Our Financial Philosophy
We are guided in our understanding of giving by II Corinthians 8. Through the scriptures we understand that giving can be a source of joy and blessing. Giving hurts when it is done out of a spirit of obligation and asks, “How little can I get away with giving?”. Giving is a joy and blessing when done out of a spirit of gratefulness for all that God has given us and asks: “How generous can I be in my giving?”. We understand that this approach to giving can be followed whether personal resources are few or great.
We are guided in our understanding of giving by the Biblical standard of the tithe. The people of the Old Testament observed the practice of giving the first ten percent of the harvest back to God through their gifts to the temple. Jesus affirmed this practice in his teaching. We regard the tithe not as the maximum to be attained but as the minimum that is expected of all believers. We encourage all believers who are not tithing to grow in their financial stewardship in ways that will make tithing possible.
We practice confidentiality in congregational giving. Neither the finance committee nor the pastors or other church leaders have any knowledge with regard to the giving of any one person. Only those few who need to know so that appropriate record keeping can take place have this knowledge. Those who do this keep the information in strictest confidence.
We seek to be transparent with regard to church finances. Any member who desires to know our church’s financial situation can do so by contacting the church office. Our budget is created through the work of our staff, leaders, and finance committee. It is voted on by the leaders of our church. Finances are monitored regularly by our business manager and monthly by our finance committee. We take seriously the charge of using wisely the gifts faithfully given by our members and regular attenders in support of the ministry of our church.
Treasures Commitment
When you are ready to make a financial commitment to Christ Church, put in on paper by completing a confidential Treasures Commitment card.