Funding the Work of God Bible Study

Funding the Work of God 

Bible Study

''One of the major obstacles new missionaries face is funding. Accusations have been made that churches, preachers, missionaries, and Christian ministries are, at best, inept in money matters and, at worst, downright scoundrels. On the other hand, missionaries have an extraordinary opportunity to model biblical finances to a watching world''

The scriptures listed with each question are not meant to give a final answer, but simply to get you started in your search.

Before you begin, jot down any fears or concerns you have about raising financial support:

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Most of our financial values were not formed from the Bible, 

but from our families and environment as we grew up.

Funding Examples

 * 1) Fundraising examples in scripture:

Fill in the funding examples chart on the following pages:

Funding the Work of God
How God funded ministry in the Bible

Funding the Work of God
How God funded ministry in the Bible

Funding the Work of God
How God funded ministry in the Bible

Funding the Work of God
How God funded ministry in the Bible

In light of these scriptural examples, what is your opinion of the George Mueller practice of "telling no one but God"?

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'' * Biographical note: George Mueller was a 19th century pastor who ran an orphanage. He had been financially irresponsible before coming to Christ. After his conversion, he vowed not to make public appeals for needs and "to tell no one but God."''

Funding the Work of God

Questions of Conscience

2. Missionaries sometimes feel guilty or like they're on "welfare". Is it biblical to be supported by others to do the work of God? Would it be better if missionaries were self-supporting "tentmakers"?

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3. "I enjoy raising support for others but not for myself." Is it biblical for missionaries to make financial appeals for their own ministry?

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4. Is it biblical to raise financial support from strangers or from people you do not know well? Should support come primarily from those to whom you've ministered?

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Funding the Work of God

5. What about making financial appeals to nonbelievers? How about to family members?

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6. What about financial appeals to those who are not as well off as you? Or are already giving heavily?

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Accountability

7. Should missionaries be allowed to start their assignment before they've raised their full support?

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8. Do you agree with the statement, "God's will done in God's way never lacks God's supply"?

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Funding the Work of God

Tentmaking

9. Under what circumstances (if any) should a missionary develop funding through "tentmaking"? How does "calling" relate to this issue?

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10. How does a missionary's outside job or business affect his/her donors; how could it affect his/her ministry?

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11. It's helpful to do a study of Paul's examples of tentmaking in 3 cities -- Thessalonica ; Corinth ; and Ephesus. What can you learn about Paul's reasons for supporting himself in some places and not in others?

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Funding the Work of God

Personal Financial Management

12. According to Proverbs, list the guidelines for Becoming Wealthy:Becoming Poor:

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Observations/Comments on guidelines from Proverbs:

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13. Do you agree with the statement, "Fundraising is just as valid as evangelism"? And, "People are more important than money"?

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14. Better to have _________________ than wealth.

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15. What do you consider to be the proper versus improper use of credit cards?

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16. Should missionaries use their personal savings or personal investments to fund themselves? What about to get started?

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17. Should personal loans from friends or family be accepted for major purchases such as a home? What are the pros and cons?

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18. At what standard should missionaries set their lifestyles?

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 * 1) If a missionary can just get by in life and ministry at 60% or 80% of their budget, should they try to reach 100%?

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Funding the Work of God

Summary

List 5 conclusions/observations as a result of your study.

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Which 2 verses did you find especially helpful on financial matters?

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Application: Is there anything specific you feel you need to change or apply to your situation?

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Is there a verse you'd like to memorize?

List any unanswered questions or continuing concerns as a result of your study.

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Further study suggestions: Read through Proverbs, noting every verse that deals with finances. Meditate and catalog them topically.