Giving FAQ
Q: Why should I give money to the church?
A: We give because God gave first.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…"
John 3:16
A common error of thought for many Christians is that we are giving to God a portion of what is ours. In truth, everything we have belongs to God. We can consider it a privilege to give back to Him as it represents a tangible acknowledgement that everything we have belongs to Him and He provided it for us to Bless Others as we have been Blessed.
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Q: What are my giving dollars used for?
A: Your gifts are used to fund God’s work through the ministry of Riverbend Church.
Riverbend currently provides three Sunday morning services each week. Children and Student Ministries, Men’s and Women’s Ministries and many Community Group opportunities are provided as well, both on Sundays and throughout the week. There are many community and global outreach projects as well as other ministry opportunities too numerous to mention here. Please check our web site for a complete list of ministries offered by Riverbend.
Q: Is it difficult to set up online giving?
A: No, it is very easy. Simply click on the Online Giving link at the top of our website pages and it will take you to a user friendly webpage where you can make a one-time contribution or schedule recurring contributions from a credit card, debit card, or from your checking account.
If you have any questions about your online giving account, please contact Linda Bell at (512) 327-3540 ext 210.
Q: Is giving online secure?
A: Yes. It is the policy of Riverbend to protect your personal privacy.
We request information from a user on our site if the user performs a financial transaction. Online giving transactions are processed with ServiceU. In this case, a user must provide information including but not limited to name, address, and financial information, including but not limited to credit card information or bank account information.
ServiceU may use a third party intermediary to perform the transaction processing. This intermediary is solely a link in the distribution chain, and uses the information provided for the sole purpose of processing the transaction. ServiceU takes data security very seriously and has achieved Level 1 compliance.
Q: Is my online giving information kept private?
A: The online giving registration form requires you to give us contact information (like your name and e-mail address), and demographic information. The information you give to us through our online giving system is for the sole purpose of processing your contribution.
We do not sell or give away your private information for any reason. (If you are currently receiving offering envelopes, and you sign up for recurring online donations, you may call the accounting department to have your quarterly envelope delivery stopped.)
All contributions to Riverbend are income tax deductible and are made with the understanding that Riverbend has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
Q: Can I make non-cash contributions?
A: Many people find creative ways to make contributions to Riverbend’s ministries through non-cash gifts.
Here are a few options to consider:
Stocks and mutual funds
Life insurance
Retirement assets
Bequests
Charitable gift annuities
Charitable trusts
Q: Can I give through my estate planning?
A: Riverbend has developed a way for you to consider “legacy giving” through the Stewardship Estate-Planning ministry.
Designed to help you think through how to provide for your family through your estate, this ministry helps you avoid probate, minimize taxes and support causes close to your heart. More importantly, it provides a biblical understanding of stewardship and how biblical principles can influence your estate planning decisions. Riverbend offers periodic workshops for those interested in learning these principles and connecting with an estate-planning professional.
For more information, please contact Chris Hanson >
Q: How late in the year can I make a donation and receive a credit for this year’s taxes?
A: Per IRS regulations, contributions for each year must be received or postmarked by December 31st of that year in order to receive donation credit for that year’s tax purposes.
Please submit your online, mailed or in-person donation accordingly.
We hope this FAQ was helpful to you.
Click here to return to the Give Online page, or click the button below to give to Riverbend Church. Your generosity fuels the mission of Riverbend — thank you for your faithfulness in giving generously.