1. What is Faith Promise?
Faith Promise is way of giving to world evangelism. Rather than waiting to respond to individual appeals as they come along, believers ask the Lord how much they should give to missions over the next year. They then commit to that annual total as a “Faith Promise.” Faith Promise thus makes missions giving strategic rather than sporadic.
2. Is there a scriptural basis for Faith Promise missions giving?
Faith Promise giving makes us channels of blessing. In His covenant with Abraham, God said that through Abraham’s descendants, “all peoples of the earth would be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) Faith Promise giving is a way of handing on the blessing.
• Faith Promise giving is more than one can afford (II Corinthians 8:2-3, II Corinthians 9:6-15)
• Faith Promise giving reflects our personal commitments (II Corinthians 8:5)
• Though Faith Promise giving is optional, it does clearly demonstrate our love (Philippians 2:1-4; Luke 6:38, Romans 12:9-10)
3. Who should give to Faith Promise?
Everyone! Children and youth may have less money than adults, but it’s crucial to train them in systematic giving and faith living.
4. What’s the relationship between Faith Promise and paying a tithe?
Faith Promise giving is over and above the tithe. Tithing is a clear scriptural principle, dating back to the earliest pages of Genesis. Tithing recognizes God’s ownership over me and all that I have.?In practical terms, tithe money runs the local church and its ministries. Faith Promise is a way for us give specifically to reaching the unreached of the world. Faith Promise giving tangibly expresses my desire that the whole world know the Good News.
5. How do I get the funds to fulfill my Faith Promise?
God may increase your income.
God may decrease your expenses.
God may lead you to sacrifice.
6. 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:
1. World evangelism is vital to accomplishing the mission of the church
2. The gospel can change lives
3. Giving, although important, is secondary to faith and praying
4. God will help pay the amount promised
7. How do I make a Faith Promise?
• Study the scriptures.
• Total up your giving to world evangelism for last year.
• Increase that total by a reasonable percentage.
• Divide the total by 52 or 26 or 12 (weekly, bi-monthly or monthly) contributions) according to your individual pay schedule.
• Prayerfully again consider the amount you can faithfully purpose to give. (II Corinthians 9:7) Do not be surprised at what God lays on your heart. Just be obedient.
• Fill out a Faith Promise Card, indicating your Faith and Promise.
8. How do I give my Faith Promise?
Give regularly if you can. Missionaries need regular support. Some Faith Promises, however, depend on annual, one-time income. These can be paid when those monies are received.
9. Is this a pledge and will I be notified of my progress?
This is a promise to God, not a pledge to the church. Your Faith Promise amount is between you and God. No one will notify you or keep track of your progress toward your commitment.
10. Who can make a Faith Promise?
Anyone who wants to trust God and who wants to be used of God to get the Good News to the unreached can make a Faith Promise commitment (Luke 6:38, Proverbs 11:24-25). Youth and children are encouraged to participate in Faith Promise giving.
11. How long does my Faith Promise commitment last?
Generally, Faith Promise commitments are made once a year during a missions conference or convention. The weekly or monthly or annual commitments extend for one year from that time.
12. Is Faith Promise a pledge I commit to pay even if my income goes down during the year?
Faith Promises differ from other kinds of giving such as pledges. Pledges are largely horizontal since they are made to a church or some other worthy cause. Pledges are often the basis on which a church takes out a loan to do a construction project. Faith Promise giving is more vertical, since it is made between the believer and the Lord.
13. Why do I have to sign my name if this is a commitment I’m making to God?
Signing your name is optional. However, indicating name and amount allows you opportunity to express your Faith and your Promise. It is a way of saying to God: “This is me, Lord. Count on me.”
14. What is the advantage of Faith Promise giving?
One major advantage in giving to missions on a per week or per month basis is that you can give far more to missions that way than you can by giving one or two big sacrificial gifts per year. Faith Promise enables you to give to missions in amounts that reflect what you’d like to do. Faith Promise enables you to reach out to the unreached on a regular basis (rather than just one or two special occasions during the year).
15. Is Faith Promise the only way I can participate in missions giving?
Not everyone chooses to give weekly or monthly through Faith Promise. Local churches usually offer other offering opportunities for them throughout the year. Those participating in Faith Promise giving may choose to give additional offerings at these times in response to the Lord’s direction.