FAITH IN ACTION

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...” James 1:22


Putting Our Faith to Work for a Stronger Future

At Bethany, we are called to live out our faith--not just in word, but in action. The Book of James reminds us that true faith is active, bold, and transformative. Thought the Faith in Action Capital Campaign, we have the opportunity to strengthen our church community and expand our ability to serve for generations to come.


We will do this in four ways:

  1. Eliminating Debt -- Freeing our church from financial burdens allows us to focus more fully on ministry, outreach, and the needs of our community.
  2. Growing Our Endowment Fund -- Ensuring long-term stability and sustainability so that Bethany can continue to be a place to belong, become, and bless for generations to come.
  3. Increase Participation -- Engaging with the body of Christ and the community is how Christ shows up in tangible ways. Others need you.
  4. Increasing Household Giving -- Encouraging more families to invest in the mission of Bethany, fostering a culture of generosity and shared responsibility in our church family.



We invite your to prayerfully consider how you can take part in this transformative campaign. Together, we can be dowers of the Word, ensuring Bethany remains a place of faith, love, and impact for years to come. All gifts will go toward debt first and then begin funding an endowment for future ministry.


Give Today. Be the Difference.

Take Action - Make a Pledge

Why Do We Give?

The ABC’s of Giving at Bethany


We think giving should be as easy as knowing your ABC’s.


Ask: What are you currently giving? Does it reflect your priorities?

Believe: Will you trust what God is putting on your heart?

Commit: Will you Start your giving plan and participate in what God is doing?


Why give at Bethany?


We believe that God already provided generously to us; therefore, we honor God by giving back a fraction of what He has provided to us so that His kingdom may advance.


James 1:17 states: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”


We believe that giving is what God wants for us. Time and time again in the Bible, God reminds His people that He is aware that our hearts are tied to our wallets. Fortunately for us, however, God’s plan is to grow us closer to Him and in faith as we increasingly trust and surrender our possessions to Him.


Luke 6:38 has this to say: “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”


Proverbs 11:24-25 further states: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.


Learn about all the ways to give:

  • Online Giving

    You can give online and easily set up re-occuring gifts.

    Give
  • Text to Give

    For quick and easy donations, text any amount to 84321 to give. Standard message and data rates may apply. By default, your donations will go to the general fund.


    Example:

    To donate $5 to the general fund, text: $5

    To donate $5 to faith in action, text $5 faith

  • Checks and Cash

    You can write checks payable to Bethany Lutheran Church and mail them to the church or bring them to weekend services. You can also use offering envelopes, or simply place your check or cash in any envelope, ensuring it has your full name and address for tax purposes.


    Mailing Address:

    Bethany Lutheran Church

    3701 W. Slaughter Lane

    Austin, TX 78749

  • Church Center App

    Download the Bethany Lutheran Church app! Simply make a one-time or recurring donation securely through our online platform. https://churchcenter.com/setup


    You can also register for events, sign up for groups, and stream services from this app.

  • Stock Donations

    To donate stock to Bethany Lutheran Church via electronic transfer, provide your broker with the following account details:


    Account Name: WFCS Bethany Lutheran Church of Austin, Texas

    Account Number: 1435-0140

    DTC Number: 0141


    Important:

    To ensure proper stewardship of stock donations, please notify us of the number of shares and the name of the stock(s) in advance of the transfer. If not possible, notify us as soon as the transfer is complete. Stock donations are directed to the church’s general fund and are unrestricted. You will receive a non-cash contribution acknowledgment letter.


  • Additional Donation Methods: QCD and DAF Donations

    Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs):


    If you're 70½ or older, you can make a direct donation from your IRA, reducing taxable income. Contact your IRA administrator and request a distribution to Bethany Lutheran Church. Please notify us at dale.eland@bethanyaustin.com so we can acknowledge your gift.


    Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Donations:


    Recommend a grant to Bethany Lutheran Church through your DAF provider.

    Use our EIN: 74-1619975 and include any gift designation if desired. Don’t forget to notify us at dale.eland@bethanyaustin.com so we can properly acknowledge your donation.


    Questions or Additional Assistance

    If you have any questions or need help with your donation, please contact the Bethany office at 512-292-8778 or email dale.eland@bethanyaustin.com.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • Are donations to Bethany deductible for tax purposes?

    Yes. Bethany is classified as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service and is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Mission are therefore deductible under section 170 of the Code.


  • Do I tithe on gross pay or net pay?

    The fact that you are asking that question is awesome! There is no definitive answer, so we encourage you to talk to God about how He wants you to calculate your tithe. The heart behind the tithe is to ensure that we are trusting God more than we are trusting our money. We believe He will lead you as you increasingly trust Him in this area.


  • What happens to the money we give?

    God provides for the ministry of Bethany through your tithes and offerings. We honor your gifts with stewardship, ethical business practices, and full accountability so that the financial integrity of Bethany remains above reproach.


  • Can I give to a specific ministry?

    Every amount given to Bethany as a tithe is used to support the overall calling of Bethany; therefore, gifts cannot be restricted for use by a specific ministry. From time to time we will highlight specific needs with ministries both inside and outside of the church in the community that we will raise money for. However, most ministry items are part of our annual budget and approved by the congregation and those budget needs will always take priority.

  • What is the deadline for annual contributions? 

    Cash contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31st to be included on your giving statement for that year. Online transactions must be initiated by December 31st.