Frequently Asked Questions
How can I give TO SPECTRUM?
Giving to Spectrum Church is simple and secure. You can bring cash or check to any of our gatherings, you can give a one time or recurring gift by bank account or credit card via our secure online portal, or you can do a Zelle transfer to zelle@spectrumchurchirvine.org.
We recommend that you consider using your bank account first for all online gifts because we incur a 3% fee for all credit card contributions. For contributions via bank account, we incur only a nominal transaction fee.
For all other gifts or donations, please contact us at info@spectrumchurchirvine.org and we'll get back to you promptly.
What kind of accountability is in place regarding financial integrity?
As a brand new church, we've committed to a very transparent approach to our church finances. Here are a few of the ways we actively work towards financial responsibility and handling our resources with integrity:
1. We provide a financial update to the congregation each month and welcome questions regarding how the budget is structured and how decisions are made around spending. In addition, contributors have access to a detailed financial report upon request.
2. Spectrum is committed to lay (congregation) involvement in all stages of financial management and specifically being responsible for setting the compensation for the paid staff.
What is the deadline for annual contributions?
Cash contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31 to be included on your giving statement for that year. Online transactions must be initiated by December 31.
Should I give based on my pre-tax or after-tax income?
Many people think about their giving as a percentage of their money coming in, but should you use gross or net income? The most common view is that gross earnings are the amount of God's provision, and the tithe should be based on one-tenth of God's provision. Taxes are generally considered payment for the privileges and services provided by the government. Though Scripture doesn't necessarily use the literal terms "net" or "gross," it is important to note that the spirit in which we give is of greatest value to God. He tells us in 2 Corinthians 9 that "each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give; not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
What if I don’t have enough money to tithe 10%?
Giving to your church can be a daunting commitment! Remember that giving is partly about trusting God to provide for all of our needs, and in the Old Testament a tithe, setting aside 10% of your gross earnings, was a way to start as a steward of God’s gifts. We encourage those who give to Spectrum to start there as well. Scripture tells us to honor Him with our first fruits and our blessings will be overflowing. We must learn to trust that He is faithful to provide. That said, the key is that God wants us to trust Him. Seek His guidance in how much you should give, and he will honor your faithfulness and obedience.
Why do you accept credit cards?
Used within the parameters for which they were originally created, debit and credit cards can be an efficient tool for payments and purchases. Many people utilize them in place of checks or
cash throughout the month, then pay off the balance in full. For these people, we offer the option of using a credit or debit card to tithe. We strongly discourage those who have ongoing credit card debt from exercising this option.