Giving Overview

What is a pledge?


A pledge is your commitment to God and to the church to share your financial resources for God's work. Everyone who finds spiritual sustenance at Trinity is encouraged to make a specific financial commitment in proportion to their income and ability.


I put something in the plate every time I'm here, so why should I make a pledge?


Making a pledge is something like a sacrament—"an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace." It is a tangible expression of your intention to make generosity a priority in your life.


Pledging is also a great help to those who manage Trinity's finances. Knowing what income to expect allows the Vestry (the church's elected lay leadership body) to prepare a responsible budget that supports our clergy and staff, maintains our buildings, and funds the programs and ministries that bless both our parish and the wider community.


Is there a standard for giving in the Episcopal Church?


The Episcopal Church encourages the biblical practice of tithing—giving 10 percent of your income. Whether you calculate that amount using your gross or net income is a personal decision.


At Trinity, we encourage everyone to "give as generously as you are able." Only you know what generosity looks like in your own circumstances.


Does everyone at Trinity pledge?


No, but everyone is encouraged to do so.


For 2026, Trinity has 285 active households, and 183 of those have made a financial pledge. To continue offering our current ministries and to support the outstanding work of our clergy and staff, we ask every household to prayerfully consider making a pledge.


How much does it cost per pledging household to support Trinity's annual ministry and operations?


For 2026, Trinity's proposed budget is $1,445,000. With 183 pledging households, that works out to approximately $7,896 per household.


Our current average pledge is $5,042, leaving a significant gap. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. As each of us gives as generously as we are able, together we can accomplish far more than any one of us could alone.


How does our giving compare with the rest of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas?


There are 174 congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, and Trinity is the 13th largest congregation.


In 2025, the average household pledge across the Diocese was approximately $6,400—about 22 percent higher than Trinity's average household pledge.


Where does the money go?


Church ministry is centered on people, so more than 55 percent of Trinity's budget supports our clergy, staff, and the ministries they lead in partnership with parishioners.


Approximately 15 percent of the budget is devoted to maintaining our beautiful—but aging—buildings and grounds. The remainder supports administration, diocesan giving, and the other essential expenses that sustain the life and mission of our parish.


Please prayerfully consider how you can support the life and ministries of Trinity Episcopal Church in the year ahead. You can let us know using this simple online pledge form.


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