Philosophy of Finance

CC Philosophy Regarding Finances

Scriptural basis for financial support of foreign missions

“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”‘How, then, can people call on someone they have not believed? And how can they believe in someone they have not heard about? And how can they hear without someone preaching? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!’” Romans 10:13-15

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, you should follow the directions I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside and save some of your money in proportion to what you have, so that no collections will have to be made when I come.” ICor.16:1-2

“We want you to know, brothers, about God’s grace that was given to the churches of Macedonia. In spite of a terrible ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy, along with their deep poverty, has resulted in the abundance of their generosity. I can testify that by their own free will they have given to the utmost of their ability, yes, even beyond their ability.   They begged us earnestly for the privilege of participating in this ministry to the saints. We did not expect that! They gave themselves to the Lord first and then to us, since this was God’s will.”  2Cor.8:1-5

We believe these principles as drawn from the scriptures above:

1. In God’s administration of ministry there are those who proclaim and those who send those who proclaim.  While this passage was speaking to the necessity for proclamation of God’s Word, it also shows us His pattern for doing this as it pertains to foreign missions…there will be those who go and proclaim and there will be those who send them.

2. We see that Paul was taking up special offerings in the Gentile churches for those in Jerusalem.  This becomes another great example of giving in foreign missions.

3. Paul’s exhortation was that of purposeful, regular giving, according to one’s means.

4. We see the example of sacrificial giving from the Macedonian believers, who gave sacrificially because they did not want to miss out on the opportunity to share in the grace of giving.
Money- Bane or Blessing in Missions?  In missions, many times money can be either a blessing to the work or it can actually cause problems.  It is critical that the financial helps that are given to the local churches in no way create dependencies or taint the purity of the gospel.  It is for this reason that the philosophy of Compassion Connection is to keep a very low profile economically among the works.  Any finances to help with special projects are channeled through trusted local believers who have been taught the importance of keeping the gospel free of “ulterior” motives.  Through teaching, example and proper administration of the ministries, we work towards creating self-supporting, self-propagating and self-governing bodies of believers.
Stewardship of the finances given- it is our earnest desire to honor God in all areas of our ministry, including the proper handling of finances.  To that end, we see the following as part of our “values” as an organization.
Proper representation of the need-  In any of our efforts to represent projects, we endeavor to always project the financial need based on real data.  Our desire is to be honorable before God and man; that what we say is our needs truly represent the ministry needs.
Frugality as a missional principle- According to Matthew 6, the Lord has promised us food, clothing and shelter… or, in other words, the basic needs.  As a mission organization, we desire to keep our focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, believing that He will meet our needs.  We also try to look for the most economically efficient ways to do ministry in order to allow the finances given to stretch and reach the most needs.
Another aspect of this “missional” frugality is in the way we take care of the physical properties that God has given us.  Regular maintenance and care for our possessions becomes a part of a mission lifestyle in order to ensure long life to the possessions that we have.
Accountability is a biblical principle- “Yield to those leading you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account”  Hebrews 13:17a
Our mission is a federal 501c3 non-profit corporation  (ID #20-1555570).  As such, we adhere to all federal requirements for financial accountability and the proper filings of paperwork. Our mission staff raise their own personal support.  As such, the finances for the various ministry projects go directly toward the projects involved unless designated for specific missionary staff.  An annual statement is mailed to all donors of their record of giving and such gifts are totally tax deductible.
As a mission organization, we maintain accurate accounting for the various activities for which we are financially involved.