MBMSI Funding Model Print E-mail
Relational and Undesignated Funding Within MBMS International: A Blended Model

For many years, MB churches in North America have given generously to support God’s worldwide ministry through MBMS International. The historic funding model has been that MB churches give undesignated funds out of which all MBMS International projects and personnel, both missionaries and administration staff, are supported. The amount given by the churches was based on a suggested amount per member. 

MBMS International is still encouraging churches to give according the suggested amount of $100 per member annually.  However, during recent years people within MB churches have been less inclined to give toward undesignated funding. This trend is reflected in a wide variety of financial matters in our churches as well as in our society. It has become a strong cultural value today that people identify and be relationally linked to what they are contributing to financially.

In response to this value, MBMS International has recently adopted a blended funding model which includes relational giving. At the US MB Conventions in 2004, this new model was affirmed by the constituency and is presently being implemented.

The relational funding model is a blended model allowing for both undesignated and relational giving.  Churches may wish to designate a portion of their giving toward specific missionaries or projects.  Relational funding is designed to strengthen the relationship between MBMS International missionaries and the MB churches which support them – especially when funding new missionaries from their own church or district/region.

Churches are also encouraged to continue to give undesignated gifts.  Together as a denomination, we are committed to doing many exciting things.  These gifts are used to support:
•    A portion of the training cost of new missionaries.
•    New mission work in places like North Africa and North India.
•    Missionaries who have not yet reached full relational funding.
•    Projects in countries like India, Congo, Lithuania and Germany that extend the mission of the church.
•    International Missionaries that have been sent by other MB Conferences like Colombia and Congo to serve in MBMS International Church planting teams outside of their home country.
•    A portion of the North America global dispatch staff team.

We want to embrace both the churches who desire to give undesignated funds and the churches who wish to add relational giving patterns.  Without the flexibility of relational giving, we would have been unable to send out many of the new missionaries.  Without the ongoing undesignated giving of churches, we would not have the resources to continue existing project commitments, support missionaries being sent by other MB conferences, or support our NA global dispatch team.

Thank you for your ongoing support of God’s work through MBMS International.  Your Regional Mobilizer is equipped to further resource you with additional information, contact them by calling 1-888-866-6267 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What are the recommended giving guidelines?

MBMS International recommends $100 per member annually.

2. Can we remain 100% undesignated in our giving?

Yes.  If your church wishes to remain giving 100% undesignated, MBMS International encourages you to continue to give as you have in the past.

3. Can we move to 100% relational giving?

We are encouraging churches not to move 100% to relational giving but to continue giving a portion of their budget undesignated (at least 25%) to help with costs for missionaries who have not reached full relational funding yet, projects in countries where MBMS International is involved in ministry, new mission efforts, training of new missionaries, etc.

4. When should we introduce relational giving?

Relational giving can be introduced when you have individuals from within your church who are new missionaries with MBMS International or if your church has a relationship with a current MBMS International missionary or interest in a certain project or country.

5. How does the new funding model impact our church's mission budget for MBMS International?

There have been some misunderstandings about relational giving in MB churches where the funds designated for MBMS International missions have been moved to relational funding of other mission organizations.  The new funding model does not change your church's mission budget for MBMS International. The new model provides opportunity for designated or relational gifts to specific MBMS International projects or missionaries.

6. How do we get a list of missionaries and projects?

You can receive a list of missionaries and projects by contacting the MBMS International office and requesting a current “People and Projects” Guide.  You can also visit the MBMS International website at www.mbmsi.org.
 
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