Menu

Give

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I turn in my Commitment to Ministry and Operating Fund card?

You will receive a note of thanks and acknowledgment that we have received your commitment card. We’ll then enter your commitment information into our First Church database and update your giving record as we receive your gifts toward fulfilling your commitment.

How long is my commitment?

The commitment to our First Church Ministry and Operating Fund is one year from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

May I give more than I originally committed?

You most certainly can. We are grateful for additional gifts over and above your original commitment.

Do the special seasonal offerings during Advent and Lent (second-mile offerings) and other designated gifts count toward my annual commitment?

Designated gifts such as gifts to support a specific program (i.e. outreach ministries such as First Street Methodist Mission, Methodist Justice Ministry, Dementia Friendly), “legacy gifts” to First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation, or gifts to specific ministries within the church such as music, media, children’s or youth ministries, etc. as well as Advent or Easter offerings, are greatly appreciated but they do not count toward your 2024 Ministry and Operating Fund commitment.

What if I experience a job loss or health crisis that makes it challenging to fulfill my 2024 commitment?

We know that “life happens.” If you are faced with a financial setback, please consider sharing as much as you are comfortable sharing by discussing your circumstances with Steve Fagan, Director of Finance. Not only will this give us an opportunity to pray for better days for you; it also makes us aware that you may not be able to give at the level you had planned to give. We will not ask any more from you but will hold you up in prayer.

The Business Office still has my credit card information on file from my 2023 commitment. Do I still need to complete the 2024 Commitment Card if my credit card information remains the same?

Yes. We never take for granted that your Commitment is ongoing, so for budgeting purposes and to confirm your continued Commitment, we ask that you please complete a new card each year. We also ask that you provide your credit card (or bank account information if we are drafting on your account) again each year when you turn in your Commitment Card.

May I complete my Commitment Card online?

Yes! You can complete your 2024 Commitment online below.

A Personal Assessment of Your Discipleship Practice of Faithful Giving

Am I giving to God first?

God has created all that is. We are given the privilege and responsibility to care for that which belongs to our heavenly Father. We give to God not out of obligation or guilt but out of gratitude for all that God has already done for us.

Am I intentional?

Have you developed a giving plan for your gifts to the church and put it into action? This may mean signing an annual commitment card, having automatic payments set up for your credit card or bank, or it might mean writing out a check for each month and putting them in stamped envelopes, each to be mailed on a certain day of each month.

Am I consistent?

When you follow your giving plan, your giving becomes consistent. Whatever your chosen pattern of giving — a weekly gift or the first Sunday of every month, or perhaps one gift in June or December. The key is making that plan and following it to become a consistent giver.

Am I generous?

Generosity looks different to everyone — and may change with the seasons of our lives. Generosity is an act of faith and a covenant between God and you.

Am I a cheerful giver?

The key to becoming a cheerful giver is to practice the stewardship values of generosity, intentionality, consistency, prioritizing. You will find joy as you discover what God is calling you to do.

Ways to Give

Check or Money Order

Make payable to FUMC Fort Worth; deliver to the Business Office, the Main Church Office, or via mail to 800 W. 5th St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

Text to Give

Text 817-241-2327 and enter the amount in the message bar. You must have a ShelbyGiving account set up with the church in order to Text to Give.

Learn more

Text Giving

  1. Text the amount you would like to give to 817-241-2327.
  2. If this is your first time to give a text donation, follow the prompt to visit a secure site for registration. (If you’ve given via text before, please make sure your payment method is current.)
  3. Enter your credit or debit card information.
  4. Tap “Give” to process your donation.
  5. Look for a confirmation text to verify that your donation and registration were successful.

Quick Tips

  • Dollar amount — goes to the Ministry & Operating Fund (for example, $50)
  • “Funds” — provides a list of ministry choices
  • Amount + ministry name — goes to that specific ministry fund (for example, $10 First Street Methodist Mission)
  • “Help” — provides giving instructions
  • “Reset” — removes your saved card information

ShelbyNEXT | Giving App

Download the app to give from your smart phone.

Learn more

App Giving

  1. Launch the app store from your mobile device, search for “Shelby Next Giving,” and install the ShelbyNEXT | Giving app.
  2. When you launch the app, choose to search for organizations near you (make sure your location services are turned on), or you can search for First United Methodist Church by typing the name and/or Zip code (76102).
  3. Log in or create a donor profile through the app’s secure third-party website.
  4. Make a donation by tapping “Give.”
  5. Enter your donation amount.
  6. Select your payment method. Tap the “+” icon to add a new payment method. Enter your card information and billing details, or use the “Quick Scan” feature to scan your card information. You can also input your bank account and routing number for ACH/eCheck donations.
  7. Select a ministry fund from the drop-down list.
  8. Choose your frequency. You can give a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation for any day, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly.
  9. Tap “Next” to process your donation.

Other Features:

  • “History”— shows your contribution history
  • “Settings” — adjusts your payment methods, personal information, and account details

Contact: Business Office | 817-336-7277

Create Account

Add Payment Method

Give Once or Schedule Giving

Commitment to Ministry

Thank you for your commitment. This estimate may be revised or canceled at any time upon request.

Contact: FUMCFW Business Office | 817-336-7277

Make Your 2024 Commitment to Ministry

Honorary & Memorial Donations

Want to honor a special person or accomplishment? Feel moved to make a gift in memory of someone you care about?

Make an Honorary or Memorial Donation

Please contact the Business Office (817-339-5090) if you have any questions.

Other Giving Options

IRA Giving

In 2015 Congress made permanent the ability for eligible persons to donate directly from their IRA instead of having to take a required minimum distribution. This benefits you because you do not have to then claim the distributed funds as income; however, please be aware that you also will not be able to deduct the fund distribution amount on your tax return as a charitable contribution. It’s imperative that your investment advisor have the amount transferred directly to the church.

Stock Giving

The financial markets have shown significant gains in the last several months. If you have appreciated shares of common stock that you would like to donate to the church, you can transfer shares of stock from your account to the church’s brokerage account. This provides you with a dual benefit: you do not have to claim the capital gain on the appreciated shares, and you get to claim the total value of this stock on that date of the transfer as a charitable contribution.

Contact Steve Fagan to get specific instructions for making a stock transfer and to alert the Business Office of the forthcoming gift.

First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation

The First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation was established in 1964 to provide for the long-term operation and maintenance of the church’s facilities.

The Five Pillars of First United Methodist Church — Vision, Worship, Education, Mission/Outreach, and Music & Fine Arts — are undergirded by a solid foundation that assures that the buildings and property are funded in perpetuity.

Gifts to the Foundation are invested, managed, and administered with careful stewardship. Only the earnings are distributed. As a donor, you can take comfort in knowing that your gift to First Methodist Foundation will have an everlasting impact.
Learn more

Stewardship & Giving Blog