For Your Information
With a campaign like this, there are always lots of questions on people's minds that they don't necessarily want to ask. Well we want to try and read your minds and see if we can answer some of those questions now. If there is a questions on your mind and it has not been answered yet, please feel free to reach out and connect with us and ask us what is on your mind.
Q:
How much money are we trying to raise in this campaign?
A: We are not asking for cash offerings during the actual campaign; rather we are asking for a three-year commitment of sacrificial giving that will commence after the campaign has ended. In other words, the one-time, three-year pledge that you make can be honored in whatever way you choose over the next three years. Of course, since our campaign funds will be used to build our new building, we will be greatly appreciative of pledges that can be fulfilled or partially fulfilled earlier in the three-year period.
Q: What is the purpose of the commitment cards?
A: Our church is facing a very large financial endeavor. To use our financial resources wisely, we must have an accurate indication of our cash flow for the immediate future. Completed commitment cards enable our church leaders to make wise decisions.
Q: When do we actually begin giving toward our pledges?
A: We are asking everyone to give something of their three-year commitment on First Fruits Sunday, June 20. First Fruits Sunday takes its name from the biblical practice of returning the first fruits, the first 10%, of all our wealth, to God. We know everyone will not be able to bring the first 10% of their pledge on June 20, but others will, and some will even be able to bring more.
As a side note, our ability to borrow "seed money" to begin our building project will be partially based upon whether we hit our goal of receiving 10% of our pledged gifts on First Fruits Sunday, June 20.
Q: What if I can't fulfill my commitment?
A: No one knows what the future will hold. We are asking that you pray and let God lead you to a sacrificial commitment. If your circumstances change, continue to pray and please revise your commitment accordingly.
Q: Will my commitment be made public?
A: No, as with all church receipts, this commitment will be confidential.
Q: How will I give my commitment to the church?
A: Special offering envelopes will be provided for your use to ensure that your gifts go where you intend them. Additionally, you can place the words Building Campaign in the memo line of your checks or designate Building Campaign as the recipient of your electronic (ACH or credit card) gifts.
Q: How will I know what to commit?
A:The three things to consider when making your decision are prayer, sacrifice, and faith. These guideposts will lead you to the right decision.
Q: When and where will the commitments be made to the Church?
A: Every commitment should be made in way that no one is embarrassed in the process. Manypeople will feel moved to complete their commitment cards at Celebration Sunday on June 13. Others may choose to complete their commitment cards in the privacy of their own home and return them to the church. There is no right or wrong way to make your commitment; making the commitment is a matter between you and God, and so is the way you return it.
Q: How should I give my offerings over the next three years?
A: How you give your offering is up to you and depends on your lifestyle and budget. Some people will give theirs weekly or monthly, while others may prefer to do it quarterly or yearly. You are the only one that knows your resources; how you feel most comfortable giving is the right way to give.
Q: Are there ways to give other than the three-year financial commitment?
A: Here are some different ways to give, and if none of these ideas are feasible, hopefully they will lead you to finding the right way to give for you. There can be significant tax benefits to giving property, stocks, bonds, or other appreciated assets to the church. Our church can provide professional guidance for you at your request.
- Giving assets such as land, jewelry, equipment, art work over to the Church;
- Selling stocks and bonds or assigning them to the Church;
- Assigning the Church an interest in life insurance benefits;
- Setting up an estate plan which will leave the Church a gift in a will or trust.
Q: Am I expected to continue giving my regular offering during the three years of the campaign?
Q: Simply put, you must continue to give your regular offering as you participate in the capital campaign. MCC Austin has numerous financial commitments including our current bond payments of $11,000 per month, 15% tithes to MCC Churches, utilities, MCC Cares and Benevolence (gifts to those in need), and salaries and wages for our pastoral staff, administrative staff, and special area staff such as music director and nursery attendants.
Our monthly expenses are right at $40,000 per month, and we operate on a tight margin. Our congregation is generous and committed, and we must continue to be so in addition to our capital campaign.
Again, as a side note, our capital campaign consultant, while clear that we must continue to remind people of the importance of continuing their regular offerings, also shared that a church's monthly gifts often increase as people enter a time of prayerful discernment around their giving to God. In other words, as people prioritize their offering and grow spiritually, they not only continue, but often increase their regular giving. What a blessing that would be as we continue to strengthen and increase the worship and program opportunities we provide to our members and friends.
