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Frequently Asked Questions |
Purpose 1. Why 21 months? 2. Why now? 3. What is the goal of this effort? 4. How does debt retirement allow for more ministry? 5. How will we evaluate this campaign? 6. What is our financial plan? Ministry/Personal  7. What is a faith ministry/personal pledge? 8. What is expected of me? Is there anything I should do personally to prepare? 9. Is my faith personal pledge confidential? 10. What do we do with the faith ministry/personal pledge? 11. What do I do when the prayer is answered, when I experience that breakthrough? Giving 12. Will there be other giving challenges like missions giving? 13. Why go to all this effort if all we really need is to write a cheque? 14. May I participate with gifts other than cash? 15. How much do I give? 16. What are some giving strategies? 17. How do I know if I’m giving the right amount? 18. How long do I have to fulfill my commitment? 19. Is my commitment a contract or can it be changed if circumstances change? 20. Will my commitment be confidential? 21. It is alright to divide what I now give to the church for the regular giving and this campaign? 22. How do I give my pledged amount? 23. I am currently servicing my home mortgage loan. How do I balance between servicing my home loan and the Breakthrough Faith Pledge? Others 24. I got a loan (e.g. study loan) which I'm paying it off monthly, leaving me with little savings. How do I get the funds to participate in Breakthrough Faith Pledge? 25. How can I learn more about Breakthrough and/or get involved? 26. Who are the current members of the Breakthrough planning team? |
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Purpose |
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1. Why 21 months? 
We needed a timeframe that can meet our three campaign objectives and integrate major outreach seasons. 2. Why now?
We have just emerged from a rousing and faith-filled church camp. People are refreshed and spiritually charged. Now is the time to launch a campaign. 3. What is the goal of this effort?
It is tempting to focus solely on a numerical goal, the more vital effort is spiritual. We will embark on a spiritual process both as a collective body and individually. When we mature spiritually because of Breakthrough, it will result in improved relationships, saved marriages, deepening commitment to Christ, increased servanthood and greater willingness to provide tithes and sacrificial gifts. 4. How does debt retirement allow for more ministry?
As anyone who has borrowed money to buy a home knows, we repay monthly to pay down the balance of the loan. With our current mortgages, we allocate over half million dollars a year to make these loan payments. Currently our payments to the bank have been mainly interest. Without the aid of this campaign we need to take dollars out of ministry to cover debt. Imagine what that extra half million dollars will do each year to increase our ability to reach our community. All we have to do is pay off the existing debt to release the money to do God’s work. We want to gift our city with community ministry and to gift the countries with churches.
5. How will we evaluate this campaign?
There are three campaign milestones – Feb 2006, Sep 2006 and Apr 2007. Each milestone is 7 months in duration. 6. What is our financial plan?
Step 1: Conduct the campaign. The financial plan will focus on giving over and above the regular weekly giving and offerings. This will allow us to retire long-term debt without short changing annual ministry. Our goal is to have $3.8 million pledged and received over the next 21 months. Step 2: Our departments and ministries will be watching our spending carefully. |
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Ministry/Personal |
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7. What is a faith ministry/personal pledge?
A faith ministry pledge is directed toward ministry goals like to join a church website team, to birth a new Care group within 7 months or to raise up two new leaders within 12 months and others. A faith personal pledge refer to breakthrough you want to experience in your life example restoration of a strained marriage, healing from physical illness, a financial lack and others. 8. What is expected of me? Is there anything I should do personally to prepare?
Familiarise yourself with the vision – Do take time to review all the materials we have produced. Our part is to “write the vision” and make it plain. Your part is to “read the vision” and run with it. A clear understanding of our purpose positions you to experience a breakthrough. Ask questions about our vision, goals and ministries. Ask questions and be informed. Take time to seek God’s will to make a difference in your life and in your involvement in our church. Intercede & pray – Intercede for God’s blessings on Breakthrough. Pray for His blessings on our endeavour. Pray for God to help you put Him first in all things. Pray for God to make clear to you and your family’s part in fulfilling His vision for our church. Pray for guidance and wisdom regarding what you may do in your life and in your family’s life to develop a sacrificial gift. Ask God, “what part do you want me to play to accomplish your purpose in Hope Church Singapore?” Thanksgiving – adopt an attitude of thanksgiving. Be thankful for what we have and remember that it is God who gives us the ability and power to produce wealth. Recognise that all we have belong to Him, and we are merely stewards. Re-surrender the possessions God has given us. “Everything comes from You, and we have given only what comes from Your hand” (1 Cor 29:14). Hold them up before God and ask, “Lord, what of the possessions you have given me do you want to earmark for our church? Show me.” Hear and obey – As you ask God and hear from Him, whatever He says, simply obey. Allow this to become a period of growth and a time of revival in your own life. This is the result of honestly re-submitting everything within your life to be used by God for His purposes and obediently responding to any direction He gives. 9. Is my faith personal pledge confidential?
