Portland Biblical Community

Subpage: Forms/Reports

Financial Policy: As a non-profit corporation, pdxbc operates solely upon tax-exempt contributions. Staff & overhead costs are minimized in order to give as much as possible directly into meeting needs. Financial records are kept in a highly organized, updated, and confidential manner, under the general oversight of our elders. Contribution receipt letters are provided annually, unless otherwise requested. Donations may be given at weekly gatherings (via the pdxbc giving box) or mailed directly to pdxbc. The pdxbc giving box is protected by two separate combination locks. No two people know both combinations; therefore, two people must be present in order to unlock the giving box. The pdxbc giving box is stored in a secured location throughout the week. After funds are counted, recorded, photocopied, scanned, and filed, pdxbc giving is deposited and held in an account(s). Afterwards, the funds are made available for the purposes of church planting, body needs, the poor, and local pdxbc ministry. Additionally, funds are made available to each pdxbc house church monthly for the purposes of local ministry. 10% of all funds received are given towards church planting nationally and internationally; pdxbc monthly gives to partner organizations benefiting the poor: My Father’s House, Human Solutions Daybreak Shelter, and Evangelical Revival Ministries.

Sacrificial Giving: An overarching principle in Scripture is that everything belongs to God (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). Therefore, believers are encouraged to sacrificially give back to God what belongs to Him (Malachi 3:7-10; Matthew 22:16-22) in such a manner that reflects stewardship (investing God’s resources resulting in a return for Him, reflecting kingdom values, and earning eternal rewards for the investor) and accountability (we will each give an account before God) (Luke 19:11-27). The Hebrews practiced three tithes equaling 23% of their gross income: an annual tithe which funded the priesthood (Levites) (10%) (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21-32; Deuteronomy 14:27), an annual tithe which funded community celebrations (10%) (Deuteronomy 14:22-26), and a tri-annual tithe (one tithe every three years) which was set aside for the poor (10%/3=3%) (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). However, Jesus taught that giving should be sacrificial and secret, reflecting a condition of the heart (Matthew 6:1-4; Matthew 6:19-21; Mark 12:38-44). In light of this, Paul wrote that each person should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, but cheerfully [the object of giving was poor believers] (2 Corinthians 9:6-13). Each person, therefore, is exhorted to discern how God desires them to give, whether through pdxbc or directly to church planting, body needs, the poor, or local pdxbc ministry.