This month, Maplewood Nazarene is focusing outside the walls of our little church on the east side of Springfield, Ohio.

We believe that we are called to make Christ-like disciples. That is our sole focus. Not programs, not fund-raising, not social gatherings. Making disciples is our mission, our purpose and at the center of who we are. We want as many people as possible to come to know that God loves them, that Jesus has made a way to get right with God, and that there is a better way to live a life of love (as opposed to selfishness).

One of the ways we live into our purpose is to commit a small portion of our financial resources to support global missions work through the Church of the Nazarene. Faith Promise is a way to partner with God so others may also know of His love, His grace and His mercy.

So what is Faith Promise?  Here’s some information:

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).

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.
• A cure-all for a church’s financial problems

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 Paul in 2 Corinthians 8-9.

How can you help support missions this year?