:: AIP#20 - We need... $40,000 by Sept 1! ::

I'm taking a few posts to lay out immediate ways we need people to partner with The City Church. The first post explained our great need for people to pray for us; the second asked for involvement and help spreading the word. The final current need is below. Whichever way(s) you choose, please consider how you'll partner with The City Church, in any of these three important ways!

NEED #3: FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We're on a sprint to raise $40,000 by September 1. Our goal is to have this amount in the bank or pledged, which will cover The City Church's needs, start-up costs, and operating budget through the remainder of 2009. As we host weekly gatherings and events before our official January launch, we want to provide an environment for people to come "check it out," without feeling the pressure to give financially if they're not ready to commit. Knowing the funds are there in advance allows us to focus on other, more people-oriented aspects of building The City Church through the fall.

While we'd be happy to share with you a more detailed budget, here's what that $40,000 will cover:

• Personnel (a stipend so I can provide well for my wife, cover health insurance, etc): $23,750
• Communication (initial website, hosting, and print media): $1,400
• Training/equipping (as we raise up leaders, etc.): $2000
• Vision casting/events (food and supplies for gatherings): $800
• Start-up expenses (equipment, legal/incorporation/filing fees, etc.): $9,450
• Logistics/unexpected (a percentage for unplanned expenses): $2,600
  

Of course our financial need will continue over the next couple years, so please check back for the next post as I explain the financial side of starting a new church. The good news is that through some of our supporting organizations and through the commitments of individuals, we have $8,300 committed for the fall, so we're already over 20% of the way to our goal of $40,000! We'll know the commitment from other supporting organizations soon, but we also need the support of caring, generous individuals like yourself.

WILL YOU COMMIT TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING THE CITY CHURCH?
If so, there are two ways you can give:

• Mail: Send a check to P.O. Box 470919 - Fort Worth, TX - 76147
• Online (*NEW!*): As of this morning, our secure online giving site is now set-up and ready to go; click here to give to The City Church online.

Additionally, we have three giving options:

• One-time gift: A single contribution toward The City Church start-up costs.
• Monthly giving: While each transaction (via mail or online) is independent, you can choose to give a recurring donation in the amount of your choice, for as long as God leads.
• Annual giving: I'll explain this in tomorrow's post, but our goal is to be fully self-supporting three years into the church, at the beginning of 2013. Until then, we'll be relying on a decreasing percentage of outside support, so you can choose to give annually for the coming years.

**All contributions to The City Church are fully tax-deductible; non-profit status pending.**

If you have questions, comments, etc. please email Ben or check the appropriate box at www.fwcitychurch.org. Thank you for your consideration, and financial or otherwise, thank you for your support of The City Church!