Commitment 2026
It’s truly inspiring to witness how First United Methodist Church has grown—both through our recent merger and through the many new members who have joined as a result of other churches’ disaffiliations. From my very first visit more than two and a half years ago, I was struck by how friendly, welcoming, and grounded this church family is. It felt like home right away.
As someone who came from a church with a very different approach to budgeting and stewardship, it’s been fascinating to see how FUMC approaches financial commitment. The church I previously attended followed a decades-old system: members were encouraged to pledge on Commitment Sunday, and a team of nearly 100 people made calls in the weeks before to remind and assist members. If someone hadn’t pledged, they’d receive a follow-up call afterward. Eventually, we dropped the second round of calls, but we were clear—our budget would be based solely on pledges received. And each year, that budget was fully subscribed.
Here at FUMC, I've been surprised—and encouraged—by how much of our annual giving comes in through unpledged gifts. This seems to reflect the dynamic nature of our congregation, with new members joining throughout the year who may not have been present for Commitment Sunday. It’s a reminder that while not everyone pledges formally, many are still deeply committed to the mission.
This year, our stewardship theme is “Planted with Purpose,” which beautifully captures what I see happening at FUMC. Like seeds sown in good soil, the gifts we offer—whether pledged or spontaneous—are growing something meaningful. Our church isn’t just growing in numbers; it’s growing in impact, in faith, and in purpose. God is clearly at work here, and each one of us is part of that story.
Years ago, I heard Dr. Tom Stockton propose running our stewardship campaign without a specific financial goal. His thinking was simple but profound: rather than asking members to give based on a percentage increase in the budget, what if we asked them to prayerfully consider proportionate giving—giving rooted in purpose, not pressure? Proportionate giving is essentially tithing and living into Luke 12:48: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.
This year at FUMC, we’ll be putting more emphasis on pledging on Commitment Sunday, October 19—but don’t worry, no phone calls! Instead, we’ll focus on helping the congregation understand how your giving is used, and more importantly, how it’s transforming lives.
When we give, we’re not just meeting a budget—we’re planting seeds. And when we give with intention, we’re truly Planted with Purpose, ready to share the Hope of Christ from the Heart of High Point as we worship, connect, and serve.
-David Horney, FUMC Stewardship Committee Chair
