By Faith, Freed Up For More

Q: Why are we choosing to pay off our church mortgage? 

A: A generous benefactor was moved by the Lord to help us pay off our church mortgage by offering to match up to 50% of our remaining mortgage debt. Eliminating our mortgage before it is due would allow us to save years of interest payments as well as free up our monthly budget to better fund our most pressing budget areas such as staff compensation, ministries (children’s, outreach, etc.), and building maintenance.  Ultimately, in being debt free, we would have more freedom and flexibility in our church finances to be able to better disciple and equip our body as well as to bless and reach out to our community.  The letter included in this packet from our Treasurer goes over some of the specific budget numbers affected by paying off the mortgage. 

Q: How much money are we seeking to raise?

A: $155,000 will allow us to pay off our mortgage with the matching payment of our generous donor as well as fulfill our Tier 2 goals of making some exterior and interior building improvements. 

Q: I am already giving regularly to Coulee Rock.  How can I be expected to give more? 

A: In this giving opportunity, all of us are being asked to give in addition to our regular tithe or giving to Coulee Rock.  The regular tithes and offerings are used to support the ministry of our church as it currently stands. This campaign will support us in paying off our mortgage so we are able to free up our budget for more monthly funding to our ministry budgets. Giving more is a blend of faith and deliberation, of courage and sacrifice.  Giving more may mean sacrificing in another financial area.  It may mean having to trust God in ways we haven’t before.  Giving more can be daunting, but it can be a wonderful builder of our faith, character, and priorities. 

Q: Once the mortgage is paid off, how will the extra in the monthly budget be used? 

A: We will prioritize using these funds for 1. Adequate staff compensation 2. Ministry Department needs 3. Building maintenance. We have talked extensively with our small groups, ministry leaders, Board of Trustees, and church members at large about what areas they felt could most benefit from having expanded budgets. These three areas were the most commonly agreed upon. 

Q:  What happens if we raise more money than our mortgage balance?  

A: If we are blessed enough to be able to pay off our mortgage through this giving opportunity, then the funds we are seeking that are beyond that amount will be allocated to exterior and interior projects to improve the usage of our space.  

Q: What happens if we don’t raise enough money? 

A:  We will pay off whatever amount of the mortgage we are able to in order to reduce the interest and cut down on our total payments to the building.  The matching giver will match whatever we are able to raise for this effort, up to 50% of the montage’s total. 

Q: What is the timeline for giving? 

A: Pledged amounts can be given over a period of two years (April 2025 – April 2027).  Individuals may feel free to determine their own schedule within the two year giving period for how and when to fulfill their pledged amounts.  Gifts can be made as a one time gift or over a series of months/years.  See the included pledge card for more information. 

Q: Can I make all or part of my donation in 2025 for tax purposes? 

A: Yes.  If you want to contribute to By Faith, Freed Up For More to receive a deduction in 2025, you need to make sure the amount you plan to contribute is given prior to December 31, 2025.  Put “By Faith, Freed Up For More” in the memo line of any checks given or if you are giving with cash, please label the giving envelope with “By Faith, Freed Up For More”.  We will also have an option to contribute on the church website using ACH or credit card where you can select the Freed Up For More as the allocation of your giving. All giving related to this campaign is tax deductible. 

Q: Can I use my qualified IRA dollars to contribute? 

A: Yes, if you are 70.5 years old or older, you can shift IRA dollars to the church and avoid the income tax completely.

Q: Will the Coulee Rock staff or others know how much I pledged? 

A:  We will handle the finances of the campaign monies the same way that regular funds are handled.  A very limited and select group of people serves to collect, tabulate donations, write checks, and provide generalized reports.  These individuals are required to maintain confidentiality of individual giving information.  They regard this role as a serious responsibility entrusted to them. 

Q: What can I do if I am not able to give financially at this time? 

A: We recognize that not all will be called to give during this season. We would, however, love for everyone to join us in praying for this giving opportunity. Prayer is a powerful way to help. We know God hears our prayers. Additionally, if financial circumstances should change over the two year giving period and the Lord directs, gifts can be accepted at any point in this time period.  We encourage every Coulee Rocker to go before the Lord and examine his or her capacity to contribute. 

Q: Will more campaigns like this be needed in the future? 

A:  Coulee Rock has no future funding planned right now.  Most likely, we will undertake additional capital campaigns in the future to accomplish priority goals as we seek to carry out our God given mission to passionately love God and love our neighbors.