Faith Promise
Faith Promise Giving
Compiled by Steve Cook, Th.D.
Faith Promise Offering is a way of funding the missions program of a local
church. The main mission of a local church should be to "Grow in God’s Word
and Sow the Word of God in the World." The Great Commission given to the
church provides for the spreading of the Gospel to the community, surrounding
areas, and all people, tongues, and kindreds. Any church missions program
should include finances to support missionaries both at home and abroad.
An important part of how this outreach ministry of the church is financed is
through Faith Promise Offering missions giving. Faith Promise Offering can
provide for nearly all of the amount of support encumbered by a local assembly
of believers. Many have testified how God has blessed their lives because of
the faithfulness to give to missions. For those of you who do not understand how
Faith Promise Offering works, the following information should be helpful.
What Is Faith Promise Offering for Missions?
The Faith Promise Offering for Missions is the amount an individual promises to
give by faith above and beyond their tithes to the local church for the coming
year.
The Faith Promise Offering is a biblical method of giving.
FAITH is surely biblical. The Word of God clearly teaches us that we are saved
by faith; we are to live by faith; we are to walk by faith; whatever is not of faith is
sin; and without faith it is impossible to please God (Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians
5:7; Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:6).
PROMISE is definitely biblical. "Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that
be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared" (Psalms 76:
11).
OFFERINGS are certainly biblical. Offerings were required under law, but are
also expected of believers in the age of grace. "Give and it shall be given unto
you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal
it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38).
Missions are at the very heart of our Faith Promise Offering:
The Faith Promise Offering is above and beyond your tithe. There is a difference
between tithes and offerings. Tithes are God’s method of blessing believers and
providing financial support for the local church. Faith Promise Offering is a
freewill offering above and beyond your tithes designed to generate finances to
support missions in order to evangelize the world.
The Faith Promise Offering is based upon Faith. Trusting God to provide you
with the promised amount each week, month, or year increases one’s faith and
promotes spiritual growth (2 Corinthians 9:8-15).
Why Is Faith Promise Offering Better?
Because it is based upon Faith.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Because it exalts the Lord.
God is glorified when His power and love are demonstrated in our lives. Thus,
as He supplies the means for giving, He is glorified. The more we depend upon
God, the more He is exalted in our lives (2 Corinthians 9:13).
Because the potential is greater.
Obviously, one can give more IF there is more to give. Faith Promise Offering
trusts God to supply the gift from His limitless resources (2 Corinthians 9:8;
Philippians 4:19).
Because it brings more people into the giving picture.
Often, only one member of a family does the giving. The Faith Promise Offering
plan promotes giving by all members of the family. Children and young people
alike are encouraged to trust God by faith to contribute to missions. (Of course,
children should consult their own parents before making such a decision.)
Parents are also discouraged from making the faith promise offering for their
children. It is important for children to learn to trust the Lord to provide for them.
Why not teach them both the importance and the blessing of giving by faith?
Testimonies abound from children and young people who have experienced
God’s supply for their Faith Promise Offerings.
Because there is invariably more money provided.
Faith Promise Offering provides much more funding for world missions. Such a
substantial increase in financial support for missions will increase God’s
blessings upon the local church. Usually the general fund giving will also
increase as believers realize the importance of giving both tithes and offerings.
Because it brings more blessings to the giver.
Since Faith Promise Offering encourages generosity on the part of the giver, the
result will be greater blessings in their lives. "But this I say, he which soweth
sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Is Faith Promise Offering a Pledge?
Many have come out of denominational churches which raised money for the
church budget through "pledges." Members in such churches were
usually expected, if not required, to make a pledge and were often
visited in their homes to ensure that these pledges were collected.
How does the Faith Promise Offering differ from the pledge system?
A pledge is between the member and the church. It is often a legal and binding
agreement made by the member to pay a specified amount of money.
There have been instances where churches have actually gone to court in
an attempt to collect such pledges. The Faith Promise Offering differs substan-
tially:
It is between the believer and the Lord. It is NOT a legal and binding agreement
The believer is never asked for the offering. It is dependent upon the Lord’s
supply. A pledge is more a matter of coercion or necessity. Faith Promise
Offering is totally voluntary and is based upon what the believer purposes in his
heart to give (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Signing Faith Promise Offering "cards" only provides for a more accurate and
reliable means of projecting the missions budget of the church. These cards are
unsigned and, therefore, provide privacy and confidentiality. Faith Promise
Offering is a "vertical agreement" between the believer and the Lord. A pledge
is a "horizontal agreement" between men.
