Stewardship

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church’s mission is to reach more people more often with God’s truth. This work is funded by the generous offerings of members. A variety of mechanisms exist to support our mission:

  1. Online Giving

  • Click on the online giving link

  • If desired, click the “create profile” link, and fill out appropriate information

  • Enter donation amount, frequency, and date

    *Note that donations from credit cards will incur a 3% fee to Good Shepherd

2. Endowment Funds

Did you know Good Shepherd has ways you can help not only this year but for years to come? Our endowment funds are managed to preserve the balance for the future benefit of the church and school. Good Shepherd has two endowment funds and one trust fund, each with a specific purpose:

  • Exists to provide direct and indirect financial support to Good Shepherd Church and School to support the mission of reaching more people more often with God’s true word. Funds are invested with an outside agency (WIF) and will distribute up to 4% of the fund balance each year for the church council to use for the church budget or a specific project. Voter approval is needed to enable distribution. Gifts support the ministry of Good Shepherd Church, the training of our children, care for our members as they face challenges, and assist in spreading the gospel in our community.

  • Supports students as they continue their education and/or prepare for WELS ministry. Assistance is available to students attending a WELS high school, Martin Luther College, or Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

  • Exists to provide financial support for special projects and ministries of Good Shepherd Church and School, such as non-budgeted evangelism, mission outreach, and capital improvement projects such as the proposed expansion and improvement of church and school facilities. This is not a permanently restricted fund, so distributions can be made on request of the voters for specific projects within the church and school.

    • The endowment funds and trust fund are managed by WELS Investment Funds, Inc (WIF). WIF is a separate entity to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and is governed by an independent board of WELS members, who are professionals in business and finance and are elected by the Synodical Council. WIF exists to provide cost effective, professionally managed investment portfolios for WELS corporate, WELS congregations, and WELS subsidiaries. The Good Shepherd Endowment Committee is responsible to insure the preservation of the value of the funds available for distribution

    • Up to 4% of the funds will be distributed annually, based on a three-year rolling average market value of the funds.

    • We welcome gifts – both current (while you are living) or deferred (after you have been called to heaven) or whatever size and give thanks to God for all of them!

    • Your gift supports the ministry of Good Shepherd, both now, and as the gift grows in impact through time.

    • Gifts provide tax advantages to your estate plan and can also continue to support your family and Good Shepherd’s mission.

    More Questions? Contact Scott Wagner, WELS Christian Giving Counselor

    Phone: 605-231-7402

    Email: scott.wagner@wels.net

3. General Fund

Supports the day-to-day activities of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School.

4. Memorial

Would you like to give a memorial but not sure what fits best? Visit with our giving counselor to discuss how you would best like a loved one remembered, and he will do his best to route your memorial into the fund that closest matches your wishes.

5. Other Stewardship Resources:

Have questions, or not sure what form of stewardship is the best fit for you? Please contact us and we would be happy to lead you through the options that best fit you today and in the future!