Below are the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Giving.
- Does ChangePoint have a financial obligation to The Dome?
- How are the obligations to The Dome being funded?
- How much should I give?
- Debt – What is the biblical perspective?
- Can I designate my gift to a specific ministry?
- Do we support any missionaries? If so, who and where?
- What kind of financial/budget information is available for review?
- Why do you request that we NOT use credit cards for online giving unless they are paid off in full every month?
- Who sees how much I give?
- How can I find out how much I’ve given this year? Last year?
Read our security and refund policy.
1 - Does ChangePoint have a financial obligation to The Dome?
Yes, we have retained the naming rights for The Dome for $150,000 per fiscal year. Additionally we have the potential operating obligation of a maximum of $300,000 per calendar year, as needed.
2 - How are the obligations to The Dome being funded?
The rent we receive for our ChangePoint facility from outside sources fully funds these obligations.
3 - How much should I give?
In the Old Testament, 10% was the portion of honor that many gave back to God. The New Testament is silent on the subject of how much to give. We believe this is because it’s all about relationship, not amount. If God had given us a flat amount or percentage, we would likely give to that level and no further, thinking very little about it. Instead, God desires that we interact with Him as we consider how much to give. He wants the process to draw us closer to Him. He wants us to be open to whatever He lays on our heart. We believe a good goal is to be on a trajectory to give a greater percentage of gross income back to Him over time.
4 - Debt – What is the biblical perspective?
Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Nowhere does the Bible prohibit debt (although it does prohibit charging usury or excessive interest). On the other hand, debt is not spoken of in favorable terms. At the very least, it seems prudent to avoid debt that may put us in compromising situations (for instance, owing more money than the underlying asset is worth). I believe the issue is contentment, not debt. Debt oftentimes is a symptom of being discontent. Paul exhorts us to follow his example in Philippians 4:9, then several verses later talks about how he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he is. In I Timothy 6:6, he tells Timothy that "godliness with contentment is great gain." As with giving, I believe Christ would have us interact with Him over spending and borrowing decisions. In the end, He desires that we represent Him well, which means fulfilling our obligations to others (see Romans 13:6-7).
5 - Can I designate my gift to a specific ministry?
Not in most cases. Exceptions include instances when we specifically request "over and above" giving (building projects and scholarships to events, for example), and benevolence.
6 - Do we support any missionaries? If so, who and where?
Yes. Our Commission ministry helps support several Alaskan and Global Outreach Partners on a monthly basis.
7 - What kind of financial/budget information is available for review?
The church is audited yearly by an independent Certified Public Accountant. You may request a copy from the Finance office. Budget information is shared in a variety of ways with the body throughout the year. Specific questions may be directed to Brenda Hanson, Finance Director. You may also view the most current monthly report.
8 - Why do you request that we NOT use credit cards for online giving unless they are paid off in full every month?
It is a documented fact that personal credit card debt is a growing problem for many people today. If this is an area of struggle for you (likely the case if you do not pay your balance off in full each month), we want to be part of the solution, not make the problem worse. Will you let us be a part of the solution? We would love the opportunity to discuss this further with you in person or on the phone.
9 - Who sees how much I give?
The staff in the Finance department sees how much you give. It is also possible that ushers may occasionally inadvertently see checks as they are emptied out of offering containers. Neither Elders nor staff outside of the Finance department ever sees this information.
10 - How can I find out how much I’ve given this year? Last year?
We send giving statements quarterly to everyone who gave in the prior quarter. You can also call the church office and ask for a statement to be mailed to you at any time.