Faith Promise

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." John 21:17

Why does First Christian have a Faith Promise Program each year? Don’t we do well in our missionary giving?

The giving of the Christians at First Christian has been commendable. But the needs of the world continue to increase. The population is increasing, and we are not keeping pace. The need of the Gospel is greater than ever before. We dare not do less to evangelize the world, both at home and abroad. Missions giving is separate from the church’s budget. Your gifts go directly to Missions.

What does “Faith Promise” mean?

A “Faith Promise” is a commitment made to God based not on how much you have, but on how much you believe God will provide you to give. It is an act of faith. . .it is a promise you make to God. It is an opportunity to stretch your faith and allow God to work in growing your faith.

What if I have already been giving? How do I make a Faith Promise?

Take what you will be giving next year and add to it what you believe God will provide for you to use by faith. (If you have been giving $10.00 a week and you believe God will bless you with an additional $5.00, your Faith Promise will then be $15.00.)

What part does the church have in this, if my Faith Promise is made between God and myself?

The church serves as the agency to collect the funds and distribute them according to needs. It is not important that the church know of our promise to God, but since the government requires valid receipts for tax purposes, you allow the church to be the funnel for money given to our missionaries.

What makes the Faith Promise a better program than some other type of financial program?

The Faith Promise is designed to develop the spiritual life of the individual. It is an individual challenge between the person and God.

It requires a person to examine his own personal faith and confidence in God. It has proved to be most helpful in individual growth as well as providing the financial means for God’s kingdom to go forward.

How do we know how to designate our giving? Can I make my own decision?

The Missions Ministry has made careful investigation as to the needs of our missionaries. Based on their study, they have recommended a group of foreign and home missions which the congregation supports. However, if you have a specific mission that you feel you want to support, you may designate your giving accordingly.

Is it necessary to fill out and sign a Faith Promise card?
Signing a card helps in three ways:

1. It gives the Missions Ministry an idea of the funds available so that they can plan accordingly.

2. It allows tabulation of our total Faith Promise commitments for the church. We see our combined efforts reaching a worthwhile goal.

3. It makes the individual more conscious of his promise to God and helps him trust God daily for its fulfillment.

How well do people keep their Faith Promise?

It is amazing how well these promises are kept. Nearly every individual who makes one in sincere earnestness attempts to keep it. People are amazed at the way God blesses their lives.

What happens if person cannot keep his Faith Promise?

This is an individual matter between you and God. If the funds are not forthcoming, the person should pray, seeking to find God’s will. The church will not send reminders or notices.

How do we give our Faith Promise to the church?
There are two options from which to choose:

1. Your offering envelopes are marked with Missions Fund (where your Faith Promise amount should go); or

2. If you have a specific mission you would like your finds to go to, put the $ amount and the name of the mission on the provided line at the bottom of your envelope.

When do we give our Faith Promise commitment?

The Faith Promise program is held each year to challenge us anew to the need of world-wide evangelism. The services are planned to help us grow in our faith. Commitment cards will be collected each week and tallies will be posted. The final total will be announced on the last Sunday of the program, March 6, 2005. Cards can also be mailed to the church office at any time.

How does one arrive at a Faith Promise amount? I have no idea what to put down.

Don’t struggle with the amount now. Pray that God will show you the right amount. If you put down an amount now that you know you can give, you have not exercised any real faith. You will want to go beyond that which you can now account for. But make it a matter of daily prayer, read the Scriptures about men and women of faith, and then think of God’s great promises to provide for His children. According to your faith in God, you will determine the amount.