Stewardship (Missions and Ministry)

Crestwood has adopted a new approach to giving for the work of God. Please click below for a brief message from two of our Session members on this new direction.

One of the biggest struggles a Christian has is developing a healthy relationship with the things of he world. Material things are not bad things until they take the place of God. Even good things can over take our relationship with Jesus Christ and then become contrary to God's intent.

At Crestwood we believe Stewardship is the faithful management of the material things in our lives so that they bring glory to God. The Bible is filled with references to money, giving and our possessions. There are more than 2,350 such references in the Bible.

Giving financially to Crestwood for the work of God locally and globally is both a responsibility and a privilege of a disciple of Jesus Christ. At Crestwood our understanding of Christian Stewardship is the call to joyously give to God 10% of our income. This is not a law or rule forcing us to give so as to support the church, but a free and joyous giving whereby we give back to our Lord in response to his grace and salvation. This we believe is what the Bible teaches us to do.

In order to know some of the practical aspects of giving at Crestwood consider this Q and A.

1.     Q.     How can I learn more about giving from the perspective of being a disciple?
A. The Stewardship Ministry of Crestwood strongly recommends that all take part in a ministry
called CROWN MINISTRY. Crown Ministry teaches a biblical understanding of money and
material resources. Crestwood offers Crown classes on a regular basis. (soon a link will
appear here to a page with information about Crown at Crestwood.)

2.     Q.     What are the different ways I can give to Crestwood Church?
        A.     There are several ways you can give to Crestwood:

                        a.     Bring your offering to worship and place in the offering plate
                        b.     Send by mail to either campus address.
                        c.     You may send a check from your electronic bank "bill pay" to Crestwood.
                        d.     You may set up an automatic draft on your account to come to Crestwood.
                        e.     Currently credit card giving is not available but we anticipate it in the future.

3.     Q.     How can I get offering envelopes so that I can give regularly to Crestwood Church?
        A.     Please contact Mrs. Jean Collier at 804.320.2269 and she will be happy to get you envelopes.

4.     Q.     How can I get a copy of my giving statement?
        A.     Giving statements are available to anyone who gives to Crestwood in a method where one's
                name can be tracked. For example, in an offering envelope or by check. Cash put in
                the offering plate, while welcome, cannot be tracked for donor credit.

5.     Q.     When will the check I give be cashed by the church?
        A.     The offering from Sunday is processed after church on Sunday. A check contribution should
                clear your account on Monday or Tuesday.

6.     Q.     How can I give by credit card?
        A.     Unfortunately, at the current time this is not available. This web site and our bank both
                have the ability but it is currently not being used. We do anticipate this method of
    giving in the future.

7.     Q.     What about end of the year giving? When does my gift count for a certain
                 calendar year?
        A.     By IRS rule, a contribution must be in the hands of the church by midnight, December 31
                of a given year for it to credit to that year for income tax purposes. We discourage
                last minute giving but realize some people for a variety of reasons must give at the
                end of the year. Therefore, any gifts must be in our hands by the end of day on
                December 31st. Gifts received after that time are gratefully received but will credit
                to the new year and not the past.

8.     Q.     Who do I contact if I have questions about my giving?
        A.     Please contact Jean Collier at 804.320.2269 regarding questions about your
                statement or other questions about giving. She will direct you to the correct
                person if she does not have the answer.

9.     Q.     What about planned giving through a will or an estate?
        A.     Crestwood is delighted to receive planned gifts. Contact the Church Office
                for a brochure on the various ways you can give. We encourage you to also
                contact your attorney or financial advisor regarding what is legal and most
                advantageous to you and to the church.