Have you ever wondered how a church can afford to build a new church or school building? Or what if the church congregation accepts a challenge to begin a new ministry? What if that ministry is a mission trip or some other activity that requires additional money? How can the Chesapeake Conference pay for the children’s and youth program at the Mt Aetna Retreat Center?
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are generous each time they faithfully return their tithes and offerings. The salaries and regular church expenses are funded through the faithful and systematic financial giving of our church family and friends.
Beyond returning our Tithes and Offerings, the Bible provides other examples of the people having big hearts. One such aspect of philanthropy, we today label as “capital campaigns.” God challenged his people to give sacrificially. He wanted them to “stretch.” That was, to exceed their regular giving. Even in the desert, when the Israelites were fleeing Egyptian slavery, the people brought their financial gifts to God. Moses used them to pay for the construction of the desert temple.
Another example of how you can financially help our mission is through the Chesapeake Advance Plan (CAP) Offering.
CAP supports:
- Evangelism and Church Planting
- Tuition Assistance
- Children’s, Youth and Young Adult Ministry
- Maintenance at Highland View Academy and the Mt Aetna Retreat Center
- 5% reversion for churches who build or buy a new property.
We welcome your questions and insight. I invite you to contact us at your convenience to discuss our many Chesapeake ministry opportunities. Each act of ministry has an associated cost. Your financial support is as important as the staff member or volunteer who is engaging with the person. We are a team. Together, through the ministry, we can help them to see Jesus Christ. From a scholarship to educate a child in constructing or maintaining physical plant, your financial gift will benefit people across our Chesapeake Conference region.
Consultants:
The Development department will assist the Chesapeake Conference, Churches, and Schools to analyze and evaluate their philanthropic options. Then follow strict philanthropic Biblical and ethical best practices. Beyond regular offerings, we can develop together a strategy to include Annual Appeal, Capital Campaign, Major Gifts, and Planned Giving and Trust Services to support the ministry.
The director of Chesapeake Conference’s office development has received his Certificate of Fundraising Management from the Indiana University School of Philanthropy (CFRM).