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The Right Tools for the Mission Tool Box
Like many men, I am a collector and user of tools. There is no substitute for the right tool as I have proven on those times when I have hammered with a shovel and shoveled with a hammer. Well beyond those “make-do” situations, the right tool skillfully at use in the hand of an expert artisan is a thing of beauty.

Eric Sloane says, “Like the nails on a beast’s paws, old tools were so much an extension of a man’s hand or an added appendage to his arm that the resulting workmanship seemed to flow directly from the body of the maker and to carry something of himself into the work.” Sloan obviously hadn’t observed me opening a can of soup with a pocket knife. Thankfully, I have outgrown that stage in life where I thought every problem could be solved with a bigger hammer and a cutting torch. Even though I learned some lessons slowly, the lesson is that there is no substitute for the right tool in the tool box.

In raising money for the World Evangelism Fund, the local church has a full tool box. The new percentage-based plan, Funding the Mission, opens the door to greater flexibility. All the tools common to the old formula, such as Easter and Thanksgiving offerings and Faith Promise are still in the box. Additionally, Nazarene churches connect with the global mission through a variety of creative new methods, such as partnerships, NCM, Mission Corps, Work & Witness, JESUS Film and a variety of creative Mission Specials. Some interpret the new tithe-like missional giving goal, 5.5% for Nazarene churches across the world, as a “weekly cut” of regular offerings – certainly a tool that some could use, but the variety of tools for raising money for the World Evangelism Fund is far more extensive. The Easter and Thanksgiving offerings and Faith Promise – tools for extending the reach of the local church across the world – are a fit with Funding the Mission. Nazarene churches have never been more connected to the global mission of the Church of the Nazarene than they are today. Connect by subscribing to Engage, an electric publication rich with current stories of how the Lord is making Christlike disciples around the globe. Use the video resources produced by Global Communications during worship experiences. Explore the teaching and promotional resources offered by Stewardship Ministries and made available at no cost on the Media Library. The toolbox is full and there is a tool that’s right for your church.

Explore the many new ways of getting members to connect with the 600+ commissioned and volunteer missionaries. It is possible that the Wednesday night missionary service is no longer a tool in your box. If it is still useful, then use it. If not, then explore some the new tools. Why not challenge every member of your church to find five Nazarene missionaries and subscribe to their electronic newsletter, add them as a friend Facebook* or follow their updates on Twitter? These tools will connect Nazarenes in the pew with the global mission they support in our very effective denomination.

There are a lot of tools in the tool box with the new funding plan of the Church of the Nazarene, Funding the Mission. My two-year-old grandson went through a spell when he slept with a 3/8 inch ratchet every night. Although he uses it more like a hammer than a wrench, he does love it. Find a mission tool for your church to love and use it.

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Mark E. Lail
Stewardship Ministries

*Please be sensitive about posting content (especially “spamming” with games) on missionaries’ Facebook pages and profiles. Certain security risks are a reality for many. Don’t be offended if, for these very concerns, a missionary in a sensitive area does not (or cannot) confirm your friendship.

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Remember to download/order Easter Offering resources
The updated promotions for the 2010 Easter Offering for World Evangelism are available from the Stewardship Ministries homepage by clicking on the turquoise Easter button. Included in the ZIP file( that should open in a new window) are PDF bulletin inserts (color and b/w versions), an accompanying PowerPoint presentation for XP and Vista users, an 8.5x11 poster, and a folder of popular clip art from previous Easter promotional kits.

These resources were developed from footage shot by Global Communications at General Assembly in June 2009. The resources feature the unique stories of Fili Chambo, Liliana Radi, and Dwight Rich in various formats.

Additionally, Nazarene Publishing House continues to distribute “Hope for World Evangelism” envelopes and posters. These resources are multi-lingual and multi-functional for Easter, Faith Promise, and Thanksgiving.

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Nazarene generosity outlined in 2009 finance reports
Nazarenes continued to give generously to the Church of the Nazarene in 2009, and raised $67.9 million (all figures in USD) for the World Evangelism Fund and Ten Percent Mission Specials. Sustaining support of our ministries through the World Evangelism Fund remains the driving force in our mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

Giving in 2009 reflected the worldwide economic uncertainty – representing a $10 million decrease from the previous fiscal year. Contributions to the World Evangelism Fund totaled $45,906,503, while giving to Mission Specials was $22,005,165.

“In a year of financial crises, we are especially grateful for financial support,” General Treasurer Marilyn J. McCool said. “Gifts to our many global ministries are a blessing to countless people in our churches, schools, hospitals, compassionate ministry centers, and outreach centers.”

Each February, Nazarene Financial Services prepares accountability and financial transparency reports. This year, McCool is pleased to announce the availability of the perennial Global Finance (World Evangelism Fund) Report, the Annual Financial Summary, and the Distribution of Donor Gifts flyer. Each of these reports are posted on the Media Library, as well as the Nazarene Financial Services homepage.

•  Global Finance (World Evangelism Fund) Report
The Global Finance Report is a district-by-district breakdown of World Evangelism Fund allocations, the amount contributed in local currency, and the percentage of the allocation that the district raised through offerings in local churches.

•  Annual Financial Summary
The Annual Financial Summary for our Donors is in its third installment this year. This partial financial statement is issued by the independent audit, tax, and advisory firm, Grant Thornton LLC, and reviewed by the Audit Committee.

•  Distribution of 2009 Donor Gifts
The Distribution of 2009 Donor Gifts breaks down the $67.9 million received from churches and individual donors by global ministry and program expenditures, including Global Mission, Youth, Discipleship, Higher Education, Board of General Superintendents, Corporate Affairs, and Mission Support and Delivery. For example, in 2009, Global Mission received $50.6 million (74.4 percent) of church and individual donations.

Hard copies of the Annual Financial Summary will be included in spring charitable contribution receipts to individuals and churches. Donors who receive electronic receipts for their gifts will have a direct download link embedded in their email receipt.

The General Board of the Church of the Nazarene is an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. For more information about financial accountability and mission investment, please visit our Web pages under the Stewardship tab on www.nazarene.org.


Thank you for reading!
Mark E. Lail, director
Tom Felder, resource manager
Josh Jakobitz, creative coordinator
Jamie Connally, assistant