Stewardship FAQs
Q. What is stewardship? Is it just fundraising?
A. Sacred stewardship is defined as ‘Using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do.’ It includes the careful and responsible management of the resources entrusted to our care, whether those gifts are our own talents and treasures, or the talents and treasures offered in the spirit of generosity by others. During this pledge drive, you will hear a great deal about money, because we are developing our budget to support our 2008 operations based on those pledges. But sacred stewardship is a much larger calling than simply raising funds.
Q. Okay, so let’s talk fundraising. Where do the funds come from that support Christ’s Church?
A. The church is funded in its entirety by us. Over 90% of our funding comes from our annual pledges and the weekly plate donations at the Sunday worship services. We generate less than 10% of our revenue from fund-raising events like concerts and parties, although we hope to grow that number in the future. The pledge campaign is part of a multi-stage fundraising plan for 2008-2010. That plan includes annual pledge campaigns to fund day-to-day operations; a three year Capital Campaign to fund large projects and pay for major building expenses; and fund-raising activities to test and grow other ways to inspire generosity besides the ‘old reliables:’ pledge, plate, and capital campaigns. It all depends on the pledge, though, because we have to meet our daily obligations before we can make any plans at all.
Q. It all depends on the pledge? Why is that so important? Why can’t I just give to the plate each week?
A. Your pledge is your commitment to support Christ’s Church for the next year. It says you plan to be an active member of the community for the next twelve months. The total amount we pledge serves as the basis for the church’s annual budget. Last year, we spent close to $500,000 on programs, events, ministry, building maintenance and staff salaries. If we pledge enough to support those programs, we can safely assume they are funded. If we do not, we have to rely on the uncertainty of the plate, which relies on attendance. Attendance can be affected by all sorts of things, like weather, and is less of a certainty than a pledge commitment.
Q. Pledge, plate, capital campaigns, fundraisers…that’s all? Doesn’t the diocese also send money to the church?
A. No. In fact, the church sends money to the diocese. We, along with all the churches in the diocese, support their work. We as a congregation fund all of our local expenses – building, staff, programs – and commit each year to send a percentage of the funds we raise to the diocese. Those support activities like Genesis Weekend, which some of our youth are attending next weekend.
Q. Since Father EJ moved to Battlement Mesa, didn’t we give our staff and clergy a raise?
A. No. Our staff and clergy salaries are in the lowest 25% in the diocese, based on churches of all sizes. They frequently pick up expenses and quietly make donations to fund basic but unglamorous necessities.
Q. I am already contributing money to the church each week. Are you asking for more?
A. No. If you have been contributing to the plate each week, we ask you to consider formalizing your contribution by signing your 2008 pledge card. We base the budget on the results of the pledge campaign. This is an annual campaign and eacah year we ask people to renew their pledge. You can increase it, keep it the same, or decrease it, as your circumstances warrant and you feel called.
Q. How do I know if I am current on my pledge?
A. The treasurer mails quarterly statements to let you know the status of your pledge.
Q. What happens if I fall behind on my pledge?
A. The church understands that life happens. We ask only that you set a thoughtful, prayerful goal and try to meet it. No one is going to harass you in any way if you do not meet your pledge. Since we use the pledges to plan our total budget and activities, we do hope that you will base your pledge on what you reasonably expect to commit. If you fall behind, we hope you will catch up when you are able. If you exceed your pledge, we are grateful for your generosity. No matter what, we thank you for being part of this faith community.
A. Tithing used to mean providing a tenth of your income to the church of your choice. Nowadays, the national average for pledging is 2.6% of one's income. So, to compute a pledge based on your income, simply project your expected earnings for 2008; decide on a percentage that feels proportionate for your particular call; multiply your projected income; divide by the frequency you wish to contribute and - voila-you have computed your pledge.
Example: $52,000 x 3%=$1,560/52 weeks = $30/week.
