FAITH PROMISE at WBC EXPLAINED

God is the One who calls people among us to MISSION.  However, it is the Church’s responsibility to identify, equip and prepare these people for service and then send them in the Name of the Lord with our on-going prayers, encouragement and financial and practical support in their efforts which are also on our behalf.

We look to God to provide for our own needs here at our ‘home Church’ through our regular offerings, but we also look to him to provide for the needs of those He has sent into ‘the harvest’.  There are individuals and families to support, as well as projects and outreaches to fund.
Here at WBC, our MISSIONS PROGRAM is budgeted and funded separately from the money that comes in as regular offerings. The church offerings do not substantially supplement the missions program. 

So, how do we support MISSION?  Two ways:
1. Individual people in the congregation may support missionaries by giving gifts designated to that person or family.  [While this is managed through our Church accounts, this form of support is completely independent of our MISSIONS BUDGET.]
2. Our MISSIONS BUDGET is sourced from what is known as FAITH PROMISE GIVING.

What is Faith Promise Giving?
FAITH PROMISE GIVING is a way of supporting WORLD MISSION through WBC.  Rather than waiting to respond to a series of individual appeals as needs come along, believers prayerfully consider what amount of money God may be calling them to give to support our church missionaries and missions in general. They then commit to that annual total as a "Faith Promise."

How does Faith Promise Giving work?
1. Every member of the congregation is challenged to prayerfully consider making a commitment to support missions through the FAITH PROMISE MISSION FUND [which is then distributed by the Missions Action Group to our missionaries and mission groups according to a formula from our Missions Policy].

2. The church member fills out a commitment card that indicates the weekly, monthly or yearly commitment. This card is not signed but should be seen as a commitment directly between the giver and God. The church member retains a 2nd card as a reminder of the commitment made.

3. These cards are then collected and totalled.  The total becomes the congregation’s FAITH PROMISE MISSION BUDGET for the year.

Is there a scriptural basis for Faith Promise missions giving?
Consider Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians
[2 Cor 8:1-5]  "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4. they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."

Here the idea of “Faith Promise Giving” has its origin.  In this passage, Paul commends the attitude of the churches of Macedonia who had their own trials and difficulties of life (v 2) but wanted to support Paul in his ministry to the poor saints in Judea (v 4).  

Note their attitude and way of thinking:
1. They did NOT give out of abundance. This was not left over wealth!(v 2)
2. They gave “… even beyond their ability” (v 3).  How could they do that except by faith that God would provide for their own needs!
3. They “… urgently pleaded for the privilege of sharing” (v 4).  This was not giving by compulsion but from a deep heart attitude!
4. They even surprised Paul by giving “… themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will” (v 5).  This plainly teaches that what they gave came out of prayer and seeking God’s will.  God directed them in their response!

That’s what “Faith Promise Giving” is all about!  Roughly in reverse order…

• Giving oneself to God in prayer, seeking His will regarding the support of MISSION through WBC.  “Lord, what would you have me commit to mission through WBC in this next year?”
• Making a commitment to give that amount in FAITH as the Lord provides.
• Enjoying the privilege of sharing in God’s MISSION through those ‘out there’ on our behalf!

What's the relationship between Faith Promise and paying a tithe? 
Faith Promise Giving is over and above regular offerings (often referred to as our tithe). The idea of tithe offering is a clear scriptural principle, dating back to the earliest pages of Genesis.  Such offerings recognise God's ownership over us and all that we have.

In practical terms, REGULAR OFFERINGS run the local church and its ministries.  FAITH PROMISE GIVING is a way for us give specifically to reaching the un-reached of the world.  FAITH PROMISE GIVING tangibly expresses our desire that the whole world would come to know the Good News of Jesus Christ.

How do I get the funds to fulfil my Faith Promise?

• God may increase your income in some way.
• God may decrease your expenses.
• God may lead you to sacrifice from your resources.

Do I give my Faith Promise before I get it?

A FAITH PROMISE is a FAITH commitment.  
Promise only what you believe God wants to give through you.
Then trust God to be faithful in this promise.

Your Faith Promise involvement says that you believe:

• World evangelism is vital to accomplishing the mission of the church
• The Gospel can change lives
• Giving, although important, is secondary to faith and praying
• God will provide the amount promised in some way