THE TITHE AND THE OFFERING

We believe there is a distinction between the Tithe and an Offering.  The Tithe is that which is given without designation and distributed by the leadership in accordance with the Annual Budget.  Offerings, however, can be designated and may be given to a specific ministry or project.  Offerings are typically that portion of giving that is above and beyond the regular Tithe.

GENERAL BUDGET

 A budget is a detailed projection of all estimated income and expenses based on a given period (usually one year).  A budget is a useful management tool and can help the congregation realize that they are responsible for giving to God.  Just as families cannot effectively operate without a budget, so also churches cannot operate effectively unless they are financially governed by an operating budget.  Since an operating budget is a short-term budget, capital outlays are excluded because they are long-term costs.

 A summary of spending includes –

We Are Radical – Radical Hospitality – to call persons to Christ through lifestyle evangelism.  This includes hospitality, recreation, outreach, publicity and marketing.

We Are Intentional – Intentional Faith Development – to cultivate disciples through CommunityLife and leadership training.  This includes children, youth, young adults, young families, young marrieds, LifeGroups.

We are Risk-Takers – risk-Taking Missions and Service – to commit believers to ministry by allowing them to be involved in mission and service.  This includes leadership, support, and facilities for the work and ministry of Asbury Church.

We are Extravagant – Extravagant Generosity – to create a heart in each Asburian by teaching how and why God commands us to give.  We proactively provide Biblical teaching on the discipline of offering our Tithe to God as well as encouraging generosity in our Offerings.

We are Passionate – Passionate Worship – to celebrate God’s love through worship by creating worship that connects people to God and each other.  This includes Worship Arts.

CAPITAL FUND

Asbury’s Capital Fund was established to provide funds from which the Church Board meets the repair needs of our facility, vehicles, etc. or to purchase equipment not provided for in our Operations Budget.  These funds have been used in the past for air conditioner repairs, roof repairs, van repairs, provide parking lot lighting, or to purchase sound equipment, replace hot water heater, etc.  Your sacrificial gifts to the Capital Fund guarantee that future generations will enjoy Bible study, Christian education, Worship, and fellowship in a place that reflects our love for our God who provides.  The stewardship of Asbury’s Campuses and buildings reflects our gratitude to God for His abundant blessing to us.  Donations are invited to offset the costs of repairs to our facilities.   

MISSION AND MINISTRY SHARE 

As United Methodists, we follow in Wesley’s footsteps, supporting one another and helping God’s children whenever and wherever we can.

One way we accomplish this is through apportioned funds, a method of giving that proportionally allocates the general church budget to the Conference (in our case, the Kansas West Annual conference) which subsequently apportion to local churches.  This method of giving has become a strong, generous tradition and a personal, lifelong commitment. 

Together, through our connected congregations, we United Methodists accomplish what no single Church, district or annual conference ever could hope to do.  In this way, each individual, each family, each congregation gives a fair share for the Church’s work.  We combine our prayers, presence, gifts and service to make a significant difference in the lives of God’s people…in every place we can…as often as we can. 

Our Apportionments are set by the Kansas West Annual Conference.

Where do our apportionment dollars go?

The Kansas West Annual Conference budget is broken down into funds.  These funds represent the hands-on and administrative ministry areas of the conference.

Conference Benevolence funds the program ministries of the conference and the Connectional Ministries office.  These ministries include: 

-           Camping experiences for more than 1,300 children, youth and adults

-          Conference Council on Youth Ministry retreats, rallies and leadership development experiences

-          United Methodist Resource Center

-          Campus ministry at the seven state schools

-          Hispanic ministry at two mission churches and fellowships in southwest Kansas

-          Volunteers in Mission teams in Kansas and around the world

-          Criminal justice and mercy ministries with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals

-          Care for un-insured and under-insured individuals at GraceMed Health Clinic and Western Kansas Mexican American Ministries

-          Clothing and food ministries at United Methodist Open Door and Western Kansas Mexican American Ministries

General Church Apportionments fund the denominations’ ministry around the globe and the administration that makes that work possible.

-          Ministerial Education Fund supports United Methodist seminaries, also provides some funding for seminary students in the Kansas West Conference

-          The conference also supports the active and retired bishops of the church and work with other denominations to share Christ’s love around the world and to seek understanding between faith traditions

-          Support Africa University and the Black College Fund

-          Jurisdictional Apportionments provide funding to jurisdictional ministries and the administration of the jurisdiction

Administrative Services supports the conference’s communication efforts in print and on the web, promotion of the mission and ministry of the conference, the annual conference meeting expenses, expenses for the administrative councils and committees and marketing council, and the administrative office of the conference.  

-          Ministerial Services and Support funds equitable compensation, which ensures pastoral leadership for congregations all across the Kansas West conference.  In addition, this fund provides the salaries and office support for the conference’s six district superintendents and their secretaries.

Tired of Writing Checks for Tithes?

 Do you get tired of writing checks weekly for your Tithe?  We have a solution, Asbury’s Direct Giving Plan.  Direct Giving is a convenient way to Tithe to the church.  Instead of writing checks each week, you simply designate an amount once a month, the amount is electronically transferred from your checking or savings account to the Church’s account.  Your donation will appear on your monthly bank statement!  This insures Asbury will still receive your donation even when you are out of town.  Stop by a Welcome Center to fill out a Direct Giving form or contact Asbury’s Business Manager in the Church office for more information.