What is the Faith Promise Offering for Missions?

"The Faith Promise Offering for Missions is the amount you promise to give by faith above your tithes during the coming year to the world-evangelization program of your church."

1.  The Faith Promise Offering is a Biblical plan or method of giving.

A.  FAITH is surely biblical.  We are saved by faith.   We live by faith.  We walk by faith.  And without faith it is imposible to please God.  whatever is not of faith is sin.  (Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23)

B.  PROMISE definitely has biblical support.  (Psalm 76:11)

C.  OFFERINGS are certainly biblical. (Malachi 3:8-10)

2.  Missions is at the very heart of our Faith Promise Offering.  What is closer to the heart of God than missions?   (John 3:16; Romans 10:1)

A. Christ died for the whole world.
B.  It isn't His will that any should perish.
C.  They need to be told of Christ's provision for their salvation.
D.  They cannot hear wihout a preacher.
E.  The preachers must be sent.
F.  We, the local church, are the senders.
G.  Sending means more than praying:  It means providing financial support.

3.  The Faith Promise Offering is over and above your tithes.  (Malachi 3:8-10)

4.  The Faith Promise Offering is based upon faith.   (2 Corinthians 9:8-10)

Why is the Faith Promise Plan a Superior Plan of Giving?

1.  Because it is based upon faith.  (2 Corinthainas 5:7)

2.  Because it exalts the Lord.  (2 Corinthians 9:13)

3.  Because the potential is greater. (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19)

4.  Because it brings more people into the giving picture.  Often, only one member of the family does the giving.   But in the Faith Promise Plan, children and young people are encouraged to make a Faith Promise Offering in consultation with their parents.  However, parents are discouraged from paying their children's Faith Promise Offering.  It is important that the children learn to trust the Lord.  We teach them to pray, to attend church, and to study the Bible.  Why not teach them both the importance and blessing of giving!  Testimonies abound from children and young people who have experienced God's supply for their Faith Promise Offerings.

5.  Because there is invariably more money with which to carry on God's work.  There is usually a substantial increase in missionary support over the percentage method.  In addition, there is also more general fund giving, as many realize the importance of giving both tithes and offerings.

6.  Because it brings more blessings to the giver.  Since the Faith Promise Offering encourages generosity on the part of the giver, the result will be greater blessings on the givers.  (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Why Should I Make a Faith Promise Offering?

1.  To prove or demonstrate my love for God.  (2 Corinthians 8:8)

2.  To help with the carrying out of the great commission.  (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:15)

3.  To put faith into practice.  (2 Corinthians 5:7; James 2:26)

4.  To abound in the grace of giving.   (2 Corinthians 8:7)

5.  To follow the many biblical examples of faith giving.  (The widow of Zarephath -- I Kings 17:8-16;   The Macedonian Christians -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

6.  To follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in giving.  (2 Corinthians 8:9)

7.  To follow the inspired advice of Paul.  (2 Corinthians 8:10)

8.  To experience the blessings of the Lord.  (Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38)

9.  To encourage others in the grace of giving.  (2 Corinthians 9:2)

10.  To reap a bountiful spiritual harvest in my own life.  (2 Corinthians 9:6)

11.  To experience the love of God in all its fulness.  (2 Corinthians 9:7)

12.  To prove God and thus build my faith.  (Malachi 3:10)

13.  To bring glory to God.  (2 Corinthians 9:13)

14.  To build up my account in heaven.   (Matthew 6:20; Philippians 4:17)

15.  To please God.  (Philippians 4:18)

How Old Should You be to Make a Faith Promise Offering?

Every Christian from about age seven and up is encouraged to make a Faith Promise Offering to missions.

How Does the Faith Promise Offering Differ From a Pledge System?

1.  The Faith Promise Offering differs substantially in that it is between the believer and the Lord.  The believer is never asked for the offering and is dependent on the Lord's supply.  A pledge is between the member and the church.  It is a legal and binding agreement to pay. 

2.  The Faith Promise Offering is totally voluntary and is based upon that which the believer purposes in his heart to give.   (2 Corinthians 9:7)  A pledge is more a matter of coercion or necessity.

If it is not a Pledge, Why do Many Churches use Signed Faith Promise Cards?

As the Faith Promise Offering is received, the total is more reliable at the end of the service.