Tuesday, 06 June 2017 21:02

Annual Member Pledge

This form allows our church to create a budget based on pledges. This pledge does not obligate members. It is merely an estimate based on your passed income. Your future financial status is in the Lord's hands.

As a church we will be asking God to do above and beyond the limited resources and abilities we posses. He can!

Together in unity and by faith we can fulfill the mission of the Lord:

"To abide in continuous relationship with Jesus Christ as we develop disciples in His Name  (John 15; Matthew 28:18-20)"

 Stand with us in the Lord as the Holy Spirit says in 1 Corinthians 15:58,

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"

 

Sincerely In Him,

Pastoral Team

Why is the church talking about what I do with my money?
Except for the Kingdom of God, Jesus talked more about money than anything else. That is because he knew that money will always play a significant role in lives and is, therefore, a matter of Christian discipleship. It belongs to God, who cares what we do with it.
 
What is a pledge?  
A pledge is an estimate of what you will invest in the church ministry in the coming year based on your current situation.  A pledge is not a legally binding contract. It can always be adjusted up or down based on what happens during the year.   
 
Why do we make a financial pledge?  What difference does it make?  
For individuals, pledging helps us to prayerfully plan for our financial contribution to the mission and ministry of Jesus through his church. For the faith community, it helps us build a realistic budget and tangibly demonstrates that we are part of this journey and will do our part. 
 
Who makes a pledge?  
Members and non-members alike, adults and children – anyone can make a pledge. Couples can pledge either as individuals or together.  Ideally, every participant in the Impact Miami Church will make a financial pledge.
 
How much should I pledge?  
Biblical stewardship is more about proportion than dollar amount. In keeping with what we believe scripture teaches, we see the “tithe,” or 10% of our gross income, as a good starting point.   When we give the tithe, 10% or “first fruits” of what God has entrusted us, it “honors the owner” and invests in God’s favorite ministry, the church. 
 
What is the difference between a pledge and a tithe?
Any estimate of giving submitted on a pledge card is a pledge. If that pledge is 10% or more of gross income, it is a tithe.
 
What if the tithe seems financially unrealistic for me?  
Tithing or putting “first things first,” helps reorder our financial life. So ironically it may turn out to be realistic after all. If your a guest at Impact Miami  Church give what your able, but consistency help us grow. If your a member the starting point is 10%. God may ask you to live off only 10% and tithe 90% like many have done throughout history (i.e. J.C. Penny).  Either way, your motivation and attitude are most important.  Take a step.  Whatever you pledge, let it be with a joyful heart, trusting that God will provide.
 
What if my income is presently uncertain or changes this year? 
Just make a reasonable estimate based on your projected income. All of us have income coming in from some where that we should be tithing on. You can adjust your giving along the way. If you experience a major income increase or decrease, you are welcome to revise your pledge at any time during the year.  
 
What is the church budget?  
It takes significant financial resources to fund ministries, staff and facilities. A combination of tithes/offerings and investment/facility income have made that possible. To be a healthy and viable church, we must grow to the point that our tithes/offerings or “living giving” and facility income fund the entire budget, which is carefully and faithfully managed by your elected church leaders.  
 
How do I make a pledge?  
Pledge forms are online.  When you fill it out your will received an copy via email. Please put a valid email address. You can give your offering or tithe by cash, check, bank transfer or by credit card.  For more information regarding bank transfer or other forms of giving, please contact the church office or the web site.
 
How often should I give?
Most people give on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Weekly giving is most helpful for the church as it ensures a consistent flow of resources to cover our regular expenses.

Impact Family Church expects it’s members to participate in the joyful giving of a minimum ten percent from gross income every month (Tithe)  (2 Corinthians 9:6-14). We base a minimum tithe on the biblical practice found in the Old Testament pre-Mosaic law (Genesis 14:20). Also, Jesus affirmed that tithing should be practiced, but not without "justice, mercy and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23).

 

In the Book of Acts we see Jewish Christians who were accustomed to the sabbath synagogue worship practice of tithing going above and beyond this requirement due to their new found love and awe of Jesus Christ. Due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead they felt compelled to worship Him and join the apostles in the fellowship of sharing their resources (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:35-37).

God's people shouldn't rob God of His tithe or free will offerings, thus loose out on their blessings (Malachi 3). They should respond to God's amazing grace by following Jesus Christ and dying to their selfish ambitions (Mark 8:34)!

 

Please reflect on the following scriptures:

 

1) Paid by Abraham to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:2-6)

2) Jacob vows a tenth of all his property to God (Genesis 28:22)

3) Mosaic laws instituting (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 12:6,7,17-19;14:22-)

4) Customs relating to (Nehemiah 10:37,38; Amos 4:4; Hebrews 7:5-9)

5) A tithe of tithes for the priests (Numbers 18:26; Nehemiah 10:38)

6) Stored in the temple (Nehemiah 10:38,39;12:44;13:5,12; 2 Chronicles 31:11,12; Malachi 3:)

7) Payment of, resumed in Hezekiah's reign (2 Chronicles 31:5-10)

8) Under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:12)

9) Withheld (Nehemiah 13:10; Malachi 3:8)

10) Customary in later times and affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42;18:12)

11) Observed by idolaters (Amos 4:4,5)

12) Source of income for priest in OT and clergy in NT (1 Corinthians 9: 13-14, 1 Timothy 5:17-19, Galatians 6:6, Luke 8:2-3, Philippians 4:14-20)

 

 

OTHER RESOURCES:

TITHING IS BIBLICAL by Kenneth S. Hemphill

An Inside Look at Church Attenders Who Tithe the Most by Christianity Today

 

 

 

      

As an act of worship to God and love for my local church, I pledge this year: