Mission: North America Offering...How Is It Used?

by Larry A. Powell

Often, pastors and church folks ask how the Mission: North America Offering helps missionaries in their efforts to plant churches in North America. I usually give an abbreviated answer without a lot of details. Let’s be clear. The general fund is established to keep the Home Missions office running smoothly. The office is in place to help missionaries in every way possible. With that said, let me paint a better picture of how your gifts are a tremendous blessing to our teams across the fields of America.

Training

At the outset, church planters participate in the Boot Camp Training Program designed to introduce them to spiritual, financial, and creative resources for mission work. Remember, planting a church is substantially different from settling into an already established pastorate.

Training doesn’t stop there, however. Regional and one-on-one study sessions are held throughout the year. Missionaries learn how to connect and win the lost within their respective communities. Your gifts to the offering fund ongoing training.

Publications

Our department strives to keep supporters informed about successes in leading families to Christ, discipleship, baptisms, and the development of buildings and facilities. Home missionaries need prayer cards and resources for outreach, and the department prints a large number of resources to aid missionaries with training. Your gifts help fund these valuable ministry assets.

Travel

Church planters are mobile. They are involved in mission conferences, development seminars, and other travel needs. If an emergency arises, the Missionary Assistance Fund is available to help them. Missionaries need equipment and teaching resources as well. The Home Missions office meets as many needs as possible for missionary families. Your gifts help them and our department in overall ministry.

I want to thank pastors and church families across the nation for continued strong support of the Mission: North America Offering each November. This important offering helps missionaries be more effective as church planters in the community to which God has sent them, experience victories in their works for the Lord, and win many precious souls to Jesus.

About the Writer: Larry A. Powell is director of Free Will Baptist Home Missions. Learn how you can get involved in church planting at www.homemissions.net.