LOGISTICS

How long does it take to give online?
You should be able to setup and complete a recurring or one-time gift in less than a minute. 

Is your site secure?
Yes, we process all of our online giving through Planning Center Online. They partner with a company called Stripe to process donations with the highest levels of security and accountability.  This partnership is specifically designed to help churches receive offerings safely, securely and simply. 

Is it better if I give online, by text, check or cash?
Giving is something that is a part of your worship of God and discipleship to Him. What God asks of us is that we give generously, sacrificially, of our first & best, and cheerfully. Beyond, that - the how-to's are up to you! 

Can I setup recurring giving?
Sometimes setting up giving in advance can help keep our finances organized. You can quickly and easily setup recurring giving on our online giving page. You can choose the amount, frequency and the account you would like to draw from. 

Will I get a record of my giving?
Each time your account is deducted online, you will get an e-receipt or text-confirmation from Planning Center Online.  In addition to this, every January, you will receive an annual giving report from Commonwealth. You also can contact us to request a giving report at any time, or view your giving history by logging into your Planning Center Online account. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT TITHING:

What is tithing?
“Tithe” means “a tenth part.” 

What is the difference between a Tithe and an Offering?
A “tithe” is giving the first tenth of my income. 
An “offering” is anything I give in addition to my tithe. 

 Why should I tithe? 
Out of my love for God and obedience to His Word. God, in His word asks us to set aside our first and our best of what we receive as a gift to Him, because it is one of the ways we thank and honor God, and it helps our hearts become free from idolizing money.
Because Jesus commanded it. “Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone either.”  Matthew 23:23

MORE ON TITHING

Tithing demonstrates that God has first place in our lives. 
“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God in first place in your life.”  Deuteronomy 14:23 LB

Tithing reminds me that everything I have was given to us by God.
“Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18

Tithing expresses my love to the Lord. 
“Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:17

Tithing gives God a chance to prove He exists and wants to provide for and bless us. 
“Bring your whole tithe to My storehouse. Test me in this” says the Lord, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you won’t have room enough for it! Malachi 3:10

What should I tithe?
The first part of what I earn. “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Where should I give my Tithe?
Where I worship. “Bring your whole tithe to My Storehouse (Temple).” Malachi 3:10

IT IS A JOURNEY TOWARD A LIFE OF GENEROSITY

So often we can get hung up on rules, and regulations and ultimately it brings a sense of obligation in our lives that can feel like slavery. Jesus didn't come to get 10% out of our paychecks like some kind of Divine bill-collector. He calls us to step into a life of generosity - where we freely release the resources we've been entrusted with back to Him, and to our world through the local church (God's plan to bless the world). Jesus has already paid our debts - for everything that we could ever owe God, so this is not a burden, a bill or some kind of penance. Giving is an opportunity to partner with what God is doing, to express relentless trust, and to walk in freedom from fear surrounding finances. It is a chance to be like Jesus - generous, free, joyful and a giver. Releasing back to God 10% of our income is a marker to shoot for, and for some of us, it is a journey to grow toward this goal. For others of us, giving 10% is easy, and the journey is to learn to stretch beyond this into sacrificial giving. The goal for all of us is to live lives of ever-increasing generosity, and to experience the freedom and joy this kind of life brings.