The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge

Since 1717 when the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church first gathered for worship, people of faith have met in this place to draw near to God, and, by His grace, be bearers of Christ’s Good News throughout the world.

Central to our sense of identity and purpose as a church is the humble awareness that of all the abundance we have been blessed with, God calls us to manage and care for, and share it, in ways that will delight and be pleasing to God.

Keeping the Faith...Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

For almost three hundred years, members of our congregation have recognized God’s goodness, love and faithfulness in our midst, and they have always faithfully responded. We are so very grateful for the tithes and gifts to BRPC, its ministries and missions from those who have pledged.  Hopefully, if you have not yet returned you pledge card, you will prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give and through pledging bring us closer to our goal of greater participation by members of our congregation.  There are many ways to fulfill your pledges, one of which is to gift securities, such as stock, bonds or mutual fund shares, which can be accomplished by contacting Janet Bentley at the Church (908-766-1616, x18).

Why did Jesus link the spiritual life so closely to financial matters?

Jesus regularly spoke of the relationship between finances and our commitment to God, and this relationship remains key to our spiritual lives today as financial motivations and decisions are ever present in our lives.  He knew that the love of money has the potential to take the place of one’s love for God, that it is all too easy to become people who clutch instead of share, and worry instead of trust.

Why should a Christian be financially generous?

Our Christian generosity is rooted in an understanding that all we are and have belongs to our Almighty God. (Psalm 24:1) Out of his great love and desire to be in relationship with us, God created us; through Christ’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, he redeemed us; and through the presence of the Holy Spirit, he nourishes and sustains us.  God sets us amidst abundance and entrusts us to manage our many resources in ways which will bring him joy. 

According to the Bible, how am I to give?

The Bible details that our generosity is to be regular (1 Corinthians 16:2), proportional (2 Corinthians 8:12), and sacrificial (Mark 12:43-44).

How much should I give?

The traditional tithe, 10% of one’s gross earnings, is the biblical standard for giving as attested to by God in the Old Testament.  The teaching of the New Testament encourages giving in proportion to the material blessings one has received and calls us to give, not out of obligation, but in a joyful gratitude for all God has given us.  (Consider: Matthew 6:19-21 & 33; Matthew 23-23; Luke 6:38; Luke 21: 1-4; Malachi 10; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9; Proverbs 3:9-10.)

How is my pledge used?

Our Christian heritage affirms that a Christian’s primary giving is to be directed towards the local church and its missions. In the Bible, offerings were regularly collected to maintain the ongoing work for God in the world. Today this means giving to the Church which Christ established. For 2010, our pledges were used to fund God’s ministry in five areas: Church Programs, General Mission, Personnel, Buildings & Property, and Office Operation.

Are members expected to make a financial commitment?

Yes, in fact, congregational members are challenged to grow toward the biblical standard of tithing (10%) by one percent of income each year. For example: if you are currently giving 2% of your income to the church, you would increase your giving to 3%. This philosophy seeks to encourage disciples to take their next step of faith and to live life as Christ prescribed. It is also a realistic strategy by which many have faithfully strengthened their financial stewardship. If you have never made a financial commitment, begin with a reasonable objective and plan to increase your giving annually.

Each fall, pledge cards are used by members to communicate their commitment for the coming calendar year. This estimated amount may be increased or decreased at any time during the year as circumstances warrant.  This process provides a clear goal for the membership and is a helpful planning tool for the church leadership.