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Commitment
An introduction to
giving...
The Garden of Eden was indeed
paradise, but Adam did have one responsibility: stewardship. Adam was not
presented with a long list of things to do every day, he was simply told
to “take care of things”. He was given a lot of freedom and discretion in
caring for the garden. God encouraged Adam to bring his own abilities,
viewpoints, and perspective to his work. The job of stewardship was part
of God’s original plan for us.
In the church today, the idea of
stewardship is often misunderstood, and, therefore avoided. People tend to
stay away from sermons on the subject. In our church, we tend to talk
about stewardship once a year, when we are trying to put together the
church budget and ask members to pledge their giving for the year.
Stewardship is best understood as a significant, important role within the
church and as a lofty position to which to aspire.
Imagine:
If Christians are to rediscover the joy and excitement of giving,
If the church is to fulfill its mission and ministry, and
If the Kingdom of God is to grow
Then, the privilege, power, and purpose of the
steward must be
Relearned from the scripture
Reclaimed from the past, and
Reapplied to daily life.
Luke records that
Jesus said
“Give unto others and God will
give to you. The measure you
use for others is the one that
God will use for you.”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ insists
upon the powerful up-lifting quality of sacrifice. This is the most
impressive fact in the spiritual world. Who has not been saved from un
unfortunate situation by the unselfish, or even sacrificial, actions of
another person?
Sometime in the past, members of our
congregation gave us the gift of our sanctuary, Asbury Chapel, and current
education wing. Not only do we need to continue our legacy of spiritual
worship and community outreach, but we also need to make it possible
through our own giving, our own sacrifice, to fulfill our mission of
Connecting people to God, helping them to Become Disciples of Jesus
Christ, and sending them into the world to Serve as Christ would have us
do.
Why Give?
Many of us give without really
knowing why. We think that our giving helps the church pay its debts, or
that it pays the pastor and supports missions. Or even, “It is God’s way
of funding His Work.” These things are true on a material level, but there
is a spiritual aspect to giving that is of great importance. After all,
God can do all... Why, then, is God so persistent in His efforts to
involve us in the matter of stewardship? Consider the biblical pattern for
partnership between God the Owner and the steward. One example is found in
Exodus when God called the Israelites to build a place of worship. Exodus
35 explains that God called the Hebrews to personal giving in order to
fund the construction of the Tabernacle. This seemed to be an unusual
command since the Hebrews were just emerging from decades of enslavement.
However, the people enthusiastically responded with such an extraordinary
exhibition of giving that Moses had
to ask them to stop. Did God need the Hebrews to give to build the
Tabernacle? No. God chose to bring the Hebrews into a practical
partnership with Himself. Although the Tabernacle was His idea, the
Hebrews joined Him in its construction and funding. The underlying message
of the Tabernacle project is: God was not just building a place – He was
building a people.
God funds His work through His
people and, as Owner, distributes His wealth to His people. Christians
acting as faithful managers, join God in advancing His work by giving.
God’s stewardship system works! It can provide all the funds when and
where they are needed. However, the system only works with a wealthy owner
and a willing manager! God is wealthy. Are you willing?
Our campaign will be successful
only if we have a steward’s heart. It will take commitment from every
member of Monfort Heights United Methodist Church, to make a sacrificial
gift over the next 156 weeks.
“I will not
offer to God
that which costs
me nothing.”
II Samuel 24:24
| Commitment profile
guide Three-year commitments over
and above operating budget. Please note that the campaign runs from
December 2006 through December 2009 (four tax years)
Our Miracle Goal is:
$2,500,000 Below are examples of
commitments that will help us realize our miracle goal.
