The Church Manual: Donation

At the heart of our community, we believe in the provision of God and the generosity of His people. Donations are a tangible way to express gratitude, worship, and partnership in the mission. With this in mind, our congregation follows clear guidelines on the acceptance of donations.

Donations come in many shapes and sizes. Whether it's the young child giving a portion of their allowance, or an adult sharing a percentage of their income, or a person giving a van to provide the church with transportation, each contribution is valued. We accept donations from:

1. Members: The backbone of our congregation.
2. Attendees: Those who may not be official members but regularly attend and participate in our church activities.
3. Visitors: Individuals who might be joining us for the first time or only occasionally.
4. Anonymous: Those who wish to contribute, but do not wish their identity to be known. ¹⁾

Businesses can be a significant source of support for our mission. However, it's crucial to ensure that any business from which we accept donations aligns with our values. We do not knowingly accept donations from unacceptable businesses (as defined below.) This is to protect the reputations of the church and the congregation.

These are those whose products, services, or even the known characters of the owners or leaders, resonate with our values. If there's any doubt about whether a business meets this criterion, it's best to err on the side of caution and decline donations or other affiliations.

We do not generally provide attribution for donations; however, in exceptional cases, as determined by the leadership of the local congregation as well as the greater church leadership, we may allow attributions. For example, if an individual named “Jacob Jones” funded the building of a parsonage, we would permit naming it “The Jacob Jones House” or similar.

Why no government funds? Simple. Our goal is to maintain our independence and safeguard our mission. By avoiding government funds, we reduce the risk of external control or undue influence over our activities and decisions.

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.” — Matthew 22:21 ²⁾. While this passage speaks to the distinct roles of religious and governmental bodies, it also subtly underscores the importance of ensuring the church's independence from potential external controls.

Transparency is vital. Not just because it's a good practice, but because it's biblical. Remember the story in 2 Corinthians 8:21? It speaks of “doing what is right, not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of others.” That's why we offer:

1. Donation Records for Members and Businesses: This serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides transparency. Secondly, for businesses and members who require it, these records can be used for tax purposes.
2. Receipts for Attendees and Visitors: For any individual donations of $500 or more, attendees and visitors can request receipts. It's our way of saying, “We acknowledge and appreciate your generosity.”
3. Receipts for Certain Types of Donations: For donations of property, vehicles, and other assets, where the church will need to obtain a deed, title, or other documentation, a receipt will be provided.

Generosity is more than just about money. It's about heart, worship, and partnership in the Kingdom's work. As we journey together, let's ensure our donations reflect our shared values and mission, always glorifying God in all we do.

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