The Amazing Race · Join the Adventure

We wanted to help you with your potential pledge, so we got a little calculator. Simply fill out how much you want to save and how often you can save it, and you can see your potential 3 years of giving.

Courtesy of Rob Stevens.

The most important decision you or your family will make during the Vision Expansion Project emphasis will be the decision about your own giving commitment.  This article gives suggestions on how to decide what your commitment will be.

As you begin praying about your commitments, keep in mind that the Biblical principle is “EQUAL SACRIFICE, NOT EQUAL GIFTS.”  Obviously, God has not given everyone the ability to give the same amount in dollars.  However, God does call us to make the same quality of commitment.

Remember, your commitment can include both a cash gift and a 36-month giving commitment.  Most of us can give far more than we initially think by giving it over a three-year period. You will help your church most by making both gifts.

Each of us has a choice to make:

• I can give based on reason.  This means I look at what I have, figure out what is “reasonable,” and commit that amount.  It takes little or no faith to give by reason.  Reason simply asks, “What can I afford?”
• I can give based on reallocation.  This means that I search for alternative ways to fulfill what God wants to give through me towards the campaign.  “What do I have in my hand…what can I create because He gives me the power to get wealth?”
• I can give based on revelation.  This means I determine my gift by praying, “Lord, what do you want to give through me?”  This requires faith.  When you make giving a matter of prayer, your decision becomes an act of worship.  Revelation giving is asking, “How much am I willing to trust God?”  Paul said of the Macedonians, “They gave not only what they could afford, they gave more than they could afford!”  2 Corinthians 8:3

Prayerfully consider the following suggestions for determining God’s will in giving:

1. Begin by praying every day, “Lord, I want to give sacrificially.  Now please show me how to give a gift that will stretch my faith.”  If you’re married, pray together with your spouse.
2. Give yourself time!  Don’t rush your decision.  You will find that the longer you genuinely pray “Show me how”, the more ways God will show you and you’ll be able to give more than the first amount that popped into your head.  Allow God to show you how to “grow in the grace of giving.”
3. Plan a family conference to discuss ways to give.  Ask your family members to be thinking of ideas in advance.  Be sure to involve your children, no matter how young they are.  This is a great opportunity to teach giving and faith.  At your family conference, read the following Bible promises and instructions, and make a list of what you learn.

An over and above gift is what you decide to give during the Capital Stewardship Campaign Process. This giving should be over and above the Lord’s tithe and other commitments you have already made to give to missions and other aspects of the Lord’s work. [or, “…already made (missions, scholarships, etc).”]  The best path to increased giving is the spiritual path, where you set your heart on things above…

1. Practice Priority Budgeting – Many families will choose to rearrange their priorities and give up something discretionary in their current budget in order to give more for this time period.
2. Redirect Present Expenditures – Sometimes, families have significant short-term expenditures for certain needs. One example is the costs a family incurs for a child to attend college; another, would be the cash flow that is freed up when a loan is re-paid.
3. Increased Giving with Income Increases – Some people receive periodic increases in their salary or earnings.  The temptation for many of us is to increase our lifestyle to fit the higher income.  In many instances, families can decide to commit the full amount of an income increase for a planned time of giving…such as a Capital Stewardship Campaign.
4. Giving from your Excess – Often, families save money over a period of time for a special project, and now feel the Holy Spirit’s prompting to gift those funds.  It might be extra reserves for a vacation property, recreational vehicle, a special trip, or another family goal.  By saying “later” to their own goal, they say “Now” to help the church’s dream become a reality.
5. Commit Unexpected Cash / Gifts – Often, people pray for God to show them a way they can give beyond what they presently see or afford. Sometimes, the answers come unexpectedly, and the blessing can be added to the commitment from their regular income. This might be from a year-end bonus, or an inheritance.
6. Appreciated Property – You can donate real property (vacant land or a vacation home / property).  If you have owned the property for more than one year, by donating it to the church, you would receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the property.  If you have rental or income property that you have owned for some time, you may have depreciated it to a very low tax basis, meaning a substantial capital gain if you were to sell.  By donating it, you will both avoid the capital gains tax and receive a tax deduction for full fair market value.
7. Personal Property – Some of us may be willing to gift our personal possessions, like precious metals, jewels / jewelry, valuable collections (e.g., coins, stamps, baseball cards), art, recreational vehicles…. As above, not only would your gift be of value to the campaign, it would also provide you with a fair market value tax deduction. [Please Note: Gifts of real and / or personal property should be discussed in advance with the church business office to determine if they can be accepted. In some cases, it is better for the donor to sell the property and then gift the proceeds.]
8. Investment Securities – It may be that we decide to gift appreciated stock, bonds, mutual funds or other investment securities.  This will also provide a “win-win,” as the church obtains a valued liquid offering, and you will receive a deduction for the fair market value of the security at the date of the gift, as well as avoid any potential capital gains from the sale of that security.
9. Contribution from your IRA – Many people have amassed a sizable IRA that may not be necessary for (immediate) use.  If one is over 70 ½, you may withdraw (a portion of) your contribution without paying any penalty – and the amount given may (help) offset the taxable income portion of that withdrawal.
10. Increased Giving with Increased Fixed Income – Many retirees depend upon fixed income investments for their income. In periods of fluctuating interest rates, obtaining a reliable, safe income can be challenging. An alternative would be the use of a Charitable Gift Annuity. This CGA can offer generous guaranteed lifetime payments at a level above CD’s and other secure investments. Additionally, a portion of each payment is tax-free, and CGA’s offer income tax deductions, as well.
11. Charitable Remainder Trust – Another way for some to gift the church with appreciated assets (real estate, securities) is through a CRT.  This special type of trust allows you to receive lifetime income, even though you’ve made a significant gift to your church.  There also are significant tax advantages to this type of trust. Please Note: Gifts from your IRA, or gifts utilizing CGA’s or CRT’s need to be reviewed with tax advisors, as well as those trained in such unique planned giving options.  The church has advisors ready to assist you when you contact us.]
12. Give your Extra Time – Some family members have extra time they would be willing to use for a part-time job in order to increase their gift.  This is particularly true for families whose families are grown and away from home, or for (semi-) retired couples.