Frequently Asked Questions

We're inviting our church family to give faithfully as an act of worship and obedience to the Lord. All commitments—annual and one-time—support first our annual ministry budget. Anything the Lord provides beyond that fuels the expansion of our mission, including needed updates to our SR13 campus and future development of our SR16 property. Your pledge reflects your family's total annual giving, supporting both ongoing ministry and, as God enables, our campus updates and expansion initiatives.

A one-time gift is a contribution given above and beyond your family's annual giving. These gifts help advance the Beyond Initiative which includes funding our annual ministry expenses and any church-approved projects that help us better serve Fruit Cove, Duval, St. Johns, and the nations.

Annual giving commitment refers to the total yearly financial commitment your family is making to achieve the mission and ministry of the church—including the annual budget. Any surplus will go toward ministry endeavors that expand our current impact, such as SR13 Campus improvements and a gospel presence in the SilverLeaf area at our SR16/16A property. One-time gifts are those gifts that occur in a singular fashion apart from your regular giving commitment.

You can give appreciated assets such as stock or other non-cash gifts. If you have questions about cryptocurrency or other asset-based giving, or would like information about establishing estate or legacy giving, please contact our office by emailing info@fruitcove.com.

Ultimately, decisions about Beyond Initiative projects are made by our church family. As the Lord leads us to give, the commitments received will guide which opportunities rise to the top. Our Stewardship and Long-Range Planning Committees will recommend how to use any funds that exceed our annual ministry budget, and you—the church member—will vote on those recommendations at Family (Business) Meetings.

No. The total commitments received will help us determine when we can begin each building project and how much we can responsibly undertake. Our desire is to bring projects to the church for a vote and move forward as quickly as possible—while also ensuring we can pay for them wisely and avoid deep, long-term debt.

Your commitment is treated as sacred information and is accessible only to a small, designated team who typically process regular giving. Once submitted, the amount of your commitment is counted toward the church's overall pledge total, but your specific pledge information is never shared publicly or with the Pastor, other staff or leaders. Any contact updates you provide will be added to our database, and your physical pledge card will be securely stored.

The key difference is that Beyond encompasses all giving over the next three years—not just contributions to a building fund. Your tithes, offerings, and one-time gifts all flow into one unified effort that supports both our annual ministry and the expansion opportunities God places before us.

Yes. So far, the plans presented have come from our Long-Range Planning Committee and leadership team. The church has not yet voted on any building projects, but will do so in future Family "Business" Meetings. As a member, you'll have the opportunity to speak to and vote on all recommendations brought forward by our committees and church leadership. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to prayerfully consider joining our faith family—we want you to be fully involved in the future God has for our church.

That has not yet been determined. Everything presented so far reflects a vision of what could be accomplished as the Lord leads. This includes potential improvements to our SR13 campus and the intentional development of our SR16/16A property. Our Stewardship and Long-Range Planning Committees will continue refining those possibilities and will bring specific recommendations to the congregation for a vote in the coming months.

A tithe—which just means "tenth"—is defined as the first 10% of a person's income before taxes or any expenses. The Bible says we can take the promises of God to the bank. When we bring our first and best back to God, He promises to bless the rest. We can't outgive God. We know tithing is a huge step of obedience, but you're not in this alone!

• What difference do I want my financial commitment to make in my heart and life? How do I want my pledge to strengthen my faith and enable me to invest meaningfully in this vision for our community?
• How willing am I to pray for God's guidance in how He might want to work through me in this gospel movement through Fruit Cove? Am I thinking in a way that is easy and effortless or more challenging and requiring more discipline to be selfless in response to this vision?
• What things can I afford, but am intentionally choosing to live without because I am committing to give sacrificially? Can I order my financial priorities to better reflect the order of my loves?
• Am I thinking creatively about a comprehensive giving plan that represents what I am capable of giving? What assets and resources could I use as a gift beyond my income?
• Am I discovering a new joy in giving through this process? As you prayerfully consider your commitment, ask yourself: How is it demonstrating an expression of faith?
• Am I a member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church? If I am not a member, but a regular attender and consider Fruit Cove my home, how can this initiative encourage me to consider becoming a member of this faith family?