| # of
Commitments |
Total
Amounts |
| 1 |
$ 250,000 |
| 1 |
$ 150,000 |
| 2 |
$100,000 |
| 3 |
$ 75,000 |
| 5 |
$ 50,000 |
| 5 |
$ 30,000 |
| 7 |
$ 25,000 |
| 8 |
$ 20,000 |
| 10 |
$ 18,000 |
| 10 |
$ 15,000 |
| 12 |
$ 12,000 |
| 12 |
$ 9,000 |
| 20 |
$ 6,000 |
| 25 |
$ 5,000 |
| 75 |
$ 3,600 |
| Unlimited |
$ 3,600 or
less |
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Tangible assets
In addition to a financial pledge, it is
possible to make a direct donation of tangible assets. There are a
wide range of assets that would make a suitable donation. Many allow
you to claim the full value as a tax deduction. Here are some asset
classes that you may consider:
Stocks and bonds–These can be transferred directly to the church
to benefit the IMAGINE campaign without obligating you to capital
gains taxes (please consult your tax advisor for guidance). You will
be able to make a direct transfer through PNC Bank to the IMAGINE
campaign. They will be able to accept Depository Eligible Securities,
Government Issues, Securities Not Eligible for DTC (Physical Delivery
Only), Mutual Funds, Euro Deliveries (requires 48 hour notice), and
direct wire of money. Make sure that you consult a tax advisor prior
to making this type of donation. For additional information, please
see the Executive Director of the Campaign.
IRAs–For the next two tax years, those who
are age 701/2 or older may make direct contributions from their IRAs
without incurring tax implications. Because of the sensitive tax nature
and implications regarding IRAs, we will send additional information
detailing eligibility requirements and details separately. You are
strongly advised to consult a tax advisor regarding this option to insure
your eligibility.
Real Estate – Real Estate can be
transferred directly to the IMAGINE campaign. You should consult a tax
advisor prior to making any donation. To make arrangements for this
transfer, please contact the Executive Director of the Campaign.
Fine Jewelry and Artwork–If desired, the
IMAGINE campaign will also accept these types of assets. Please bear
in mind that such assets should be of significant value and is subject
to review and acceptance of the Steering Committee of the campaign.
Again, remember to consult your tax advisor prior to making any
donation.
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Listen
The IMAGINE campaign Team has prepared a great
deal of information for each of us to consider. We ask you to take
the time to read and review the information. It is natural and
proper to have questions and expect sensible answers. After review,
if you have questions, contact an Imagine Steering Committee Team
Member. The one question you should resist asking any other person
is “what do you expect from me?” That question is for each of us to
ask God.
After listening there is another step
needed…
Pray
Pray, asking God to enlighten you in the coming weeks, as
you thoughtfully consider the church’s place in the world, and your
place in the church. Over the course of the next several weeks,
there will be opportunities to pray together and on our own. This
packet includes several items that can remind and guide your
prayers. We also encourage you to participate in the Imagine
Prayer Events as part of your spiritual journey.
It is vitally important to separate our own
inner thoughts from the “still small voice” of God. Ask God what He
wants to see happen at this church. Then ask Him what He wants you
(and your family) to do. Ask Him if He wants to use you in new ways.
God speaks to us in many ways, so be alert! You can be pretty sure
it is God speaking if you are led into new territory…
Commit
Listening and reasoning, energized and informed by God’s own
revelation to you, leads to a personal monetary commitment. First
ask yourself what amount of money over the next three years (1) you
desire to give and (2) you believe God could provide you to give.
Then ask yourself: “Am I joyful about
giving this amount?” “Is my gift sacrificial?” “Is my gift motivated
by my love of God,” “Is making a commitment in this amount and act
of faith?” If you can answer yes to all of these, then you are ready
for Celebration Sunday! If you cannot honestly answer yes to all
four questions, then return to God in prayer. (Couples, whether only
one or both are part of the church community, must take extra care
to arrive at a commitment that respects the rights and
under-standing of both people.) Once you have arrived at a decision,
thank God for His guidance, and enjoy His Peace.
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Typical Gift
Schedule
| Weekly |
Monthly |
Annually |
3 Year
Total |
| 1,000 |
4,333 |
52,000 |
156,000 |
| 500 |
2,167 |
26,000 |
78,000 |
| 400 |
1,733 |
20,800 |
62,402 |
| 300 |
1,300 |
15,600 |
46,800 |
| 250 |
1,084 |
13,000 |
39,000 |
| 200 |
867 |
10,400 |
31,200 |
| 150 |
650 |
7,800 |
23,400 |
| 100 |
433 |
5,200 |
15,600 |
| 75 |
325 |
3,900 |
11,700 |
| 50 |
216 |
2,600 |
7,800 |
| 30 |
130 |
1,560 |
4,680 |
| 25 |
109 |
1,300 |
3,900 |
| 20 |
86 |
1,040 |
3,120 |
| 10 |
43 |
520 |
1,560 |
This commitment schedule is for quick
calculation of weekly, monthly and yearly giving. No one should feel
confined to this schedule. |
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