Know Your Bible Pledge Update
October 31 was Know Your Bible Sunday, the day we ask Northside members to make a financial commitment to our television ministry for the next year. We rely on Northside members to provide over 2/3 of the total budget each year. That’s more than $160,000 annually over and above our regular contribution. A few people have asked since then how the pledges turned out – so here’s an update.
THE BAD NEWS: Our church software, Realm, has a very simple feature that members can use to pledge for the special funds for either KYB or Missions. About a dozen people used that for a total pledge of around $13,000. Only $147,000 short of the goal.
THE LESS BAD NEWS: We also hand out paper pledge forms, and three dozen people used those to pledge about $57,000. Total pledges received = $70,000. Only $90,000 short of the goal. (I know that sounds like the end of KYB, but keep reading.)
THE GOOD NEWS: A whole lot of people who don’t take time to complete a Realm or paper pledge still give – generously. Many of them (over 100) give regularly and consistently year after year. So, we take a small leap of faith and “assume” that they intend to continue that pattern. Historically, that adds up to another $100,000, and voila, our goal is met. In the business world, “assuming” that a majority of necessary income will just happen is a dangerous practice. Northsiders, however, always come through; thus it’s only a small leap of faith.
THE BEST NEWS: Know Your Bible has always operated on faith – not just in Northsiders, but in God. KYB began 36 years ago when our elders signed a year contract with KSN with NO money or pledges. God provided through many sacrificial members. Multiple times over the years the numbers on paper looked a little bleak, but God provided. When Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give generously in 2 Corinthians 9:8, he told them, “God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” I think he meant it!