Faith Promise Offering should not be confused with pledges. No one will knock
on your door and demand payment for such an offering. However, one should
prayerfully consider how much to promise by faith before filling out their Faith
Promise Offering card.
Why Should I Make a Faith Promise Offering?
Every Christian is encouraged to make a Faith Promise Offering for missions.
Let us examine a few of the reasons why:
To prove or demonstrate your love for God.
"I speak not by commandment, but….to prove the sincerity of your love" (2
Corinthians 8:8).
To help carry out the Great Commission of the church.
The last commandment of Christ to His disciples was to evangelize the entire
world (Matthew 28:19-20). This is yet to be accomplished. Each believer has the
responsibility to take part in its fulfillment. Missionaries are desperately needed
around the world. However, some are unable to get to their field of mission
because of the lack of financial support. God’s method of supporting
missionaries is through the local church. Your Faith Promise Offering will help
provide the money needed to send missionaries. "And how shall they preach
except they are sent?" (Romans 10:15)
To put faith into practice.
\
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7); "…so faith without works is
dead also" (James 2:26).
To abound in the grace of giving.
"Therefore, as ye abound in everything…see that ye abound in this grace also"
(2 Corinthians 8:7).
To follow the many biblical examples of faith giving.
The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16); The Macedonian believers (2
Corinthians 8:1-5).
To follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in giving.
"For ye know the grace our Lord Jesus Christ…." (2 Corinthians 8:9).
To follow the inspired advice of Paul.
Paul gave advice concerning the expediency of not only giving, but making a
commitment to give (2 Corinthians 8:10).
To experience the blessings of the Lord.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38).
To encourage others in the grace of giving.
"…and your zeal hath provoked very many…" (2 Corinthians 9:2).
To reap a bountiful spiritual harvest in your own life.
"But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6).
To experience the love of God in all its fulness.
"…for God loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
To prove God and thus build your faith.
"Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts…." (Malachi 3:10).
To bring glory to God.
"Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed
subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them,
and unto all men…" (2 Corinthians 9:13).
To lay up treasure in heaven.
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…" (Matthew 6:20); "Not because I
desirre a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account" (Philippians 4:
17).
To please God.
"…an odour of sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God"
(Philippians 4:18).
Compiled by Steve Cook, Th.D.
Faith Promise Offering is a way of funding the missions program of a local
church. The main mission of a local church should be to "Grow in God’s Word
and Sow the Word of God in the World." The Great Commission given to the
church provides for the spreading of the Gospel to the community, surrounding
areas, and all people, tongues, and kindreds. Any church missions program
should include finances to support missionaries both at home and abroad.
An important part of how this outreach ministry of the church is financed is
through Faith Promise Offering missions giving. Faith Promise Offering can
provide for nearly all of the amount of support encumbered by a local assembly
of believers. Many have testified how God has blessed their lives because of
the faithfulness to give to missions. For those of you who do not understand how
Faith Promise Offering works, the following information should be helpful.
What Is Faith Promise Offering for Missions?
The Faith Promise Offering for Missions is the amount an individual promises to
give by faith above and beyond their tithes to the local church for the coming
year.
The Faith Promise Offering is a biblical method of giving.
FAITH is surely biblical. The Word of God clearly teaches us that we are saved
by faith; we are to live by faith; we are to walk by faith; whatever is not of faith is
sin; and without faith it is impossible to please God (Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians
5:7; Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:6).
PROMISE is definitely biblical. "Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that
be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared" (Psalms 76:
11).
OFFERINGS are certainly biblical. Offerings were required under law, but are
also expected of believers in the age of grace. "Give and it shall be given unto
you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal
it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38).
Missions are at the very heart of our Faith Promise Offering:
- What is closer to the heart of God than missions? (John 3:16; Rom. 10:1)
- Christ died for the whole world (1 John 2:2).
- God desires that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
- Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
- They can not hear without a preacher (Romans 10:14).
- Preachers must be sent (Romans 10:15).
- Local churches are commissioned to be senders (Acts 13:1-4).
- Sending means more than just praying – it means providing financial
support (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
The Faith Promise Offering is above and beyond your tithe. There is a difference
between tithes and offerings. Tithes are God’s method of blessing believers and
providing financial support for the local church. Faith Promise Offering is a
freewill offering above and beyond your tithes designed to generate finances to
support missions in order to evangelize the world.
The Faith Promise Offering is based upon Faith. Trusting God to provide you
with the promised amount each week, month, or year increases one’s faith and
promotes spiritual growth (2 Corinthians 9:8-15).
Why Is Faith Promise Offering Better?
Because it is based upon Faith.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Because it exalts the Lord.
