World Missions Giving: Ten Percent Approved Specials

What do Nazarenes mean by "10% Approved Special Giving"?

"Whoever sows generously will also reap generously . . . God loves a cheerful giver." -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

How much should churches give to world missions?

Years ago, Nazarene leaders began promoting the idea that local churches would give a "tithe of their tithe" to the cause of world evangelism. The 5.5% that churches are expected to contribute to the World Evangelism Fund gets congregations more than halfway to that 10% for world missions goal. Then, there are other world missions offerings for specific causes that can be taken during the year, such as Alabaster, that can push the percentage up toward that 10% figure. Some churches then give to special projects that are considered high priority by regional offices and are publicized through official channels as Approved Specials.

The 10% Approved Special Giving label means that while the particular item or project is not being funded by the World Evangelism Fund, it does fit into the evangelism and church-planting strategy being implemented by Church of the Nazarene leaders on a particular mission field. The 10% Approved Giving label is used to:

  1. Put a "seal of approval" on appeals for money
  2. Assure that projects on the priority lists of field leaders are the ones being promoted
  3. Gives a uniform standard by which to count the percentage of church income going to global missions

Examples of what counts toward "10% Giving" include:

Lists of "Approved Specials" are available from the Global Mission office in the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas or from the various regional offices.

    -- Howard Culbertson,

"I really enjoyed browsing through your website. There is a great deal of helpful material here."--Laura, Pennsylvania, USA

11 24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. -- Proverbs 11:24- 25

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