Faith personal pledges are treated as non-confidential. If you state that your request is confidential, do state if you prefer prayer from our intercessory team or immediate leaders. 10. What do we do with the faith ministry/personal pledge?
We will pass the non-confidential personal pledges and ministry pledges to our church intercessory team and your immediate leaders for prayer. Depending on the nature of the request, additional help/counsel may also be provided by the immediate leaders. 11. What do I do when the prayer is answered, when I experience that breakthrough?
Rejoice, thank God and celebrate. Second, do let us know. Write in with your testimony. It will encourage the rest who are waiting for specific breakthroughs. |
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Giving |
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12. Will there be other giving challenges like missions giving?
At this point we do not foresee any additional giving requests. 13. Why go to all this effort if all we really need is to write a cheque?
If all we do is write a cheque, we may have missed the point. Breakthrough is about changed lives which, as a part, result in financial giving. If we only write cheques, then our church will have missed the riches God is willing to provide. 14. May I participate with gifts other than cash?
Yes. Securities are an excellent vehicle to use. Real estate, life insurance and other such assets can be used. You may work with your financial advisor and the church to develop a gift. If you wish to discuss alternative gifts, please contact our church office 6317 9186. 15. How much do I give?
We will not ask anyone to give a certain amount. It is a commitment between you and God. In the year 2001 many members gave a faith pledge of four months of our income. For the past two years we gave one month of salary each year. This campaign is almost a two year period meaning one could make two faith pledges with each pledge between 1 month and 4 months or more of our average monthly income. 16. What are some giving strategies?
Diverted Funds gifts Freeing up fund that are currently going to other areas of spending allows a person to increase giving to God’s work. Diverting funds from entertainment, dining out, dues, subscriptions, gifts allowances, utilities, or transportation, offers lifestyle adjustments which impact one’s giving. Delayed Expenditures The delaying of purchases allows a person to significantly increase giving. The acquisition of major items such as car and clothing or postponing trips allows substantial giving opportunities. Income-producing assets Interest income, payments from rental properties or monies from other income producing assets provide a source for increased giving. Sale of assets Sale of major assets, such as a house, car, land or business provides available income for giving. Bonuses Dedicating one’s forthcoming raises and bonuses is a creative method people have used to increase giving Freedom from debt As we look ahead into the next 21 months or beyond, we may discover that certain debt obligations such as tuition-fees loan will be fulfilled. This frees up revenue for additional giving. Unique skills income Some people have marketable hobbies or skills, which enable them to give from those new revenues. Charitable giving resources Reviewing all of one’s charitable donations in light of their impact on the Kingdom of God affords a resource for significant giving. Savings and Annuities Savings for special projects or retirement may offer a resource for increased giving. Often we realise that a portion of our savings may safely be given to the work of God’s kingdom through our church. Business Some of us may dedicate our business to God and pledge 30%, 50% or 70% of the profits to the Kingdom. People who use their business as a source for giving can make significant donations. Additional work income Taking a second job or part-time job or coming out of retirement are successful strategies people have used to increase giving. Cash flow gifts A person can give significantly by giving smaller amounts at higher frequencies. Weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly giving allows large gifts to be reached in smaller steps. 17. How do I know if I’m giving the right amount?
Only you and God will know that. We don’t provide a formula for the amount. Our commitments to God are decided privately between each of us and our loving Father, based on how each of us has been blessed by Him. The amount we pledge is not nearly as important as the process we follow to make our faith pledge commitment. It is hoped that this will be a sacrificial gift, over and above the tithe. By definition sacrificial is something you will notice as you go about your daily life. Also, it’s not equal gifts but equal sacrifice. Everyone can make a prayerful, sacrificial gift. For some it may mean to eliminate some current expenditure to increase giving. Others will delay a major expenditure. Some will find ways to increase their income in order to give. Some will give special gifts out of their assets such as shares, bonds, valuables etc. 18. How long do I have to fulfill my commitment?
The campaign period starts August 2005 runs until April 2007. The commitment you pledge can be given over this 21 month period at our church. Your contribution can be made in weekly, monthly or yearly increments. It’s entirely up to you. Pledges and payments are welcome at any time. Pledges seem to drop off a bit during the year, yet the debt and interest expenses remain the same. If you expect to be away for a few weeks, early payment of pledges would be greatly appreciated. 19. Is my commitment a contract or can it be changed if circumstances change?
