Bridges

The definition of a bridge in Webster’s Ninth Collegiate Dictionary is “a time, place, or means of connection or transition”. That is an incredibly accurate description of where we are as a church right now. We are in a time of transition. We are in a place where many meaningful spiritual connections are happening. We have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. But we need some help to get from where we have been to where we are going. In short, we need a bridge.

When I talk to you about Bridges, I am primarily speaking about the challenge we have of building a resource bridge that will allow us to transition from a church that has relied on capital campaigns over the past six years to provide “over and above” resources to build our current campus. We are seeking to instill the biblical principles of tithing and generous giving that will allow our ministry to operate on our regular Sunday offerings without special campaigns. But we aren’t quite there yet. We need to bridge the gap between where our current offerings are and the elevated costs of doing ministry on our new campus. I am asking you to be a bridge-builder along with me for the next twelve months. Together we can bridge the resource gap that will allow our ministry to go to new heights of being a place and means of connecting people to Jesus and each other.

We want to build bridges to our community by serving them simply because God loves them and wants to bless them. We want to build bridges to other life-giving ministries who can join with us to transform our county from one of the “fastest dying” places in America to a place that is one of the “healthiest spiritual” communities in America. We want to build bridges to lost people by partnering with other mission-minded churches to plant new mission-minded churches who can reach people we will never reach.

This resource bridge is vital to keeping our ministry infrastructure intact. Now is the time—this is the place, the stewardship of your life is the means, and the result will be a life-giving connection. Will you be a bridge builder?

Pastor,

Yes! I want to be a bridge builder.

What Can I Do?

1. Pray: This is the most important step in preparing your heart to respond to God’s call to action. Ask him what he would have you give to “Bridges.”
    
2. Leave Room for Faith: Trust God to provide what he impresses you to give, even if the amount is greater than the resources you can readily identify.
    
3. Give Sacrificially: Nowhere do the scriptures teach equal giving, but we can all sacrifice equally. There is no limit to what God will do in and through us if we commit ourselves to sacrificial giving.
    

Three Ways To Give
 

1. Give a Cash Gift: Ask God for creative ways to increase your gift. You might just consider gifts from savings, tax refunds, garage sales, or an extra part-time job. Also consider reducing your expenses or deferring a major purchase as a sacrifice to God. Involve your whole family in giving a specific amount.
    
2. Make a 12-month Giving Pledge: The Bible teaches that spiritual maturity includes developing the habit of regular giving. Even a small gift given regularly can add up to a substantial donation over time.
    
3. Give a Gift of Assets: Additionally, you can give real estate, stocks, bonds, coins, jewelry, cars, etc.

Three Ways to Commit
 

1. Mail: Download the commitment form PDF (click here) and send via mail to:
        First Christian Church
        6900 Market Avenue North
        Canton, OH  44721
    
2. Offering Plate: Download the commitment form PDF (see left column), then fold and tape closed and place in the Sunday morning offering plate.
    
3. Online: Make your commitment online using the secure online giving portal.