Faith Promise Service &
International Banquet - Sunday, August 30th
Building a community associated with the idea that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Prepare an international dish and join us for our Faith Promise service and international Potluck following services. Special guest missionaries will be present. Meet our guests
This will be a family worship service so encourage your children to pick a country and get involved in the festivities!
What is Faith Promise?
The Church of the Nazarene acknowledges that Faith Promise giving is a biblical method used by many local churches for raising financial support for world evangelization. For our denomination, it is dedicated specifically to the mission support of the Church of the Nazarene through various offerings promoted by Nazarene Missions International (NMI).
People are asked to make an annual faith promise for Nazarene missions. Faith is essential. The people are urged to seek God’s will as to the amount they should promise. The total commitment may be paid however the individual decides – weekly, monthly, or in a one-time gift for the year.
Faith Promise is not to be confused with:
• A pledge—no one will remind individuals of the exact amount they owe on their Faith Promise giving • The tithe—a Faith Promise is a love gift to God, to be given beyond the tithe • A substitute for mission offerings—In addition to Faith Promise, opportunity should be given for people to give to missions. Such offerings allow those not participating in Faith Promise an opportunity to give to missions; and, for those who are, it provides additional opportunities for giving as the Holy Spirit leads.
What does my giving to faith promise do?
The main priority is reaching the world for Christ through the payment of the World Evangelism Fund. Many offering opportunities exist for you to give toward missions, Alabaster, World Mission Broadcast, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, deputation, and so forth. The NMI Handbook & Constitution provides guidelines regarding what offerings may be included in Faith Promise with the World Evangelism Fund as the foundation. However, Faith Promise is not intended to replace missions offerings. Opportunity should be given for people to give to missions. Such offerings allow those not participating in Faith Promise an opportunity to give to missions; and, for those who are, it provides additional opportunities for giving as the Holy Spirit leads.
Where did Faith Promise originate? Although a number of people have come up with similar giving plans, the Faith Promise plan, as we know it, was developed in the late 1800's by Dr. A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Feeling a burden for the lost of the world, Simpson was influenced by the writings of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8-9.
FAITH PROMISE SCRIPTURES “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 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.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5). Scriptures on the Great Commission “He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” (Mark 16:15). “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3). “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10). “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Scriptures on Faith “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17). “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22).
Scriptures on Stewardship “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” ( 2 Corinthians 9:7, NRSV). “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Faith Promise excludes other local church expenses, including: Building payments Church utilities District budget Educational budget Pensions and Benefits
Faith Promise Policies The World Evangelism Fund shall be paid first before considering Approved Missions Specials. There shall be no diversion of specified offering to another fund or use.