Redeemer Family,
May is pledge month at Redeemer. During this time we encourage all members to make Membership Commitments which involve giving Time, Talent, and Treasure to the Lord Jesus through his body, the Church. Whether you are becoming a new member this month or are a returning member, this is an important action item for all of us. Pledging provides specific information to our Vestry and Ministry Leaders to make wise and strategic plans for our parish.
Now, if you are not yet a member, this is for you as well. One of the best ways to “try Redeemer on” is to practice living as a member before actually taking that step of commitment.
If you are ready to pledge, here’s the link. Every adult is required to submit a pledge (households can make their financial pledges together.) Every adult regular attender is encouraged to make a pledge, but not required.
If you’re a little fuzzy on what those membership commitments are or if you’d like a refresher, keep reading!
MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENTS
PREAMBLE
The commitments of membership are not designed to be burdensome or onerous. Though our sinful human tendency is to view all rules and expectations as constraints on our freedom, we want to embrace these commitments wholeheartedly - recognizing that they are for our good and the good of our fellow members in the church and our neighbors outside the church.
THE 3 MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENTS
TIME — A member commits to making participation in Sunday worship and in small group fellowship a regular part of their weekly habits. Of course while it is understood that travel schedules and illness may often keep us from participating 100% of the time, we want to say together as members, “we will make it a priority to be together.”
Key Belief: There is no such creature as a member who rarely worships with us on Sunday or refuses to join a small group.
Key Action Item: Register to lead or participate in a Small Group.
TALENT — A member commits to volunteering their talents and gifts within the church. This may take the shape of formally joining a ministry team (or two or three), or volunteering in some other special capacity. Of course while it is understood that travel and work schedules may make this a challenge; we want to say together as members, “we will make it a priority to serve one another and our neighbors.”
Key Belief: There is no such creature as a member who is too busy to ever volunteer their time for the church.
Key Action Item: Register to volunteer on a ministry team for the coming year. (The greatest volunteer need we have at the moment is in Nursery and Redeemer Kids!)
TREASURE — A member commits to submitting a financial pledge each year and giving of their financial resources to the mission and work of the church. Of course, the resources of each individual and household will vary widely; this is to be expected within an economically diverse church. Our generosity is not predicated upon the achievement of a particular level of financial success or comfort, but rather upon Christ’s call for us to simply give sacrificially. Our giving honors the Lord (who is the giver of all good gifts), forms us (helping us grow in dependence on God), and provides for the work of the church (which is a benefit to ourselves and others).
Key Belief: There is no such creature as a member who is unwilling to give any of their resources back to the Lord by giving to the church.
Key Action Item: Register your financial pledge for the September 2024 - August 2025 fiscal year.
If you’re ready to take these steps, click here to submit your pledge.
Here are some commonly asked questions about membership commitments:
What is a Pledge?
A pledge is your communication with our Ministry Leaders, Vestry, and Finance Team regarding what you anticipate you will be able to contribute to Redeemer in the next ministry year (September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025). Your commitment allows Redeemer’s leadership to accurately assess what resources we have to steward and how they can best be utilized.
Why are Pledges Important for the Vestry & Finance Team?
Redeemer’s fiscal year runs from September 1 - August 31. The Vestry and Finance Team will be spending the summer drafting a new budget for the coming year of ministry. What a gift it would be to them if they knew ahead of time what the congregation planned to give! Your clear communication helps our church draft careful, informed, strategic plans for funding the ministry of the coming year.
Why are Pledges Important for Me?
While pledging is imminently practical and helpful for our church leadership, it’s more than that. Pledging is also an opportunity for your heart to be shaped by God. Why? Because how we use our resources both reveals and guides what God is doing in our hearts. When your church asks you to pledge, you are being asked to open your calendar and bank account to the Lord and ask Him, “How would you have me use the resources you have entrusted to me?” It’s a wonderful question that all of us should be asking on a regular basis.
What Pledging is NOT
Pledging is not an attempt to raise Redeemer’s volunteer and small group rosters. Nor are we trying to increase our budget or meet a financial shortfall. We are grateful to report that our parish is in a healthy and strong position financially. Pledging is not about fixing something that is broken, but rather about us continuing to grow spiritually together. Our more immediate needs are for volunteers to step into roles in Redeemer Kids and Small Group leadership.
Deadline for Pledging
The deadline for pledging is Wednesday, May 31. Please do not wait until the last minute! Very real decisions and plans for the coming year of ministry will be made based on the pledging data that our leadership receives.
If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out to a member of our Staff, Vestry, or Finance Team and they will be glad to assist you. Let’s aim for 100% participation here!
Warmly,
Redeemer’s Staff, Ministry Leaders, Vestry and Finance Team