It is your private, prayerful pledge to God. If your financial circumstances change for the worse over the next 21 months, you can change your giving. If they change for the better, pray about increasing your giving as well. To update your faith pledge, contact our church accountant at 6317 9186 or write in to finance@hopesingapore.org.sg 20. Will my commitment be confidential?
The accountant and our pastor will be the only ones who know your financial commitments and ongoing giving to this campaign. 21. It is alright to divide what I now give to the church for the regular giving and this campaign?
No. If you have to cut back on your regular giving to contribute to this campaign, we ask that you don’t contribute. The ongoing church ministry relies on your regular weekly tithe. 22. How do I give my pledged amount?
You can give through any of these avenues: Cash • Cheque • NETS • Internet Banking • Church Website On-line Giving By Cash 1) Put your cash into a Giving envelope with your details filled in 2) Tick “Breakthrough” on the envelope 3) Seal the envelope & drop it into the offering bag By cheque 1) Write your name, care group name and contact number on the back of the cheque 2) Put the cheque into a Giving envelope with your details filled in 3) Tick “Breakthrough” on the envelope 4) Drop it into the offering bag or white box at the reception labeled “Breakthrough” By NETS Service is available at reception counter after worship service. By Internet Banking Bank code 7339 - Bank Branch 501 - Bank Account 287775-001 By Church Website Online Giving www.hopesingapore.org.sg Should you have any other questions, please call the church office at (65) 6317 9184 or send an email to breakthrough@hopesingapore.org.sg |
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Others |
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23. I am currently servicing my home mortgage loan. How do I balance between servicing my home loan and the Breakthrough Faith Pledge?
The largest single purchase that many people make will be a home and many who buy into it will have a mortgage loan to service. In Singapore, most of us would use our CPF Ordinary Account to service the mortgage loan. In order not to miss out on the spiritual Breakthrough journey, we could continue to use the CPF Ordinary Account to service the mortgage loan and seek God on an amount to commit in cash for the Breakthrough Faith Pledge. For those who are self-employed, instead of using cash to service the home loan, consider setting aside the same amount into the CPF Ordinary Account and from there channel the funds out for mortgage repayment. This will entitle you to certain tax deductibility and in turn translate to a lower annual income tax. The tax savings could be an additional source of pledge. There are currently 2 broad categories of home loan, firstly the HDB home loan where interest rate is currently pegged at 2.6% p.a., secondly, the bank loan, where interest is usually very low in the first two years and escalates in the subsequent years. Those who are using the bank loan may look into the possibility of refinancing their loan at the end of every lock-in period, which typically ranges from one to three years. Do check and consider if there is any additional costs or fees incurred in the refinancing process. The purpose of refinancing is to secure a more favorable interest rate which translates to a lower monthly repayment. The interest savings could be an additional source of pledge. 24. I got a loan (e.g. study loan) which I'm paying it off monthly, leaving me with little savings. How do I get the funds to participate in Breakthrough Faith Pledge?
Breakthrough is about faith, faith in believing that God is a God of all possibilities. He may increase your income. He may decrease your expenses. He may lead you to a sacrifice. Pray and seek God on the various Giving Strategies listed in the FAQ no.12 above. 25. How can I learn more about Breakthrough and/or get involved?
Input from members is a critical part of the process. A kick off event will be held on 17th July 2005 and your participation is important. We will explain the importance, relevance and urgency of the project. Members of the Breakthrough campaign planning team are also available to answer your questions and hear your ideas. You can send an email to breakthrough@hopesingapore.org.sg 26. Who are the current members of the Breakthrough planning team?
Campaign Manager: Ms Kee Siew Poh. Kee is a consultant with an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). Campaign Coordinator: Mr. Mark Tan. Mark works in project management in the aerospace industry. Communication Manager: Mr. Chan Wan Leng. Wan Leng is a church staff for Family Life and for IT. Financial Advisor: Mr. Joel Chin. Joel is a Business Controller in a multi-national mining corporation. Events Coordinator: Ms Gloria Lim. Gloria works in loyalty marketing at a regional retail business. Accounting Manager: Ms Pee Lean Choo. Lean Choo is our church accountant. Campaign Advisor: Pastor Ben Lee (Pastor Johanes from Jan-Apr 2005) |
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For more information about the campaign, email to us at breakthrough@hopesingapore.org.sg |