Giving is a key part of the Christian faith. Malachi 3:10 tells us, “'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.'" The church that you faithfully attend is the storehouse.
"But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving." II Corinthians 8:7
It is important that we give with the following in mind:
Faith: Giving is an active expression of our faith. It recognizes God as our true provider. It affirms our confidence in God’s ability to supply all that we need. Giving is an act of gratitude and dependence, and it allows us to partner with God and his work through the church and in the world.
Faithfulness: Giving requires personal integrity and discipline. It is not a casual or occasional thing. The Bible teaches that we should give willingly, generously and cheerfully. Through our tithes and offerings, we can prove ourselves to be faithful with all that God has provided for us.
Q: What are tithes and offerings?
A: A tithe is your regular gift to God from the firstfruits of your finances. Most people choose to give 10 percent (Malachi 3:10) of their wages. A tithe is commanded by God, and our response is out of obedience and love. Offerings are financial gifts that you choose to give the church over and above your regular tithe.
Q: Who should give online?
A: Anyone! This is a great way to remember your giving in a simplified way. You can use online giving to give to the ministry of Calvary Church once or on a recurring basis.
Q: Is online giving secure?
A: Yes! When you are entering and viewing online giving information, you are using secure servers. We use 128-bit SSL encryption when you are submitting your information via the website. This ensures that, while your information is being transmitted to us, no one can see it in the middle. 128-bit encryption is the strongest, most secure form of encryption that is generally utilized in Internet browsers in North America. 128-bit SSL encryption has never been broken and, according to RSL Labs, it would take a "trillion trillion years" to crack the code using today’s technology. We also use 168-bit TripleDES encryption to encrypt all critical information (such as card numbers and expiration dates). This information is then stored in secure databases which also have a level of security around them (firewall protection), which means that they are not directly accessible to the internet.
Q: If I don’t write checks, then how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
A: Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your checkbook at that time.
Q: What if I don’t attend Calvary Church but want to make a donation? How can I get a statement for tax purposes?
A: We are happy to receive your gift that is beyond your normal giving to your own church home. Online giving is a simple and expeditious way for you to give. Regardless of membership status, all givers receive a contribution statement electronically, assuming we have all of the correct email contact information. You will also receive a hard copy at the beginning of the year from our accounting department that will be sent to the address that you provided to us online.
Q: What if I want to cancel or change my online giving?
A: No problem. You can log in, click on "My History," select "My Payments," then select whether to edit or delete your recurring payment.
Q: Will my online gifts be included on my statement of contributions?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I view my past giving history online?
A: Yes. Once you have set up a profile, you can [access your giving history] and make other changes to your giving profile.
Q: How can I get a receipt of my online gift?
A: You can print your confirmation screen as your receipt, or you can print your confirmation email. Either is considered a valid receipt. But remember, your gift will also appear on your regular statement of contributions.
Q: My question is not listed here, now what?
A: You can email us with any additional questions about online giving.
Faith Promises are used at Calvary Church to support missions. These are one-year commitments that people can choose to make in order to help fund the work of missions around the world. A Faith Promise is what a person agrees, after prayer, that God will help him/her give to missions over a one-year period—over and above a tithe.
Faith Promise funds are used for:
- Monthly support for more than 210 missionaries and missions organizations
- Missions projects such as church buildings, equipment, vehicles, Bible schools, student tuition and disaster relief
If you would like to commit to a Faith Promise this year, you can fill out the form below.
“I truly want to help. I wish there was some way I could give something to really make a difference.”
The above sentiment may sum up the feelings of many people. In fact, there are several ways to make gifts of surprising significance. Planned giving is the key!
You can find various methods of tax-favored giving to Kingdom causes. We invite you to explore the many ways that you can leave your mark on the future. Consider how you might help provide for future generations while investing in Calvary Church’s mission to change lives!
Personal reasons for a legacy gift
If you are interested in learning more about how legacy planning might fit the needs of your family, fill out a contact form, and we will contact you as soon as possible. You can also call the business office (630-585-3234) to set up a meeting with Pastor Mark Burgund.
Giving does matter. Churches around the country are affected by the current economy. Check out this article from The Wall Street Journal about tithing in America.
The following are testimonies of people who have experienced God's provision in their lives as they have remained faithful in their tithe.