom.
How do I share my estimate of giving for 2010?
Each year in the fall, we have an all church stewardship 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 into the offering plate on another Sunday, deliver them by mail or in person to the church office or fill out the form online. New members and friends are invited to fill out estimate of giving cards when they affiliate with the church at any point during the year.
When do I need to send in my estimate of giving?
As you have indicated on your Estimate of Giving card - weekly, monthly or yearly. The amount of your estimate of giving will be used to budget for the coming year. Normally, pledges are received on Consecration Sunday in November. We do need to know the amount of your pledge by December.
What happens if my circumstances change and I need to change my estimate of giving?
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 estimate - either up or down!
When do I get the envelopes for my giving?
Envelopes - weekly or monthly - are distributed in early January to those people who submit their estimate of giving card on Consecration Sunday. You do not need an envelope to pledge if you pay by check, automatic payment or credit card.
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.
How do I make sense of all the giving opportunities at LOPC?
The main giving opportunity for members and friends of the church annually is supporting the Operating Budget. The Operating Budget provides the resources we need to keep our ministry going each year. Donations to the church, through your Estimate of Giving, Sunday morning loose plate offerings or special gifts, go to support this budget. During the year we also have special offerings to support various mission projects and disaster assistance needs. These are usually announced in worship and people designate their gifts to these appeals. Finally, the church occasionally has capital campaigns to provide for major building efforts and renovations. These are separate campaigns, as is the case with our new Ministry Center project, and members fill out separate pledge cards or make designated gifts to meet these needs.
What are the main income sources for the Operating Budget?
What if I have a question about how my giving is spent?
Each year our church governing board, the Session, puts together a budget that is based on our anticipated income for the year. The Session is elected by the congregation, so we are blessed with a decision-making board that is representative of the congregation and knowledgeable about the church’s mission and vision. At our annual meeting each year, members receive an accounting of the previous budget year, and any member may inquire about church finances at any time. Our Finance Team, Treasurer and other church officers regularly respond to inquiries concerning how church funds are spent.
What are the anticipated needs for the operating budget in 2010?
The big news this year is that we have filled out our staffing model for the first time in several years. Since reconfiguring our staffing model a few years ago in order to streamline our staff needs and maximize volunteerism, we have been working to build a truly competent and exceptional staff. That staff is now in place, and our primary need is to support them fully. We also have the ongoing fact of rising costs. Each year our Budget Team works to refine our budget so that every savings can be obtained, but we still have to raise additional funds each year just to keep pace with these rising costs. Finally, we are a growing church with many gifted leaders who are constantly developing new ministries, mission and service opportunities in our community and around the world. This energy and excitement requires the fuel of our financial resources to keep LOPC vibrant and healthy.
What does that translate to in dollars?
Starting in October our ministry teams are meeting with the Finance Team in order to go over their proposed budgets for the coming year. It is a thoughtful and thorough process. Our total Operating Budget is currently just under $3,000,000, and even in these challenging economic times we are experiencing faithful and continuing support from the congregation. Thank you! A good rule of thumb is that it takes a 5% increase in the budget each year to make necessary adjustments to cover the increased costs of carrying out our ministry in the coming year, and providing needed resources for our mission partners regionally and throughout the world. Beyond that, there are usually requests from our teams to bring improvements to the ministry, start new programs and fund new ministries which amount to roughly 5%. We always strive to balance projected expenses with income, based on our best sense of what we can afford.
How do you plan to raise these additional resources?
We are blessed with a very generous congregation, and about 700 households out of a potential 1,100 offer an Estimate of Giving each year. This giving is the backbone of the Operating Budget. Other households give, and the amount they give has been steadily rising in recent years. Our hope is to draw more members and friends towards Estimating each year, as well as encourage others to give throughout the year, as they are able, so that we can fully fund our ministry.
How can I give to LOPC?
You can provide LOPC with your Estimate of Giving (see card enclosed) and let us know if you’d like to provide funds weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. We would like to encourage you to bring the card with you on Consecration Sunday, November 16, and join with others who will be providing their Estimates that Sunday - but you can also mail the card, drop it off or pledge online. You can even register on line to have your credit card or bank account automatically debited. Please contact Jim Fulford, LOPC Treasurer, if you have any questions at (925) 283-8722 ext 252.
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