What is the Christmas Offering?

In a nutshell, this is a special offering, above and beyond regular giving, to make an impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

Our goal this year is to put together $152,500.00 by January 31, 2024.

Local Care

Supporting local organizations in the fort Worth and Tarrant County area that practically show th elove of Christ to people in pain and in need.

Gospel Reach

Supporting churches and organizations across our nation who take the love of Jesus to the nations, boldly share the gospel, start churches, and stand up for what the Bible says about parental rights and religious freedoms.

Campus Ministries

Supporting local, national, and international campus ministries reaching and discipling university students.

Hope Church Growth

Supporting Hope Church's next season of ministry as we seek to faithfully steward the opportunity to aggressively take the life-changing message of the gospel to our growing city of Fort Worth.
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Meet our Ministry Partners

Valley Lights Church - November 19

Christian Impact - December 3

Union Gospel Mission - December 17

International Mission Board - December 31

Christian Ventures - January 14

Hope Church - January 28

River Park Church - November 26

Cornerstone Assistance Network - December 10

Fort Worth Pregnancy Center - December 24

Pathfinder Church - January 7

Connexxion - January 21

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The Purposes of This Offering

To Support Global/U.S. Missions and Start New Churches

We are a “church that starts churches” and a church that supports missions. This focus will continue as we have a great opportunity to assist missionaries around the globe who are reaching out to all kinds of identified people groups, especially those in highly unchurched countries. Through cooperative efforts with other mission-minded churches in Texas and North America, we are designating a portion of the special offering to support 5,000+ North American missionaries and 3,600+ international missionaries.   

To Support Campus Ministries

This year Hope will be partnering with a number of campus ministries in their efforts to reach students who don’t yet know Christ and develop workers for the kingdom. For many, college is a time of openness to new ways of thinking and new ways of life, making it a pivotal time to share the gospel. The six campus ministries with which we are working have proven over the years to be effective in their outreach efforts as well as training students to be effective Christians in life after college. 

To Support the Growth and Expansion of Hope Church

The mission of Hope Church is to invite people to discover and experience God’s ways. As we look to 2024 and beyond, we want to increase community engagement for the purposes of inviting and sharing the Gospel while at the same time, continue to update our systems, technology, and overall ability to host guests well. This next year, our goal is to increase community awareness through marketing, outreach, and events. We also need to update some technology in our Town Hall that will improve the worship experience for our attendees and guests. 

To Support Local Organizations That Assist the Needy and Hurting in Our City

We have a unique opportunity to help those in the greatest need in our city! We want to partner with local organizations that are really making a difference in peoples’ lives and, at the same time, sharing the love of Jesus in a very practical way. That’s why we are partnering with five local organizations:
  • The Union Gospel Mission - an organization that has served the homeless community of Fort Worth, TX, for over 120 years. Through holistic efforts that seek to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals, the Mission has purposed to provide new beginnings to help people achieve productive independence.
  • The Fort Worth Pregnancy Center’s mission is to encourage, through education and outreach, the recognition of human life from the moment of conception and to minister in the name of Jesus Christ to women and men facing unplanned pregnancies.
  • Tarrant Area Food Bank - (TAFB) is the primary source of donated food for hunger-relief charities and feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. TAFB offers a variety of services to the needy in our community including food programs for families and children.
  • Safe Baby Sleep Initiative - Tarrant County has the highest infant mortality rate of any county in Texas. To combat this tragedy, Tarrant Baptist Association has joined forces with the Safe Baby Sleep Council to provide portable pack ‘n plays to 29 community organizations and agencies which work directly with families to provide a safe sleep environment and empower parents to keep their babies safe.
  • Christian Impact - Christian Impact is a student organization at Tarrant County College South Campus that wants to help people connect with an authentic group of friends, explore what it means to take the next step in their relationship with Jesus! 
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FAQ

Why a special offering?

As part of God’s plan to grow the faith of the people in His church, He calls us to sacrificial giving from time to time. This special Christmas Offering is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in 2024. This offering is not because we are behind on budget but rather is to position us to make a greater impact in our city, in our nation, and around the world in 2024. 

What’s the difference between the regular offering and this special offering?

The regular Hope Church offering is the proportional amount (the full tithe of 10%) that we set apart on a systematic basis and give throughout the year. From time to time there are opportunities to give in a sacrificial way. This special offering is one of those sacrificial occasions that stretch us to grow in our faith. Your gifts to this special offering should be in addition to your regular tithes and offerings. 

How much should I give?

Since the goal is $160,000, this special Christmas Offering will involve everyone. Please prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift that will stretch your faith. The precise amount you give is between you and God. Some in our church can give a $1,000, $5,000 or even a $10,000 gift. Others will be able to give smaller amounts of $100 or $500. The issue is not equal giving but equal sacrifice. What amount can you give that will stretch your faith? 

Can I give in-kind gifts of stocks or bonds?

Of course! Since Hope Church is a 501c(3) organization there can be tremendous tax benefits for you by giving  in-kind gifts. For information on this type of giving, simply call 817.535.5555 and speak with Pastor Jerry Roberts or e-mail jerry@hopechurch.com. 

How did we arrive at a $160,000 goal?

The $152,500 goal was prayerfully set by Hope Church pastors. It is approximately five times our regular weekly giving. It is a God-sized goal that can only be accomplished through 100% participation and sacrificial giving by our Hope attenders and members. Since we are expecting God to bless this special offering, it has been determined in advance that any amount over and above our goal will be used to steward faithfully the opportunity to make an impact in our city.

Why is the goal so large?

Since the beginning of Hope Church in 1978, as we have tried to follow God, we have dared to dream big. The ministries supported by this offering are BIG - supporting global and U.S. missions, starting new churches, supporting local organizations that assist the needy and hurting, and supporting campus ministries that are reaching out and training up the leaders of our next generation, and making much needed upgrades to the Hope Campus. Big dreams require big faith and big funding. The accomplishment of these big dreams will be determined by your gifts to this special offering. 

When should I give?

The best time to give will be the first Sunday after you receive this packet. Please pray about making your best gift on that day. However, you can continue to give until January 31, 2024.  

Please use the “Christmas Offering” area on the offering envelopes or include a note designating that your gift is for the special Christmas Offering. Remember, consistent gifts over time add up – a person giving $50 per week over a ten-week period will give $500 to this special offering.

Can I give online via bank check or auto-debit?

Yes. When you give via online giving, simply select Christmas Offering in the fund dropdown list. 

Are my gifts tax-deductible?

All gifts to Hope Church, whether via the regular offering or this special offering, are completely tax-deductible. Your gift will be deductible in the tax year given (i.e., gifts given in 2023 will be deductible on your 2023 taxes). Please be sure to include your name and address when you give so that a receipt can be sent to you for your tax preparations. You are not required to utilize a tax-deduction for your gift, but it is available for all gifts. 
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