Start giving regularly:

Stay faithful and consistent with an automatic recurring schedule. Create an account and start online giving.

Be a percentage giver:

The bible refers to 10% as target for giving (it’s called tithing). But, more than 50% of all regular church goers give nothing. If every attendee gave just 3-4% of their income, our church impact would more than double. If you’ve never given before, start low, work your way up and give something regularly. If you’re already tithing, stay the course and watch God honor your sacrifice.

Make a year end gift:

Special one-time, year-end gifts can be symbolic response of a renewed focus and commitment. This faithful act changes the giver from the inside out. Split your holiday budget between buying presents and making a special offering.

Money F.A.Q.'s

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Are my donations tax-deductible?

Generally. The Simple Church is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations that we receive are tax-deductible. However, you should consult your tax advisor to see if you can deduct your donations. You will receive an end of the year receipt of your gift either by e-mail or by postal mail.

What are your basic beliefs about money?

We believe that God has blessed our church because, from the beginning, we have followed three core principles in the handling of money: (1) bless people, (2) base your budget on what God wants to happen, not based on what you might get and (3) money is a tool for a church to use, and therefore should be spent and not saved. We believe these things strike at the heart of how God wants money to be used as seen in the Bible.

Where does The Simple Church get all its money?

It’s the financial generosity of everyday people in our community that fuels the incredible life change that we experience around here. Our support comes from the tithes of average people (giving 10 percent of their earnings), as well as other contributions from Simple Church attendees.

Does The Simple Church have high accounting standards?

Yes. We have an annual external audit by an independent CPA firm. You can request a copy of their report for any year and you will find that money given to The Simple Church is managed with integrity.

How does your budgeting process work?

Each ministry, which consists of paid staff and volunteers, considers what their ministry goals and objectives are for the year. Corresponding costs are then determined. The appropriate staff contacts review and approve, and may recommend changes based on the overall vision for the church. The final step is approval by the Directional Leadership Team.

Do you have an open book policy?

Yes. It is easy for us to provide financial data since we do a monthly recap of expenditures versus budget. Simply contact our office and we will provide the appropriate information.

Does this mean I can find out individual staff salaries?

No. We find that the release of this kind of personal financial information can lead to comparison and discontentment amongst staff members and in the congregation at large. It fosters an environment of value assessments on whether or not a staff member should get what they are being paid, without being privy to the most recent performance review and other factors that contribute to setting a salary. We believe in trusting those in leadership who are making financial decisions, specifically our Pastor and Directional Leadership Team.

Who sets salaries?

The overall salary structure is set by the Directional Leadership Team and Pastor.

What principles are used in setting salaries?

We use several criteria, including surveys of similar churches across the country to see what a similar position pays, the standard of living in Shreveport/Bossier, the individual’s performance against stated goals and objectives and overall faithfulness and fruitfulness of the staff member.

Why does The Simple Church give things away?

The Simple Church is not a capital endeavor. We are a church that wants to build into people. If our people need something like a Bible, CDs of messages, coffee, donut, curriculum, etc. we want them to have it.

What happens with yearly left-over money?

The leftover money is put back into the ministry budget fund for the following year. On occasion we use the money for a special mission project or unique church need such as new equipment or a maintenance need.