Question
Does the general church take a percentage of funds from the money we send to support an orphanage in Africa in order to pay for the office buildings?
Answer
Absolutely not. 100% of the funds you send to World Missions for a project, missionary or ministry goes directly as the donor has designated. Nothing is taken from your funds for any reason.
Question
How much of the 2.5% is used for buildings or upkeep?
Answer
World Missions contributes toward the indebtedness of the office buildings and also for the maintenance, janitor, security and utilities. This amounts to $750,000 a year.
Question
How are missionaries supported? Why do they not receive support from the 2.5%?
Answer
Prior to 1988, missionaries were supported from the 2.5%. They also served as the overseers and educational leaders in many countries, and the number sent was based on the availability of these funds. As nationals were trained and became the leaders, the funds were used to assist them. Because of this transition fewer funds were available for the sending of missionaries.
In 1988 the missionary support system was established whereby missionaries raise their own support. Three main benefits came from this:
More missionaries could be sent. (We have 10 times as many as before.) Local churches established a closer link with individual missionaries they support. Wages could be increased. Missionaries now receive the salary of a U.S. pastor of a church with 1-25 members. Their support is adjusted to the value of the dollar in the country in which they serve.
Missionaries who serve in positions or areas that prevent their coming to the U.S. to raise funds are supported from the Dollar-A-Week contribution of local churches and individuals.
Question
What do most of our missionaries do?
Answer
They serve as teachers in our Bible schools, church planters and in social ministries (orphanages, medical clinics, feeding stations, hospitals).
Question
I hear that the 2.5% is going to be eliminated at the General Assembly. Is this true?
Answer
The agenda for the General Council has not yet been mailed. I do not know what proposals are on the agenda. The agenda will be adequately discussed, and all members of the church at the General Assembly will have the opportunity to express themselves on any issue of concern.
For more information on this subject click on our missions budget page.
Douglas LeRoy Assistant Director
(Source: www.cogwm.org)