Our church has a growing world missionary family that presently consists of over sixty missionaries and missionary projects. As a church we are committed to the world mission mandate given by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).You may be asking, ‘‘Why should a church that has so many needs of its own send personnel and finances to other nations?’’ The answer is simple: God has commanded the church to go into all the world. In obedience to that command Temple Baptist Church will execute the Great Commission. Then the question arises, ‘‘How do we finance the missionary program?’’

The ‘‘Faith Promise’’ is the plan presented in the New Testament and the plan followed at this church.The purpose of this article is to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Faith Promise . Should you have other questions, please ask.

Questions and Answers

Q. What does the term ‘‘Faith Promise’’ mean?

A. Perhaps the best way to answer that question is to insert the term into a sentence – BY FAITH, I PROMISE to give $__________ per week to world missions.’’ The promise to give is based upon the faith to receive. It is not a promise to give something you already have. It doesn’t take faith to give what you already have. But it does take faith to promise to give what you don’t have. Faith Promise is simply claiming from the Lord an amount of money which you do not have in order that you might use it for world missions. And then there is another explanation of the term ‘‘Faith Promise.’’ It is simply the FAITH by which we claim the PROMISE of God for His PROVISION for the work He has commissioned.

Q. How does Faith Promise relate to the tithe?

A. The word ‘‘tithe’’ means ‘‘ten-percent.’’ The Bible teaches tithing as the minimum of our financial commitment to the church. The tithes are presented to the Lord as an act of obedience. But since the Christian is not limited to this minimum, and since we have the opportunity of living by faith, we may trust God for more. After all, the evidence is that God is ready to respond to our faith, not just our obedience.

Q. Is Faith Promise a pledge to the church?

A. No. It is a promise to the Lord, not a pledge to the church.

Q. Suppose I make a faith Promise commitment and then I am not able to give it. Will I be personally contacted and asked to give the amount of the commitment?

A. No. Faith Promise is simply an arrangement between you and the Lord. If the Lord does not provide it for you to give, then certainly no one would expect you to give it.

Q. How does the church know what to expect in the way of Faith Promise gifts?

A. When the Faith Promise giver settles the amount with the Lord, he or she then indicates that amount to the church. This Faith Promise tally is made at the end of our Missions Month (April), even though additional commitments are made throughout the year.

Q. How do I know what God will provide through me?

A. Perhaps the best way to answer that question is with another question: ‘‘For how much are you willing to trust Him?’’ Prayer and faith are the two key factors in making this determination.

Q. Is Faith Promise giving based on the Bible?

A. Yes. The Bible says, ‘‘the just shall live by faith.’’ The promises of God, as well as the provisions of God, are received by faith.

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A. Yes. There are many. By faith, Abraham offered Issac to the Lord. Perhaps you remember that story in Genesis 22. So miraculous was God’s provision in response to Abraham’s faith that Abraham named the place of the offering ‘‘Jehovah Jireh.’’ Translated, that means ‘‘the Lord provides’’ or ‘‘Jehovah seeth.’’ He sees the provision before we do and we see the provision as we act in faith. There is another good illustration of ‘‘Faith Promise’’ found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. As you read that story carefully, you will notice the Lord’s provision in direct proportion to faith. Faith provided empty vessels. God’s provision filled the vessels faith provided.

Q. For what are Faith Promise receipts used?

A. They provide the financial resources for the worldwide missionaries and missionary projects of the Temple Baptist Church. Information on the missionaries and projects is shared in a variety of ways throughout the year and is readily available through the Church Office.

Q. How are members of the missionary family chosen?

A. Members of our missionary family are generally chosen through a process of preparatory consultation and personal interviews. This procedure for choosing the members is administered through the missionary leadership team. The pastor reports to the deacons, who have the ultimate decision.

Q. Do I have to be a member of the Temple Baptist Church in order to participate in its world missions ministry through Faith Promise giving?

A. No. There are many friends of the church who want to have this personal contact and direct support with missionaries. They do so by sharing in this ministry through the Temple Baptist Church.

Q. Even though I did not make a Faith Promise commitment during the Missions Month, may I still share in Faith Promise giving?

A. Yes. There is always a need that can be met and should be met by a growing number of participants.

Q. How do I get started?

A. Determine through prayer the amount you believe the Lord wants to provide through you. Pray daily for the provision of that amount and stay alert to the numerous ways the Lord will provide, i.e., extra income, reduced expenses, etc. When you receive these funds above your regular tithes and offerings, deposit them in the Sunday offering or mail to the church. Please make sure your offering is clearly marked for “Faith Promise.’’ Church envelopes are available upon request and can be found in the sanctuary pews. All checks should be written to Temple Baptist Church and designated for ‘‘Faith Promise.’’

Q. What about my questions that are not answered in this article?

A. Please don’t let that keep you from receiving the blessing. Call the Church Office and we will be happy to share with you all the information we have available. ‘‘Someone asked ‘Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved?’ It is more a question with me whether we – who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not- can be saved.’’ Charles Spurgeon

Commitment

Until I am committed, there is a hesitancy, a chance to draw back.

But the moment I definitely commit myself,

then God moves also, and a whole stream of events erupt.

All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, persons,

and material assistance which I could never have dreamed

would come my way begin to flow toward me –

the moment  I make a commitment.