God is glorified when His power and love are demonstrated in our lives. Thus,
as He supplies the means for giving, He is glorified. The more we depend upon
God, the more He is exalted in our lives (2 Corinthians 9:13).
Because the potential is greater.
Obviously, one can give more IF there is more to give. Faith Promise Offering
trusts God to supply the gift from His limitless resources (2 Corinthians 9:8;
Philippians 4:19).
Because it brings more people into the giving picture.
Often, only one member of a family does the giving. The Faith Promise Offering
plan promotes giving by all members of the family. Children and young people
alike are encouraged to trust God by faith to contribute to missions. (Of course,
children should consult their own parents before making such a decision.)
Parents are also discouraged from making the faith promise offering for their
children. It is important for children to learn to trust the Lord to provide for them.
Why not teach them both the importance and the blessing of giving by faith?
Testimonies abound from children and young people who have experienced
God’s supply for their Faith Promise Offerings.
Because there is invariably more money provided.
Faith Promise Offering provides much more funding for world missions. Such a
substantial increase in financial support for missions will increase God’s
blessings upon the local church. Usually the general fund giving will also
increase as believers realize the importance of giving both tithes and offerings.
Because it brings more blessings to the giver.
Since Faith Promise Offering encourages generosity on the part of the giver, the
result will be greater blessings in their lives. "But this I say, he which soweth
sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Is Faith Promise Offering a Pledge?
Many have come out of denominational churches which raised money for the
church budget through "pledges." Members in such churches were
usually expected, if not required, to make a pledge and were often
visited in their homes to ensure that these pledges were collected.
How does the Faith Promise Offering differ from the pledge system?
A pledge is between the member and the church. It is often a legal and binding
agreement made by the member to pay a specified amount of money.
There have been instances where churches have actually gone to court in
an attempt to collect such pledges. The Faith Promise Offering differs substan-
tially:
It is between the believer and the Lord. It is NOT a legal and binding agreement
The believer is never asked for the offering. It is dependent upon the Lord’s
supply. A pledge is more a matter of coercion or necessity. Faith Promise
Offering is totally voluntary and is based upon what the believer purposes in his
heart to give (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Signing Faith Promise Offering "cards" only provides for a more accurate and
reliable means of projecting the missions budget of the church. These cards are
unsigned and, therefore, provide privacy and confidentiality. Faith Promise
Offering is a "vertical agreement" between the believer and the Lord. A pledge
is a "horizontal agreement" between men.
Faith Promise Offering should not be confused with pledges. No one will knock
on your door and demand payment for such an offering. However, one should
prayerfully consider how much to promise by faith before filling out their Faith
Promise Offering card.
Why Should I Make a Faith Promise Offering?
Every Christian is encouraged to make a Faith Promise Offering for missions.
Let us examine a few of the reasons why:
To prove or demonstrate your love for God.
"I speak not by commandment, but….to prove the sincerity of your love" (2
Corinthians 8:8).
To help carry out the Great Commission of the church.
The last commandment of Christ to His disciples was to evangelize the entire
world (Matthew 28:19-20). This is yet to be accomplished. Each believer has the
responsibility to take part in its fulfillment. Missionaries are desperately needed
around the world. However, some are unable to get to their field of mission
because of the lack of financial support. God’s method of supporting
missionaries is through the local church. Your Faith Promise Offering will help
provide the money needed to send missionaries. "And how shall they preach
except they are sent?" (Romans 10:15)
To put faith into practice.
\
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7); "…so faith without works is
dead also" (James 2:26).
To abound in the grace of giving.
"Therefore, as ye abound in everything…see that ye abound in this grace also"
(2 Corinthians 8:7).
To follow the many biblical examples of faith giving.
The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16); The Macedonian believers (2
Corinthians 8:1-5).
To follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in giving.
"For ye know the grace our Lord Jesus Christ…." (2 Corinthians 8:9).
To follow the inspired advice of Paul.
Paul gave advice concerning the expediency of not only giving, but making a
commitment to give (2 Corinthians 8:10).
To experience the blessings of the Lord.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38).
To encourage others in the grace of giving.
"…and your zeal hath provoked very many…" (2 Corinthians 9:2).
To reap a bountiful spiritual harvest in your own life.
"But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6).
To experience the love of God in all its fulness.
"…for God loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
To prove God and thus build your faith.
"Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts…." (Malachi 3:10).
To bring glory to God.
"Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed
subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them,
and unto all men…" (2 Corinthians 9:13).
To lay up treasure in heaven.
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…" (Matthew 6:20); "Not because I
desirre a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account" (Philippians 4:
17).
To please God.
"…an odour of sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God"
(Philippians 4:18).
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