What are your basic beliefs about money?
We believe that God has blessed First Alliance because we’ve followed two principles from the beginning: First, we see ourselves as a pipeline God can use to bless his people. We don’t hang onto offerings or hoard up cash; we just direct it to where it’s most useful. Second, we see money as a tool to help accomplish God’s will in the earth. It was His to start with, and we are only His “money managers.”
Where does First Alliance get its money?
It’s the financial generosity of everyday people in our community that fuels the incredible life change that we experience around here. Our support comes from many individual contributions and offerings, including the tithes of our attenders.
What is a tithe?
Under Old Testament law, Israelites were required to give 10% (a “tithe”) of their earning. The New Testament suggests a similar, but voluntary, pattern. Paul says believers should regularly set aside a portion of their income to support the church (2 Corinthians 9:6-9). The exact amount isn’t stated, but we see the 10% figure as a good benchmark for serious Christ-followers. If you’re not there yet, consider it a target to work towards. All of us should pray and seek God’s wisdom on how much to give. Remember, the time and money we give Jesus can be a pretty good indicator of how much we love Him and trust Him.
How does our budgeting process work?
Each ministry calculates their objectives and costs for the year. Then, appropriate ministry staff review the figures and may recommend changes based on the overall vision for the church. The final proposal covering all ministries and operations is developed by our Finance Committee. Their budget recommendation is submitted to the Governing Board for review. Following approval by the Governing Board, it is submitted for a congregational vote at our annual business meeting in February.
Does online-giving really honor God?
Some might feel that if giving doesn’t physically happen in the midst of a worship service, it’s somehow less significant. But we think it’s a matter of attitude, not location. The Bible says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The joy of giving comes from offering back to God some of the resources he has blessed us with. When and how you do it is an individual choice.
Will I be pressured to give?
Never. We do receive an offering at our services, but there’s never, ever any pressure to give – especially for visitors. No guilt trips, no squeezing. First Alliance is supported financially by people who have cheerfully chosen to make it their church home. Giving is a form of worship, not a form of torture.
How does online-giving work?
Online-giving is the easy way to make contributions to First Alliance directly from your debit or credit card. You can set up any specific dollar amount to be automatically deducted weekly, every two weeks, bi-monthly, or monthly. Every day, more First Alliance friends are switching to this fast, safe, convenient way to give to God’s work.
Is e-giving safe? Is your site secure?
Absolutely. Our site uses industry-standard SSL technology to ensure that the information you enter is kept secure from prying eyes. In addition, all sensitive information kept in our database is stored in encrypted form so that it is not readable by humans. Like a doctor’s handwriting.
Can I schedule recurring donations?
Yes, you can specify whether you want your contribution made weekly, every two weeks, twice per month, monthly. You can set up as many scheduled contributions as you prefer.
What fund does my e-giving go into?
When you give online, you can choose from our General Fund, Great Commission Fund, Benevolent Fund, and other ministries.
Will I still receive a contribution statement?
Yes, you will receive an annual year-end statement mailed in January to your home. Best of all, you can view your account online anytime from anywhere.
What if I change my mind? Can I adjust the date or amount?
You can cancel or modify the amount of your online-giving at any time by logging into our secure website You can edit or delete a scheduled contribution at any time. – including date, fund, frequency and amount. It’s totally flexible and totally user-friendly.
Will I get spam if I give you my information?
We will occasionally use your information to contact you, but First Alliance does not sell, barter, trade or distribute your information to any organization.
Is there a minimum e-gift I need to contribute?
No. You can designate any amount, big or small, to be given online. It can be a one-time gift or regularly scheduled deductions. The ease and consistency of using online-giving may help you meet your giving goals.
What if I want to give more on special occasions?
You’re always free to make gifts in excess of your regularly-scheduled contributions. Some people do this as part of their year-end tax planning. Your special contribution can be dropped in the offering bag, mailed to the church office, or given through the “one-time gift” area of our online-giving page.
