History

In its more than five decade history, the Ten Dollar Club has assisted in the formation of approximately 100 new churches in The North Carolina Conference and numerous churches overseas. It has also inspired other conferences in the nation to begin similar grassroots fundraising efforts for new church development.

The Ten Dollar Club began in 1953 for the purpose of raising funds to start new churches in the North Carolina Conference at the same time that a goal for beginning 70 churches in 70 months was proposed by Bishop Paul N. Garber. About 4000 members were enrolled in the first years of the Ten Dollar Club's existence, and members were asked to contribute $10 on three occasions each year. In the early 1970’s, a decision was made that some of the funds would go to begin churches outside the U.S. Few new churches were being started in the Conference at that time, thus the shift in emphasis to aiding foreign missions and existing churches is explained.

New church development has greatly increased beginning in the 1980’s. After starting 3 churches in the decade of the 1970’s, the conference started 19 in the 1980’s and 16 in the 1990’s. As the conference’s 56-county area continues to grow rapidly, new churches are needed now more than ever.

Throughout its history, the Ten Dollar Club has remained committed to its core principal of taking the gospel to the unchurched through new churches. With your help, it will remain a vital ministry for the North Carolina Conference for years to come.