A short-term capital funds program, Forward in Faith should be used only if the church’s financial need is less than one-third of its annual budget. Collected in a one-day offering, this method can be useful to churches seeking to purchase property, perform emergency church repairs, replace equipment or begin debt retirement plans.
Church leaders begin this fund raiser four to six weeks prior to the offering date by setting a capital fund goal and developing materials that will be posted throughout the church and mailed to members, including brochures, banners, offering envelopes and commitment cards. Letters are mailed to members, testimonies and sermons on giving are shared with the congregation and there will be Sunday School lessons on sacrifice.
On Forward in Faith Day after specific prayer time and a sermon on the joy of sacrifice, the offering is received. At the close of morning worship, a report is given on the amount received and committed to the church. Later, follow-up and acknowledgment letters are sent to members.
See a sample schedule.
For Forward in Faith information, contact Jim Swedenburg direct at 334.613.2304, toll-free at 1 (800) 264-1225 ext. 304 or via email at jswedenburg@alsbom.org.
