The Church of the Nazarene’s Board of General Superintendents sent the following letter this weekend to leadership throughout the denomination. It addresses the current financial situation of the Church of the Nazarene, specifically overpayment of the World Evangelism Fund.

From the beginning of the economic downturn in 2008, the Board of General Superintendents (BGS) made a commitment to the Church of the Nazarene to keep the denomination updated regarding the financial situation affecting our global mission “to make Christlike disciples in the nations.”

While the economy has posed significant challenges, as you well know, God is blessing the church in many ways. For this we are humbled and grateful.

Perhaps you read in NCN News, Nazarene Missions International updates, or other sources about World Evangelism Fund (WEF) giving beyond the 5.5 percent base (overpayment) from districts in the USA/Canada Region. (Information from other regions will be available soon). According to the 2011 General Treasurer’s Report, WEF overpayment from the USA/Canada Region is approximately $4.4 million, while overpayment has averaged less than $1.5 million during the past 10 years.

Generous Nazarenes continue to put God first with prayer and financial support for the cause of Jesus Christ. Your sacrificial giving will make it possible for the 2012 General Board Session of the Church of the Nazarene to consider a recommendation that would deploy 16 global missionaries and to enter two new world areas.

Praise the Lord!

The Opportunity

For nearly 20 years many churches have given beyond their WEF goal, thus enabling the denomination to enter and sustain work in new areas. This year a desire to give above and beyond the new WEF funding plan presents a new challenge for the church—to sustain the work in existing fields while entering new areas as the Lord leads.

It is also worth noting that the number of USA/Canada districts that have reached or exceeded 100 percent of their WEF allocation is greater than for any year in decades—up from 15 districts in 2010 to 57 districts in 2011.

Even so, the decline in regular WEF giving is a very critical matter that affects 2011 and 2012 budgeting for general mission interests.

In 2010, $41.8 million from the World Evangelism Fund was available for denominational ministries, including missionaries. We projected that amount to go down to $35.5 million in 2011, but current receipts project this number to be $36.2 million. However, without an adjustment to the elevated 2011 WEF overpayment, the amount will be down to $33.1 million, a decrease of $8.7 million in just one year.

In order to address this development, the BGS, with the support of the Global NMI Council, is proposing that the total amount of WEF overpayment be sent directly to each of the six regions in order to:

• open new mission work.
• sustain mission works opened in recent years.
• help keep missionaries on the fields to which God called them.
• help send new missionaries whom God is calling.

General Superintendent emerita and former NMI general director, Dr. Nina Gunter, who launched the overpayment initiative, offers this insight for expanding WEF overpayment:

With the changing dynamics of global finances today, the God-blessed overpayment plan of the World Evangelism Fund needs to be expanded. From the “overpayment” inception almost two decades ago, this plan has supported the opening of new mission fields and areas.

It now seems expedient to extend this designation to include ongoing and growing mission work in the regions and fields. This extension is crucial for the ministry of our missionaries and national leaders. It is also essential for new approaches to opening additional areas “in such a time as this.”

Timing, location, and expenditures for entering new mission fields come to the BGS as a recommendation from the director of Global Mission. These plans are ultimately approved by the General Board. All initiatives from Global Mission are reviewed annually to ensure that the church makes the best use of WEF overpayments and that we continue to enter new world areas.

The Process

We have prayerfully sought God’s guidance each step of the way. Nothing has been done without first asking Him for wisdom and spiritual strength as difficult decisions were made.

A careful examination of income, expenses, and budgets began with the 2011 General Board in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and continued through the spring and summer of this year. Departments, ministry directors, and regional directors were given the opportunity to make recommendations for their respective areas of service. The process has also included further consultations with the Executive and Finance Committees of the General Board.

The denominational challenge during this collaborative effort was the urgent need to reduce expenses in one year’s time (to match the dramatic drop of $8.7 million in 2011 WEF revenue) while at the same time advancing the church’s global mission.

The Response

We are providing the latest information so you will be up to date about the mission of the Church of the Nazarene. The general superintendents are asking for your prayers and support as we transition to new economic realities.

Further information about the WEF overpayment proposal can be found in a “Frequently Asked Questions” document found here.

In Closing

The present moment is filled with evangelistic and disciple-making opportunities for the Church of the Nazarene around the world. We are committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Your support makes this possible.

Please accept our gratitude for your vital role in “making Christlike disciples in the nations.”

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Our email address is bgs@nazarene.org.

Note: All funds expressed in U.S. Dollars.
Related: WEF Overpayment Frequently Asked Questions