The Great Commission is the greatest task given to us by or saviour, to go and tell all the world that He died and rose the third day. Not only is it vitally important it is imposable to complete this “MISSION” without the missionary. As a missions hearted church we endeavored to have the heart of God and help missionaries go around the world.
One of the most obvious things about World Missions and the Local Church is also too often overlooked. Due to simply misunderstanding how important it is that both the missionary and the church need each other. The question then is “How can any local church be obedient to the Great Commission without the missionary?” Thankfully, the Lord has given us the opportunity of PATNERING together to accomplish the great task Jesus illustrated this truth for us in the story of the woman at the well in John chapter 4. As He sat by the well, the disciples had gone to buy food. While they were gone, a woman of Samaria came to draw water and Jesus spoke to her about her need for “living water”. When His disciples returned, he told them “he the reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” What a blessing to be PARTNERS together in this great endeavor, to reach this world for Christ!
Faith Promise Missions is a biblical and time-tested method used by local churches to support missionaries around the world. It is not a fundraising scheme, nor is it a pledge based on human calculation. Rather, it is a step of faith, trusting God to provide so that the gospel can continue to go forward.
The scriptural foundation for Faith-Promise giving is found in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. In these passages, believers gave generously to the work of God, not because they were pressured, but because they trusted the Lord to meet their needs. They gave willingly, cheerfully, and by faith.
Through Faith Promise Missions, each member of the church is encouraged to pray and ask God what He would have them give to missions above and beyond their regular tithe. That amount is not given all at once, rather it is giver on a weekly basis through the provision of God. The emphasis is not on the amount, but on obedience and faith.
Faith Promise Missions keeps the Great Commission at the forefront of the church’s purpose. Jesus commanded His followers to take the gospel to all the world. While not everyone is called to go, every believer can have a part through praying, giving, and supporting those whom God has sent.
One of the strengths of Faith-Promise giving is that it places full dependence upon God. It allows believers of all ages and financial situations to participate equally. Whether the gift is large or small, God honors faith that is exercised in obedience to Him.
As churches practice Faith Promise Missions, missionaries are supported consistently, the work of evangelism continues uninterrupted, and the gospel reaches places that might otherwise remain untouched. Again and again, God has proven Himself faithful to supply what His people give by faith.
Faith Promise Missions is simply God’s people trusting God to do what only He can do, so that the world may hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
— Ephesians 3:20