Support A Ministry When You Give
Giving online at Shades Crest makes a difference in Alabama and across the world. Learn more about the Ministries/Missions we support when someone like you gives an offering generously to Shades Crest Baptist Church.
Ways To Give at Shades Crest
You have many options on how to give an offering at Shades Crest.
In-Person
Give your offering during any worship service, deposit in one of the offering boxes located in and around the Fellowship Hall, or bring to the Shades Crest Main Office Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Online
One-time and recurring gifts by card or bank account are accepted through our giving platform, Realm.
At any time, you may schedule new gifts and modify or cancel those gifts prior to the date they are scheduled. Once the gift has been processed, however, it cannot be canceled. If you have any problems or question related to this, please contact our Administrative Assistant to Finance, Laura Strange.
Mobile App
Download the Realm Connect app to stay up-to-date on all things happening at Shades Crest. You’ll see upcoming events, how to give online and access to our directory. You will also have access to your personal groups that you participate with.
App is available in the Apple store and Google.
Text to Give
Text 73256 on your mobile device and follow the prompts.
By Mail
Mail checks to our office at 452 Park Avenue, Hoover, AL 35226.
Give Stocks or Other Assets
Publicly traded stock or other assets may be donated by a direct transfer to our brokerage account with Raymond James.
For broker-to-broker gift transfers of publicly traded stock to our Raymond James account, please give the following instructions to the firm the shares are coming from: Raymond James, DTC # 725 For Account # 26032466, Name of Account: Shades Crest Baptist Church, # of Shares to Transfer ($ Amount).
Please contact Laura Strange if you wish to donate stock or other assets so that we can be aware of any activity or pending transfers and handle them properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Shades Crest Baptist budget used?
Your investment to Shades Crest goes directly to supporting and staffing ministries and maintaining facilities. 9% – 11% of all general fund giving supports our world-wide mission partners, local ministry initiatives, the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
How does Shades Crest prepare for the unexpected?
Shades Crest has set aside a “Contingency Reserve Fund” to maintain operating cash flow and has additional designated funds available to fund repairs or ministry opportunities.
How can we be confident in our financial process, procedures and oversight?
- The church approves annually a detailed line-item budget prepared by the staff and the Finance Committee.
- The Finance Committee, Deacon’s and Church Council receives a monthly detailed financial report.
- Additionally, an outside auditing firm is engaged annually to provide either audited or reviewed financial statements to ensure accuracy and accountability.
Does Shades Crest have any debt?
We currently have a building debt of around $3.1 million. All monies that come in for the 2025 Building Challenge fund are applied immediately to the principal. Interest payments are handled through our budget.
How is the budget created, approved, and managed?
Staff Line item stewards meet with the Senior Pastor and the Finance Committee to present their budget request and cast their vision for the upcoming year. The church uses a zero-base budget process where we budget for expected expenses and projected revenues. The overall budget is then presented by the Finance Committee to the Church Council, Deacon’s and then ultimately approved by church members.
Is my financial and personal information secure?
Giving information is held securely by our giving platform, Realm, and in our church database that was installed and is monitored by a local IT firm. The information will remain private and will never be given away to third parties.
Have additional questions or want to explore giving tangible assets or including Shades Crest in your estate planning?
Contact Joel Bragg – jrbcsb1980@att.net
Can I use my Qualified Charitable Distribution (IRA) as a tax-free donation?
Funds that are transferred directly from your IRA to Shades Crest are not counted as taxable income, potentially reducing your overall tax burden, especially if you don’t itemize deductions. Shades Crest will receive the full donation without any income tax withheld.