Generosity
Does My Pledge Matter?
Yes, absolutely! But you’re not alone if you feel a little mystified about how this Church, or any church, pays for itself. As you prayerfully consider your annual pledge, here is some helpful information about how our Church operates and is funded. • First Austin is an independently-operated church. First Austin Our buildings and grounds are owned by the church and are used for the benefit of our congregation and community. Programs and operations are autonoKeep the story going ... mous, managed by members and staff under the leadership of the deacons and council. This means we have freedom to pursue our faith as we feel led – a baptist approach and a uniquely empowering model.
Generosity
•
This independence means we are entirely self-funded. The staffing and operation of our church are paid for by…us. As an autonomous church, we rely on the congregation to fund everything.
•
The budget is based on pledge commitments, offerings, designated giving, and cash reserves. The charts below reflect our $1.7 million ministry budget for 2017. These charts appear differ- ently from our usual budget presentation as all expenses have been allocated to reveal the broad impact of our ministries.
•
The First Baptist Church of Austin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. This is an IRS designation designed to protect churches and religious organizations as defined under the First Amendment.
How We Pay for Church Designated Giving, Reserves, Rentals, etc. 12%
Non-Pledged Offerings 17%
How We Will Spend Dollars in 2017
Special Offerings for Missions & Outreach 4%
Keep the Story Going Pledges 67%
ip Properties sh r o & Maintenance & c W i us 21% M Com 0% 1 & H munica osp tion th it s , You n e r 11% ality d Chil Adult & & p tion shi on r duca e E ti d a Lea inistr 17% Missions m d A 16% & Outreach 17%
The majority of our income is from pledged contributions. While all forms of contribution are valued, your pledge, at whatever level, truly matters. We need your help to keep the story going and continue our legacy of God’s courageous vision. When you make a pledge, a leaf representing your participation will be added to the cover of our Keep the Story Going Book in the Great Hall – join the joyful work of the stewardship campaign over the next weeks and witness our tree flourish while it becomes symbolic of our church’s stepping forward in faith!
Pastoral & Congregational Care 9%
How to Pledge Complete and return the enclosed pledged card to the church office, to the offering plate on Sunday morning, or pledge online: firstaustin.org/pledge
Questions? Feedback? Please feel free to speak with any of the following committee members: co-chairs David Hammond ([email protected]) and Vonda Todd, Katie Catterfeld, JoAnn Merica, Thomas Portlock, John Raff, Griff Martin, and Marshall Smith.
Yes, absolutely! But you’re not alone if you feel a little mystified about how this Church, or any church, pays for itself. As you prayerfully consider your annual pledge, here is some helpful information about how our Church operates and is funded. • First Austin is an independently-operated church. First Austin Our buildings and grounds are owned by the church and are used for the benefit of our congregation and community. Programs and operations are autonoKeep the story going ... mous, managed by members and staff under the leadership of the deacons and council. This means we have freedom to pursue our faith as we feel led – a baptist approach and a uniquely empowering model.
Generosity
•
This independence means we are entirely self-funded. The staffing and operation of our church are paid for by…us. As an autonomous church, we rely on the congregation to fund everything.
•
The budget is based on pledge commitments, offerings, designated giving, and cash reserves. The charts below reflect our $1.7 million ministry budget for 2017. These charts appear differ- ently from our usual budget presentation as all expenses have been allocated to reveal the broad impact of our ministries.
•
The First Baptist Church of Austin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. This is an IRS designation designed to protect churches and religious organizations as defined under the First Amendment.
How We Pay for Church Designated Giving, Reserves, Rentals, etc. 12%
Non-Pledged Offerings 17%
How We Will Spend Dollars in 2017
Special Offerings for Missions & Outreach 4%
Keep the Story Going Pledges 67%
ip Properties sh r o & Maintenance & c W i us 21% M Com 0% 1 & H munica osp tion th it s , You n e r 11% ality d Chil Adult & & p tion shi on r duca e E ti d a Lea inistr 17% Missions m d A 16% & Outreach 17%
The majority of our income is from pledged contributions. While all forms of contribution are valued, your pledge, at whatever level, truly matters. We need your help to keep the story going and continue our legacy of God’s courageous vision. When you make a pledge, a leaf representing your participation will be added to the cover of our Keep the Story Going Book in the Great Hall – join the joyful work of the stewardship campaign over the next weeks and witness our tree flourish while it becomes symbolic of our church’s stepping forward in faith!
Pastoral & Congregational Care 9%
How to Pledge Complete and return the enclosed pledged card to the church office, to the offering plate on Sunday morning, or pledge online: firstaustin.org/pledge
Questions? Feedback? Please feel free to speak with any of the following committee members: co-chairs David Hammond ([email protected]) and Vonda Todd, Katie Catterfeld, JoAnn Merica, Thomas Portlock, John Raff, Griff Martin, and Marshall Smith.
