Why is it important that I pledge my tithes and gifts to the church?
It enables wise planning as a strong pledge percentage informs and shapes our budgeting process for the ministry and operational needs of LMPC each year. It also helps believers to orient all other decisions and plans around our commitment to give to God’s honor and work. It enlivens our faith as we declare what we will give before we have all the facts and details, and God uses the pledging process to bind our hearts to his work and his church as we commit our treasure to him in advance. And it embodies faithfulness to our membership vows as we have promised before God and to one another that we will support the worship and work of the church to the best of our ability.
Why is it important that everyone participate?
If we have 100% participation from our members we could have financial commitments toward LMPC’s 100% of the annual projected ministry and operational needs. Such a reality would give our Session full confidence in moving forward with the current year’s ministry and operational plan.
What difference does it make if I submit my personal giving plan by the end of the February?
It will save us an immense amount of resources and time for our staff and leaders if we don’t need to follow up with individuals well into the budget year.
My financial situation fluctuates a lot. How can I commit to a certain amount if I don’t know if I’ll be able to meet it? Won’t that affect budget planning?
You don’t need to over-commit. We would rather have something from you than nothing. We want everyone at LMPC to participate and send in a giving plan, whatever the amount.
Why should the local church receive giving priority among believers?
With today’s multiple giving options, we take the position that the priority of our giving should be to the local church and secondarily to other Christ-honoring causes and organizations. Our task as the covenant community, the church, is to be God’s temple, so filled with his glorious presence that we expand and fill the earth with that presence until God finally accomplishes this goal completely at the end of time. We believe tithes should come into the storehouse of the temple, God’s church, as we labor to spread his glory on the mountain, in the city, and around the world.