Partners’ Circle expands Cooperative Ministries participation

Although Cooperative Ministries is most often thought about in terms of congregational giving, the Brethren in Christ Church regularly benefits from the generous support of individuals whose vision for ministry extends beyond the local congregation. In fact, without much effort on the denomination’s part, individuals contribute an average of about $100,000 a year in support of church-wide ministries. (This is in addition to the close to $600,000 in personal gifts to BICWM programs and missionaries.) However, up to this point, the denomination has not been very intentional in its efforts to encourage individual giving to Cooperative Ministries. But that has changed in 2008.

With the introduction of a new giving initiative titled the Partners’ Circle, we are stepping up our efforts to encourage individuals to support of the ministries of the General Church – and not just with their pocketbooks. Members of the Partners’ Circle, in addition to their financial gifts of $1,000 or more, commit to regular, fervent prayer for the programs and priorities of the BIC Church. They also agree to act as advocates on behalf of Cooperative Ministries within their local congregations.

Contributions by congregations through Cooperative Ministries make up about 70 percent of the General Church’s operating support. For the rest, we look to individuals who recognize the joy and privilege of generous giving. Gifts from members of the Partners’ Circle help bridge the gap between what congregations contribute to the General Church through CM and the vision priorities to which God has called the North American Brethren in Christ Church. The impact of their participation is significant.

So please consider joining the Partners’ Circle today. U.S. donors can give online at bic-church.org. Canadian donors should direct their gifts through the Canadian Conference office. Then watch what God will do through your giving.

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