Music at First Baptist

GOD’S WORD TELLS US TO BE FAITHFUL STEWARDS OF OUR LIVES AND OF GOD’S CREATION.

​

ONE WAY WE CAN ANSWER THIS CALL IS THROUGH ONGOING SUPPORT OF THIS CHURCH AND ITS MINISTRIES.​

Our member-led Finance Committee works to sustain the financial health of the First Baptist 

Church of Erwin, allowing us to support programs, compensate our staff, and maintain and 

improve our campus. By creating a culture of lifelong-giving, we hope that members of every 

generation will consider their opportunity to make a financial commitment to the church a 

privilege, not an obligation. All we are and all we have are gifts from God; as we support this 

church, we are expressing our gratitude for these blessings.

​

Members of the First Baptist Church of Erwin come from diverse spiritual backgrounds, yet we 

share a common dream of living fully into our faith even though that faith may be defined or 

expressed in varied ways. This vision is also a way for us to live out a set of core values.

​

Our church governance structure is built around these core values, and we consider them 

guiding principles for our strategic planning. These values live through our actions each and 

every day and your financial gifts allow us to make that possible.

​

For church ministries to thrive, it is essential for participants in the life of this church to feel 

called to support the work we do in God’s name. A monetary contribution, made by 

members of all ages through our Annual Operating Budget, is one way we actualize this 

call for supporting our church as it ministers to the world beyond our doors, and to one 

another.

​

ABOUT PROPORTIONATE GIVING

The tithe, or 10% of your income, is God’s Biblical standard. Determine what percentage you 

can now today, and then systematically plan to work toward a giving-goal of 10%. (Malachi 

3:10)

​

THE BLESSING OF REGULAR GIVING

In whatever way we give our annual financial commitment – weekly, monthly, quarterly, 

annually – we also are invited to give every time we worship through the loose plate offering, 

the quarterly Benevolent Offering, which helps the needy here in Unicoi County, or the Lottie 

Moon Christmas Offering and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering which help to share comfort 

and the Good News at home and around the world.

​

FIRST FRUITS GIVING

As ancient peoples brought the first lamb of the flock or first wheat from the fields, we make 

our gift to God through the church the first gift we make rather than the last, or from what is 

left over.

​

JOYFUL, GENEROUS, AND GRATEFUL GIVING

We give in thanksgiving for God’s blessings to us, generously and joyfully. “Each one must do 

as they have made up their mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a 

cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:7) Cheerful comes from the word hilarom, from which we get 

“hilarious.” Give the way lovers give to their beloved, not counting the cost, where the only 

sadness is that they could not give more.

​

SPECIAL GIFTS

Financial gifts to the church are not always limited to a particular campaign. Often 

individuals, or groups of donors, are inspired to fund a project or initiative on their own. Such 

gifts have included the renovation of our beautiful chapel, saving it from demolition. Special 

gifts have also allowed for the restoration of Sunday School department classrooms and, 

thanks to a gift designed to enhance church communication, we have improved our online 

presence and renewed our commitment to upgrade our technological infrastructure.

​

The church is blessed by thoughtful, generous, unique gifts given with open hearts over our 

nearly-200-year history. Gifts range in scale from physically great to small, including our 

Steinway concert grand piano, the Schantz pipe organ, hymnals, altar linens, floral 

arrangements, artwork, stained glass windows, and the very land upon which our church 

stands as well as countless other parts of our worship experience. The First Baptist Church of 

Erwin is endlessly enriched by the generosity of its members and faithful friends.

​

NO GIFT TOO SMALL, NOR TOO LATE

While it is our sincere hope that you will be inspired to join other members and faithful friends 

in pledging during the annual campaign, you may make a financial commitment to the 

church at any time throughout the year.

​

MAKE A PROMISE TODAY

The First Baptist Church of Erwin believes that the stewardship of life is a crucial dimension of 

Christian discipleship. We believe that God calls everyone to creatively partnership with Him 

in the care of His creation and the healing of the world. This involves the dedication of one’s 

time, talents, and treasure to the work of God and that the fruits of our dedication will be 

evidenced in the world. When we acknowledge that all we are and all we have are gifts 

from our gracious God, we may become joyful stewards and generous givers of ourselves, 

our time, and our material resources.

 

​

​

​

​

​