One of the great privileges we have as a church family is to be involved in supporting ministries that share our passion to see the work of Jesus being put into practice both here and in other parts of the world. To this end the Church board recently approved a new formal giving policy which can be seen below.

Each year we have the opportunity to review the list of organizations to which we will give in the year to come. 2007 however is a special year in that we get to create the list for the first time. Please take a few minutes to review the policy and the proposed list of organizations.  If you have any comments or additions to suggest then please e-mail Pastor Jonathan. The Board will prepare a final list for the congregation to approve in January.

You will see we are also going to bring together a missions group that will keep the church family up to date on the ministries we support if you would like to be part of that group please let Pastor Jonathan know.

Approved by The Board December 10 2006 

Vista Del Mar Baptist Church Missions Policy  

1)  How much will we give?

We propose the preparation of a annual giving budget to missions and outreach distributing a sum of not less than 10% of the general fund income received by the church in the previous calendar year. This budgeted giving will not prevent special designated offerings being taken as and when the leadership and church family think it appropriate. 

2)  Who will we give to?

We will seek to establish a balanced “portfolio” of giving to include works at home and overseas, local and national programs, and evangelism and relief of hardship. (Although we recognize this may not be achieved immediately)  

We will seek organizations and initiatives that are in sympathy with our basis of faith and our desire to see God glorified and the gospel preached even if direct evangelism is not part of their operation. 

As far as it is possible we will focus on a small number of causes so as to maximize the impact of our giving.  

We will also seek out causes where we can have personal contact, build relationships and have regular participation in our church life. 

Each year a portion of the sum designated for distribution shall be held in reserve to enable the church to respond to emergencies and disasters that occur during the year. Should this remain at the end of the year the missions group will allocate the funds as they see fit.  

3)  How will we reach this objective?

We will seek to appoint  a missions group (ideally three to five people) who will work with the pastor to maintain communication with those to whom we give and keep the congregation informed in creative ways about the people and programs we support. 

Initially the missions group will request suggestions from the congregation as to missions and organizations we should support.  The group will then prepare a list and allocation for consideration by the board each October followed by the approval by the church. The group will review the list each year when preparing allocation recommendations.