FAQs

WHY IS GIVING SO IMPORTANT?

In Matthew 6:21 and 24 Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” In Luke 6:38 He says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Giving is a way we show our appreciation to God. Furthermore, our giving enables the vital work of ministry to be accomplished.

WHY DO WE GIVE?

Why do we give? Giving is a privilege. We give because we love God. The storehouse spoken of in Malachi 3:10 is what we consider the local church. By bringing our monies together, God’s work is done effectively. In the newly formed church of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15, “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.”

WHAT IS A TITHE?

“Tithe” means “tenth” or 10 percent. Leviticus 27:30 says, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” In Malachi 3:8-10 God speaks to His people, “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

WHAT IS AN OFFERING?

We believe that we are stewards of what God has given us. Therefore, we see tithing as giving back what already belongs to God back to God, that He owns 100% but lets us keep 90%. Any amount above 10% is considered an offering to God. This type of giving is over and above and should also be done with cheerfulness.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TITHE AND AN OFFERING?

A tithe is giving the first 10% of your gross income as defined by Malachi 3:10. An offering is given above and beyond the tithe.

WHAT ARE FSWM BELIEFS ABOUT MONEY?

We believe that giving is the way we receive our needs met. We believe as Christians, we operate in a Kingdom of God system, that as the Children of Israel in the land of Goshen, God protects His children from famine and the world’s economic environment. God used Joseph to lead and protect His people during an economic meltdown. While many suffered lack, God’s people flourished. We believe we are only blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. We further believe that as a result of living a blessed life, we can further live as a witness of God’s love to a world without hope.

WHAT IS WORD-OF-FAITH AND DOES THIS CHURCH TEACH A PROSPERITY GOSPEL?

The Word of Faith message is a long-standing Christian theology that holds the belief that God wants His children to be spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially blessed, and that prosperity in ALL areas of one’s life is an outward sign of the fulfillment of God’s promises contained in the Bible. This serves as a living testament and proof of God’s word, when it manifests in our lives. We believe in the Word of God, and that His Word declares God’s desire to bless His people. This applies to the spiritual, physical, emotional and financial well-being of one’s life and family. These blessings and prosperity are then to be used to bless and be shared with others. For instance, if there is happiness in one’s home, it should be shared with another’s. We do not describe or associate this ministry as teaching and preaching a “prosperity gospel,” especially if the term solely equates blessing to single financial gain.

DOES FSWM SUPPORT MISSIONS?

Yes. We value every penny spent at FSWM to be mission spending, whether domestic or abroad. The Annual Budget also supports contributions to international and local missions, charities, benevolence, and scholarships.

WHAT ARE FSWM FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS?

FSWM believes and practices financial integrity. Faith Soldiers Word Ministries, Inc. finance department is held accountable by a strict set of multiple internal controls and is audited annually by the Internal Revenue Service and an independent CPA firm based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

DOES FSWM HAVE A REPORT SHOWING WHERE ALL THE MONEY GOES?

Yes. An annual report is available showing financial and ministry information from the previous year, however this information is only available to active, regular tithing members of FSWM.

DOES FSWM SEND CONTRIBUTION NOTICES TO ITS TITHERS AND GIVERS?

Yes, upon request, contribution notices are mailed at the beginning of the year. Additionally, members may view their contributions anytime online here or by contacting the church office by calling (704) 567-2128.