We believe that the Bible teaches the support of those who minister the gospel.  We recognize that this process of support will vary with each missionary, culture and ministry scenario.

We will support our missionaries on a monthly basis through the regular offerings for the overall budget.

 

Support level will be determined by the following:

• Unity of doctrine and philosophy with SSBC
• Strength of relationship with SSBC
• Total amount of support needed
• Short-term or long-term support
• The Spirit’s leading
• Available funds

We will advise missionaries to be wise financial stewards who plan for the future with all the unknown scenarios that could lead to return from the field after a few years or after many years of service.  Such plans may include life insurance, retirement planning, or long-term disability insurance.  SSBC will not be able to fund perpetually missionaries who return from the field for health or age issues.  In the case of emergency or unforeseen circumstances, we will consider case by case the possibility of a taper-off policy to provide for a transition from the field.

 

Upon approval of the congregation, financial support will begin the 1^st of the next month, and these funds may be used for deputation costs.  If deputation is still ongoing after two years, we will evaluate the candidate further.

 

Missionaries should not solicit funds by means of a mass appeal to the individuals of the congregation.

•  If the church moves to support a missionary, the missions budget will fund the approved support amount, and the missionary may approach individuals within the congregation with whom he already has a personal relationship and invite them to invest in his ministry.
• If the church does not move to support the missionary candidate, he may still approach individuals with whom he already has a personal relationship and invite them to invest in his ministry.  However, these gifts may not be given through the church as charitable contributions.

Special projects should be detailed in writing if at all possible for the most efficient consideration of our church’s involvement.  Projects will be considered on a case by case basis by the deacons and will typically be funded by special offerings or designations.

 

The pastor and deacons will conduct an annual financial review of each missionary effort of SSBC to evaluate support levels, salary or ministry expense increases and market fluctuations that may affect support levels.  This review will consider factors such as:  the ongoing communication with the missionary regarding personal and ministry budgets, special needs of family or church, the value of the dollar in the global economy, any input from the mission board, size of family and the cost of living or “raise” increase.  Any support changes will be accounted for in the new year’s budget for missions.

 

The budget should provide (1) for monthly support of full-time missionaries, (2) for an emergency fund for events such as property theft or destruction, natural disaster, evacuation, health crisis or economic crisis, and (3) for missions projects such as short-term missions projects, a missions emphasis or conference, missionary visits and gifts, visits of church representative to the field, additional project expenses on the field, etc.