UBCMiami | Why We Give

When it’s right side up, money is a tool that allows us to “take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19) – when we offer what we have to God & others. When it’s upside down, money controls people & destroys lives. It’s the #1 cause of divorce & a top level stress contributor.

Give online with your account. By clicking here you will be taken to a secure site.

The tithe challenge.

The Tithe Challenge is every family giving at least $158 a month for 12 months.

I want to take the tithe challenge.

FACTS:
Poverty level income for a family of four is $19,000
A tithe (10%) on that amount is $158 each month
2200 families at Church x $158 x 12 = $4.171M ($1M more than our current budget – imagine the possibilities!)

2 Corinthians 8 & 9 lists these reasons to give.
» We receive Christ’s grace first.
» We have overflowing joy.
» We offer service to the saints.
» We give first to the Lord.
» We keep with God’s will.
» We receive all we need.

We are each challenged to give 10% of our income (tithe) in response to God’s word in Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Missions: Give local. Give global.

Each year we give a budgeted amount to support our missions partners (see “This year’s budget.”). However, we also give additional monies twice a year to help with each partner’s special projects. These offerings are gifts that we ask our people to make above their tithe. Give online here & select “Missions” or place your gift in an envelop during the weekend worship & check “Missions”.

Here are a few examples of ways you can GIVE to missions:
1) Fast and pray during one meal each week & give the cost you saved on that meal.
2) Commit to give a certain amount, like $10 a week – every gift helps the needy in Miami.
3) Create your own way of giving & let us know about it on our Facebook page.
4) Check out the Gift Catalog & see how your gift can make a difference.

Find out more about how we reach out to our city & world here.

When I give I...

» behave more like God • John 3:16, James 1:5
» follow Jesus’ example • Matthew 10:8, Mark 10:45
» show faithful stewardship • Corinthians 4:2
» draw closer to God from the heart • Matthew 6:21
» break the power of materialism in my life • 1 Timothy 6:17-19
» invest securely in eternity • Matthew 6:20, Luke 16:9-11
» receive God’s blessing in return • Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38

Why we give.

When you give to us, each of our ministries is better able to help people find and follow Christ (kids, adults, rich, poor, sick, healthy, searching, growing, & everyone in-between). The heart of who we are as a family can be seen in this video of those being baptized at the beach. We’re not perfect, but we follow a perfect God who loves everyone with a perfect love, and we want to share that.

If you’d like more concrete information please see this year’s budget below.

Ways to give.

1. Online with your account.
» You can set-up a giving schedule & track what you give.
2. Online banking
» With your own bank’s bill pay service. You can set up a recurring payment (donation) & view it as needed through your bank’s website when you access your account.
3. During weekend worship
» In the offering containers during worship or in the tithe boxes on the walls inside the worship center
4. At the Connection Kiosk
» The Connection Kiosk is located in the atrium area right outside the Worship Center. You can use it to make a one time gift with your debit or credit card.
5. By mail
» make check payable to University Baptist Church & send to:
UBC Miami, Attn: Leslie McKinney
624 Anastasia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134

Taking steps with my finances.

Start giving online: Stay faithful and consistent with an automatic recurring schedule. Create an account and start online giving.

Be a percentage giver: The bible refers to 10% as starting point for giving (it’s called tithing). But, more than 50% of all regular church goers give nothing. If every attendee gave just 3-4% of their income, our church impact would dramatically increase. If you’ve never given before, start low, work your way up and give something regularly. If you’re already tithing, stay the course and watch God honor your sacrifice.

Make a year end gift: Special one-time, year-end gifts can be symbolic response of a renewed focus and commitment. This faithful act changes the giver from the inside out. Split your holiday budget between buying presents and making a special offering.

Get help: We offer Financial Peace University classes and further financial counseling throughout the year and upon request. Call 305.448.4425 x.258 or email us for more information.

Pray through these probing questions:*

What am I doing to teach my family about the joy of generosity?
Where in my life am I rich in the things money can’t buy?
If today were my last day, would I be happy the legacy my financial choices leave?
What’s one thing I can do today to live with a generous heart?
Where have I seen the generosity of others directly affect my life?
Although I might not be chasing money, are there areas of my life where I hold onto and give it more importance than it deserves?

Take The Tithe Challenge: See above.

This year's budget.

Approved Budget for September 1, 2011 – August 31, 2012

Receipts
Offerings	$3,050,000
Somerset School	$100,000

Disbursements
Missions	$176,783
Ministries	$420,547
Personnel	$2,068,070
Operations	$434,600
Reserves	$150,000
Prior Years Reserves	-$100,000

Total	$3,150,000

Financial Peace University.

Here’s what people are learning from Financial Peace University:

» New perspective of money. New tools for budget. My children are learning new skills that will last for generations.

» The Lord reminded me of His faithfulness and we are to be a blessing to others

» I learned to get my finances in order so I can focus on the one person that will always be there for me “God”.

Find out more about Financial Peace University here.

We offer Financial Peace University classes and further financial counseling throughout the year and upon request. Call 305.448.4425 x.258 or email us for more information.

How God multiplies what I give.

When you and I give, we support our ongoing ministries through the operating budget, our missions efforts, and designated projects. Through our giving lives are changed, ministries are provided for and the gospel is shared. What a privilege to be a part!

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:21

FAQs

Our Council on Ministries, Committees and Leadership Team have worked diligently to prepare a responsible ministry budget to address these challenging times. Our focus is to keep the body strong and advance God’s kingdom together. Biblically, God’s plan is for his work to be done through the gifts of his people. Your tithes & offerings are essential to accomplish His mission.

Accountability
All contributions and expenditures are accounted for weekly, monthly, quarterly & annually in the collecting, posting, budgeting, spending, review and auditing and reporting processes of the church.

If you have additional questions, please contact Jose Diez, Director of Finance
»305.448.4425 x.225 or email finance@ubcmiami.org