What is a Faith Promise?

“Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains” Matt.17:20

"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Matt. 8:26

For a ministry, a “Faith Promise” is a “step of extraordinary faith” pledge or commitment mechanism to procure small, medium, and large gifts for a defined period of time for a specific purpose.

For the individual, a “Faith Promise” is a prayer-based commitment made between you and God. It’s asking God to reveal what you should commit financially to a specific project for a defined period of time. Then, commit by faith to keep that promise, believing God will provide.”

For churches, schools, and Christian organizations in general, the method most often used in capital campaigns is the “faith promise”. It provides a means by which everyone can participate at any level. The story of the widow’s mite recorded in the gospels of Mark and Luke comes to mind. Jesus shares the woman gave more than the wealthy because they gave from their abundance, while the widow gave all she had.

A faith promise also provides a monetary way to make large amounts feasible because it incorporates time into the equation. This allows for big picture projects like construction, building expansion, property or building purchases, a new church plant, or even an international ministry a reality. Most capital campaigns are 2-3 years, with 3 years seemingly the sweet spot. This way, people can consider their finances over time and allow God to provide in ways never thought possible.

A faith promise is a special moment in time and in the life of a ministry. It’s not intended for normal day to day operations, but rather a specific vision God has given to the leadership and the people to undertake for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Faith is at the very core of our Christian beliefs as noted in the verses found above. As we grow in Christ and become involved in His church faith becomes the reality by which we live by. We believe God by faith in all that we do, that includes are finances. The Bible shares that the people of Israel of the Old Testament gave constant offerings and sacrifices. In the book of Nehemiah, we read that they took up a “special offering” to reestablish the temple worship under Ezra. In the New Testament we read how they helped the disciples with offerings and gifts for their travels. They sent out missionaries under Paul’s leadership with monetary and other helping gifts.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" II Cor. 5:7

A faith promise is a “step out of the boat moment”! Examples found in the Bible are plentiful when it comes to these special moments in time. God called Noah to build an ark. Noah didn’t even know what an ark was. God called Nehemiah to build a wall, he had never done before. God called Peter, James, and John to throw the net on the other side when they had been fishing all night. The catch received by the men was overwhelming as they witnessed the impossible. God dwells in the realm of the impossible. A faith promise is an extraordinary moment to experience what the miracle hand of God can do. It’s stepping way out of your comfort zone and learn to believe and trust God beyond human comprehension.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,

the conviction of things not seen" Heb.11:1

The laws of nature are pretty much irrefutable. Throw a ball up in the air and eventually it’s coming down. The laws of mechanics are straightforward enough, turn the key on, engine starts. If you follow the engineer’s schematic drawings, chances are it’s going to work. At times things do break down, we all know that. But for the most part we follow the laws of nature every day without a lot of questioning.

Faith doesn’t act or follow the laws of nature. Faith moves about in that which you cannot see or explain, that’s why we call it faith. It’s also why it is so challenging! We are logical and practical beings. God dwells and operates on a different plane. He desires to give His children all things for their good.

“God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, and above all, you could ever ask, imagine, or think, according to His power at work in you. To Him be the glory.” Ephesians 3:20 

A faith promise gives the ministry and the individual an opportunity to take a huge step of faith.

We trust everyone will have the chance to be involved in one to see what God can do.

Capital Campaigns Unlimited (ccunlimited.org)