Journey has been around for more than 5 years. During that time our total financial need (including building renovations, community outreach, and ongoing operational expenses) has been fulfilled almost to the penny. God apparently has seen fit for us to receive just about what we need (actually, 99.5% of what we need), and we have experienced the lesson of 'just enough' over and over again. If we have received what we need, then why do we talk about mounting debt and unpaid bills so much? The answer is in our giving patterns, which tend to be very uneven. Normal ongoing giving to support our operating expenses tends to lag the need, but eventually when a sense of crisis or urgency is felt, or when we ask extra hard, our church family responds.
The reason for bringing this up is to invite you to think about how you might smooth out your financial commitment to Journey. One tool that is available to help do this is our online giving portal. It was implemented with the specific intention of smoothing our income stream. It supports a very simple setup of a recurring donation to Journey, a kind of ìset it and forget itî offering basket. Ongoing commitment from every Journeyer is the key to financial stability for Journey.
Try it now
Access the Journey Online Giving Portal ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is online giving all about?
It is a tool for every Journeyer to use to simplify the giving process, a one-stop portal where you can register and then make one-time or recurring donations. All you need is a valid debit card, credit card, or checking account to get started.
How do I get started?
Watch this instructional video and then follow the link above to create your account.
What are the giving options?
You can give by credit card or e-check from an existing checking account. We prefer you give by e-check because the fee structure is much less expensive to Journey than a credit card donation.
Is there a minimum amount I must give?
No, that is between you and God, and any amount is welcome.
How do I change or cancel a recurring gift? Contact finance@journeyifc.com for assistance.
How secure is my data?
Our software provider is ACS Technologies, the largest developer of church management software in the industry. Your account information is not stored at Journey, but rather in a secure data center that meets the highest standards of encryption and data security.
Will I still receive contribution statements from Journey?
Yes, you will continue to receive contribution statements which will include online gifts.
What is Journey's theology of money and giving?
Giving money away makes people healthier. It unplugs them from the matrices of our culture - spending time and energy on acquiring more stuff, assigning personal value based on wealth and position, and believing that security comes from possessions or earnings.
Giving money away also helps us all remember Who owns the house. We believe that everything comes from God. Our culture can be very egocentric and materialistic. Jesus taught very clearly against self-absorption and attachment to things and plans. And, giving money away helps us keep perspective. Do I really need another TV? There are people in this world, in Austin, without a home and without food. There are people whose spirits and hearts are broken. We believe that when we care for anyone whom God puts in front of us, God will provide for every need. Jesus’ people care for those in need.
All of this takes sacrifice. Letting go. It can be very scary and challenging. But Jesus said that if we cling to our lives we will lose them; if we give our lives away, we find what we were searching for.
So, give it away. Give it away to the things God is doing.
One of the things God is doing is to heal the world through Journey Imperfect Faith Community. Journey uses money in order to:
- provide the Warehouse space for Journey worship and group gatherings;
- provide the Warehouse for other groups in Austin that need a place to meet;
- pay our staff so that they can devote their full time and energy to helping us all fulfill the vision of this faith community;
- provide funds to our Strength team, to give to others.
From our beginning, Journey has always given 10% of its income to our Strength team, which finds ways for all of us to give food, clothing, and shelter to those in need.
No pastor at Journey knows who gives what money. This enables our pastors to relate to us regardless of the way the world defines people.
Journey does not tell you how much to give. In the Bible some guidelines say to give God 10% of our income, as a way to remind ourselves that nothing belongs to us, and to honor what is most important. But the point isn't the amount; the point is, it belongs to God in the first place. Jesus said to give everything to God, and to the Kingdom of God, and everything we need will be given to us. Journey doesn’t make plans based on how much money we have or don't have; Journeyers show up and do what God tells us to do. Miracles happen. Be part of that.