Overflowing with Hope
We have a vision to see every CBAC church “overflowing with hope” in neighbourhoods across Atlantic Canada. This vision has come from our churches and is for our churches.
The Overflowing with Hope Church Appeal aims to secure the necessary funding to advance the initiatives of the Strategic Vision and calls upon our family of churches to rise in response.
The Current Reality
Churches
Looking across the 419 churches in the CBAC family we see tremendous possibilities for ministry, with many signs of God’s hope already alive in our churches.
HOWEVER…
Too many churches are struggling to find capable leaders, to take care of themselves, or to simply stay open, wondering if they even have a future.
Too many pastors are running dry, feeling alone, and under resourced for the challenges being faced.
As the CBAC, we are all stronger together.
Years ago, churches gave to what was called “United in Mission”, while in more recent years we simply call it the CBAC Fund.
However, this has been trending $100,000–$150,000 less each year, resulting in a $300,000 budget gap – and growing.
The Vision
Build the health and vitality of all our churches, for this generation and for future generations to come.
By investing in the “Overflowing with Hope” CBAC Fund, we can resource these strategic priority areas:
-
Calling Hope-filled Leaders
-
Hope-filled Connections for Coaching and Care
-
Hope-filled Conversations for the Future
-
Hope-filled Organizational Renewal
The Appeal
We’re asking all churches to consider supporting the CBAC Fund with 5% of total revenue as a baseline amount for 2026 and beyond.
Churches that already give above 5% are also encouraged to consider an increase. This extra generosity helps make up the gap for churches with a lesser capacity for giving at this time, and ensures our Overflowing with Hope vision can move forward.
This level of support can help us act on our strategic vision priorities and begin to dream about greater ways God’s hope can impact Atlantic Canada.
Your church’s commitment to Overflowing with Hope Church Appeal can be shared with CBAC using a Church Commitment card. Methods of giving can be found at atlanticbaptist.ca/give
Resources
How we can help
The resources on this page can help your board as it discusses plans for your 2026 budget and beyond.
While we understand every church has a different capacity for giving, we hope that every church will value its place in the CBAC family and engage as much as possible for the betterment of all.
You are welcome to contact the CBAC office with any questions or to discuss this further, we are happy to provide any help we can.
Brochures for your church leadership
You can download the digital brochure for the Overflowing with Hope Church Appeal here. Contact the CBAC office directly for printed copies, available upon request.
Zoom Q&A's with your finance board
Your church finance board or other leaders are welcome to register for a Zoom Q&A with CBAC’s Executive Minister and Director of Finance.
- June 5, 12:00-1:00 PM
- October 5, 12:00-1:00 PM
- October 5, 7:00-8:00 PM
Financial Planning Resources
Church Budgeting and Financial Management
- (Website) A Complete Guide to Creating a Church Budget
- (Book) Money Matters in the Church: A Practical Guide for Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs and Steve Stroope
Cultivating Generosity
- (Book) The Art of Building a Generous Congregation by Carey Nieuwhof
- (Website) Church of England: Building a Generous Church
- (Website) Practical Helps for Cultivating Generosity
- (Website) Practical Hints for Cultivating Generosity and Increasing Giving
- (Podcast) Cultivating A Generous Church with Jim Sheppard
Online Giving
- (Website) Zeffy is an effective, free and simple online giving platform. While there are multitudes of giving platforms, many are too expensive for smaller congregations.
Gifting and Receipting
- (Website) Gifting and Receipting (CRA)
- (Video) CRA Gifting and Receipting Video Tutorial
Rental Policies
Other
- (Website)Churches and HST
CBAC Finance Department
CBAC’s Finance Department has many resources for pastors, churches, and treasurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time frame for CBAC's Overflowing with Hope Church Appeal?
The appeal is active now and seeks commitment and support leading into 2026 and beyond. Churches are encouraged to set their commitment goals for their 2026 church budgets, with communication of intentions beginning in Spring 2025.
Why is this appeal happening now?
The CBAC Fund has seen a decline of $100,000–$150,000 annually, creating a growing budget gap that could limit our ability to support the needs of pastors and churches in our region. This appeal is a coordinated effort to renew consistent and collaborative financial support to fund CBAC’s strategic vision and initiatives. It is happening now so that together we see the “Overflowing with Hope” vision realized across Atlantic Canada.
Where can I find a commitment card?
Church commitment cards are available for download here on the CBAC Church Appeal web page.
What do I do with the completed commitment card?
Once completed, please submit the commitment card by one of the following methods:
- Emailing it to Debbie Barriault, Director of Finance, at the CBAC office
- Mailing it to the CBAC office, Attention: Church Appeal.
CBAC
PO BOX 6003
MONCTON, NB E1C 0V7
If you have further questions about the commitment card, contact the CBAC office for assistance. 506-635-1922
When would you like to have the church financial commitments communicated to the CBAC?
Ideally, the CBAC would appreciate receiving commitment information by November 1, 2025, to assist in future planning and coordination. However, we’ll receive your commitment at any time!
Who do I make the cheque out to, or where can our church give online?
Please make cheques payable to CBAC Fund.
Online giving is also available through our giving page.
Is it possible to receive more Church Appeal brochures?
Yes! Additional brochures are available upon request. Contact the CBAC office directly for printed copies or download the digital version of the brochure.
Are there any Zoom meetings to answer questions for the CBAC Church Appeal?
Yes, Zoom information sessions are being scheduled to provide updates and answer questions. Three are currently scheduled:
- June 5, 12:00-1:00 PM
- October 5, 12:00-1:00 PM
- October 5, 7:00-8:00 PM
Sign up here for an info session to receive the Zoom link.
Who is invited to the Zoom meetings?
Church leaders, finance teams, and pastors are especially encouraged to attend. Anyone involved in church budget decision-making or stewardship is welcome.
I’ve lost my email/letter with all of our church-specific information. How can I get that information again?
Please get in touch with the CBAC office, we can resend the customized information letter for your church.
What does our church’s giving to the CBAC support?
Your giving supports four priority areas in our “Overflowing with Hope” strategic vision:
- Calling Hope-Filled Leaders
- Hope-Filled Connections for Coaching and Care
- Hope-Filled Conversations for the Future
- Hope-Filled Organizational Renewal
These areas help support pastors, train leaders, reach the next generation, and strengthen churches throughout Atlantic Canada. You can see more details about this strategic vision here: https://atlanticbaptist.ca/news/cbac-news/strategic-vision-2024-2028/
What is the goal or suggested level of giving for each church?
Churches are asked to consider moving toward 5% of their total annual revenue as a baseline level of giving to the CBAC Fund. Those already giving more are encouraged to consider a further increase, as they help cover the gap for churches with lower capacity. For churches where 5% of their total annual revenue is too much of a stretch at this time, prayerfully consider growing what you can give to our joint mission in the CBAC gradually over time.
Where can I find more resources to help our church with budgeting and giving conversations?
Helpful resources—including tools for budgeting, giving discussions, and church stewardship—are available here on this page, under Financial Planning Resources.
What if I still have more questions?
We are so thankful for you and your church. Thank you for considering how to better support ministry across Atlantic Canada. Please contact one of our CBAC staff with any further questions:
Executive Minister, Renée MacVicar
Director of Future Church, Kevin Vincent