Pledges

[graceandpeace]

I have a question about pledges in TEC or Anglican churches in general.

Last fall, my family along with others were given cards to make pledges, basically stating what we planned to donate over the next year.

I've struggled to keep up with this, it would help if the church website provided a way to make donations online, but I digress.

Anyway, some here may know that even though I love this parish I've been contemplating a move to a closer church. I've been to a few, & there is one that while still further from my house than a few others, it is closer than where I attend now & I really think it could be a possible choice for my family.

So, if we do move over to this church in the next few months, what does that mean for the pledge we made where we attend now? Would I just tell the current church that we were going to start attending elsewhere & leave it at that? Should we make maybe a last (larger?) donation to help? How much should we be donating to the local church anyway? I feel bad, but I'll be honest I've always struggled with how & how much to give to a local church of any denomination.

I'm not sure of what the correct action would be here, & I would welcome advice.

 

[Albion]

I have a question about pledges in TEC or Anglican churches in general.

Last fall, my family along with others were given cards to make pledges, basically stating what we planned to donate over the next year.

I've struggled to keep up with this, it would help if the church website provided a way to make donations online, but I digress.

Anyway, some here may know that even though I love this parish I've been contemplating a move to a closer church. I've been to a few, & there is one that while still further from my house than a few others, it is closer than where I attend now & I really think it could be a possible choice for my family.

So, if we do move over to this church in the next few months, what does that mean for the pledge we made where we attend now? Would I just tell the current church that we were going to start attending elsewhere & leave it at that?

Yes. It goes without saying that the pledge was based upon you being a regular at the present church. Should you change churches, you would presumably accept the responsibility of supporting THAT parish instead.

 

[Liberasit]

We are asked to pledge each year at our Partnership Sunday. The preference from the church is a monthly commitment as they want income to match outgoings, which tend to be monthly.

When you leave, you can break your pledge at the end of that month, or until you make a commitment at your new church, or at the end of the tax year - whatever God lays on your heart.

 

[PaladinValer]

You should always contact the church and let them know if you must change your pledge.

 

[seeking.IAM]

The purpose of pledging is to provide a church an estimation of giving necessary to plan its budget. If you do not honor your pledge, the church might have to cut its expenses or make it up from unpledged giving or new attendees. For that reason, I am sure your church would appreciate knowing its income will be changing.

That said, when my church budgets it plans for pledge attrition by budgeting revenue to be less by some percentage than actual pledges. I believe we plan for a 4% attrition of total pledges...for exactly the kinds of reasons you are considering interrupting your pledge. People move. People die. People change churches. People get mad and close their wallets. A prudent church plans for it.

I suspect they will be most pleased if you leave and honor your pledge and be understanding if you leave and do not.

 

[mark46]

That said, when my church budgets it plans for pledge attrition by budgeting revenue to be less by some percentage than actual pledges. I believe we plan for a 4% attrition of total pledges...for exactly the kinds of reasons you are considering interrupting your pledge. People move. People die. People change churches. People get mad and close their wallets. A prudent church plans for it.

I would think that the percentage of dollar received from pledges in nowhere near the 96% you suggest.

 

[Liberasit]

I would think that the percentage of dollar received from pledges in nowhere near the 96% you suggest.

I don't think that is what he was saying.

However, my church income is well over 90% planned giving, probably closer to 95%.

Our treasurer updates the budget (actual and forecast) monthly and presents this to PCC for scrutiny.

 

[mark46]

I don't think that is what he was saying.

However, my church income is well over 90% planned giving, probably closer to 95%.

Our treasurer updates the budget (actual and forecast) monthly and presents this to PCC for scrutiny.

Ours is also. However, the budget process does not included any money from new members. It also does not count on 100%. Since we are a growing church, the new members make up for reductions for older members. So, this process usually allows an increase in spending during the year, over the original budget.

 

[Liberasit]

Ours is also. However, the budget process does not included any money from new members. It also does not count on 100%. Since we are a growing church, the new members make up for reductions for older members. So, this process usually allows an increase in spending during the year, over the original budget.

Hmm... Wonder why Seeker's church can't be as financially astute as your and mine.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I would think that the percentage of dollar received from pledges in nowhere near the 96% you suggest.

I was not commenting on percentage of pledged dollars actually received, I was talking about a budget strategy that expects some level of attrition. There must be some projection either based upon history or throwing a dart.

 

[Liberasit]

I was not commenting on percentage of pledged dollars actually received, I was talking about a budget strategy that expects some level of attrition. There must be some projection either based upon history or throwing a dart.

I think families who up and leave without warning are unlikely to be big givers (I don't mean this in a disparaging way). Those deeply committed to the stewardship programme will give plenty of warning that they will be on the move.

New members are likely to be small givers too.

Either way, those families that move in our out of church are likely to account for a disproportionally small amount of church income.

And because there is constant movement of givers, the budget has to be monitored and tweaked all though the year. I review church finances on a monthly basis and I know how much work goes into this.

 

[graceandpeace]

Thanks for the advice. I already mentioned at one point to the church secretary that my family may consider finding a closer parish, & I wouldn't up & leave without giving notice.

 

[cenimo]

A couple of years ago my wife and I found out that a pledge can be considered a legally binding document.
In the spirit of desperate people (and churches) do desperate things we stopped filling out a pledge card.
We didn't stop giving, just stopped pledging.

 

[graceandpeace]

^That's interesting. I haven't found any indication that pledges in TEC are considered legally binding. I think it would be extremely detrimental to any church's image to try to "force" a donation, & thankfully whether I stay or go the parish I attend has good people - I significantly doubt any such detrimental moves toward anyone.

 

[higgs2]

If it were me I would honor my pledge to the first church, letting them know I was leaving and would not be renewing my pledge. I would let the new church know that I would be pledging with them once my previous obligation had been met. I think both churches would understand and appreciate that approach. I have seen this scenario happen several time as a warden back in my past life of being on vestries.