10 Important Questions and Answers About Faith Promises
God calls some people to be missionaries, at home and abroad. Others are called to support missionaries, by way of prayer and finances. Through this kind of partnership, we can collectively reach the world for Christ before He comes. We believe that we can fulfill the Great Commission in our time! Below are 10 questions and answers about Faith Promises...
Question one: What is a Faith Promise?
A Faith Promise is commitment to the cause of world evangelization through the local church. It is the belief that God will give more through you than He will give to you. To make a FP we don't consult what we already have in the bank or in our hands. (If we can easily give it, then it doesn't require faith!) Instead, we believe that God will see our sacrifice – and add to that his blessing.
Question two: Who can make a Faith Promise?
Anyone and everyone! Singles, couples, families, children, youth – anyone can participate – and all are urged to do so. Our children can give to BGMC; our youth to Speed the Light. Adults typically give Faith Promises.
Question three: What if I am unable to give a large amount?
Each person should contribute what he or she is led to give by the Holy Spirit. For one person $100 a month isn't a lot; for another person that amount is seemingly impossible. As St. Paul says, “We should give what we purpose in our hearts – with cheerfulness."
Question four: Why should I fill out a Faith Promise card?
Good question! Every year some people say, "I don't want to write anything down – but I'll still give." A Faith Promise is not a pledge to be collected if you don't meet your goal. It is a personal agreement between you and God. Therefore, writing it down is not a contract with the church. However, it does allow our church to project giving for the next 12 months. (By the way, we exercise faith in our missions giving as a congregation as well!)
Question five: What if I did not meet my faith promise last year?
God understands when we aim at a desired target and don’t meet it every time. What He is less understanding about is when we don't try at all! So, this year close the chapter on the past – and move on to the future!
Question six: Who will know about my Faith Promise commitment?
You, God, and the church bookkeeper. It will never be a matter of public record.
Question seven: If I previously made a Faith Promise should I make another one now?
Yes! Faith Promises are for one year only. We receive them in the fall and they run for 12 months. Of course, you can give as much as you wish to missions anytime that you feel so led. So, it is important to make a new Faith Promise every fall.
Question eight: How do I fulfill my Faith Promise?
Everyone does it differently. You can give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or in one lump sum. While your checks will be made out to Brockton Assembly of God, the funds will all go to missions.
Question nine: Is my giving to guest missionaries part of my faith promise?
No. We receive special offerings for guest missionaries – and they get 100% of what comes in their special offering. Your Faith Promise goes into our general missionary fund and is distributed to the 60+ missionaries we now support. Our expectation is to add more missionaries as time goes by. (Currently BAG’s monthly support commitment is in excess of $10,000, which doesn’t count special projects and additional offerings.)
Question 10: When should I start fulfilling my Faith Promise?
As soon as possible! Start right away. If we all do our part – God will do his part. Don't wait until you get a big tax return to give to missions! Start now. Through our collective sacrifice, generosity, and obedience we believe we can “reach the world" in our generation!
The Great Commission of Jesus Christ to His Church
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20)