What is changing in how Adult Class missionaries or mission organizations are supported starting September 1, 2023?

The process of allocating designated funds to support our missionaries or missions organizations is undergoing changes. The Outreach Division seeks to streamline and consolidate the support system for all missional support by taking on the responsibility of evaluating and funding all international staff or mission organizations.  Support includes any monthly, semi-regular and special Christmas offerings for missionaries or mission organizations

As part of this restructuring, adult classes will no longer be responsible for providing financial support to missionaries or mission organizations. However, they will play a vital role as liaisons between their respective missionaries or mission organizations and the Outreach Division. They will also continue to provide pastoral support to missionaries or mission organizations through activities such as prayer, correspondence, volunteer work, and more.

How will adult class missionaries be supported moving forward?

In the next fiscal year (2023-2024), each class's designated missionary or mission organizations will receive support from the Outreach Division, maintaining the current funding levels. Beginning 2024-2025, the support will be determined centrally by the Outreach Division based on the recommendations of the newly formed Global Outreach Ministry Team, which will include representatives from each adult class.

What happens to the funds that are currently in each Adult Class account?

At the beginning of August, a form will be sent to each Adult Class President. This form will provide the President with the class balance at 7/31/23 along with a list of supported missionaries and/or mission organizations.  The class President will fill in the amount to be transferred to the Outreach Ministries fund.  Forms must be received before the end of August in order for support for each class missionary or mission organizations to not be interrupted.  Funds for class expenses will no longer be carried over at the end of the fiscal year.  The classes may be allowed to reallocate their balance to another fund of their choice under special circumstances subject to the approval of the Finance Committee.

If our class missionary or mission organization has a financial emergency, what should we do?

Bring the emergency to the attention of the Global Missions Outreach Ministry Team.  They will determine if any additional gift can be made from our available funds.  If we do not have funding available, they will try to mobilize funding through special campaigns or through outside channels.

What if our class wants to send funds to a relief effort or other non-profit?

Individual contributions should be made directly to the outside non-profit and not pass through the church.

If the Global Missions Outreach Ministry Team decides to reduce support to my class missionary, can my Adult Class pick up the difference?

Individuals are welcome to make up the difference by giving directly to the outside non-profit connected to the missionary or mission organization.  The Global Missions Outreach Ministry Team will evaluate support to ensure each missionary or missions organization is in alignment with the goals, strategies, and policies of the church’s Global Outreach Department. Since 2014, missional support has prioritized the unreached, Muslim people groups, Bible translation, church planting, and national worker development.

How can the church family know who are LAC missionaries now and in the future? How can Classes know if a missionary or missions organization is still supported after Fiscal Year 2024?

The Outreach Division recognizes the importance of keeping the congregation informed about our missionaries or mission organizations and the support they receive. As part of our efforts, we will provide periodic updates to the congregation regarding our missionaries and how they are being supported. These updates will include information about their activities, challenges, and progress in their respective missions, as well as details about the financial support they receive from the Outreach Division. Our aim is to foster a sense of connection and engagement within the congregation, allowing them to stay connected with the missionaries and their work.

Missionary identities and information is sensitive.  What can be shared is a summary of giving by ministry focus.  Additional information on current outreach support is posted on the first floor of the Family Life Building. See pie chart.

LAC 2023 Summary of Missions Giving by Ministry Focus

Will Adult Classes still have an account for non-missions expenses?

Classes will still have an account for fee income or reimbursing of expenses.  These are not tax-deductible gifts to LAC and are only to be used for class-related business.  Should there be a need for scholarships or class member care, Class Presidents should request support through the church’s benevolence fund.  The Benevolence Committee can be reached at .

Starting Fiscal Year 2025, remaining class balances greater than $3,000 will be transferred to the outreach ministries fund.  If there is an event in the planning stage and funds are being raised, an exception to this policy can be requested of the Finance Committee within the Elder Council.

Can I still give to my Adult Class?

Yes.  But again, the intent is to fund other specific Class events and not missionaries or missions organizations.  Adult Classes will only be able to receive funds as fees or reimbursement of class expenses and are not tax deductible.  At the end of Fiscal Year 2024, Adult Class balances greater than $3,000 will be transferred to the general fund. A different online payment process will be setup for classes.  Throughout Fiscal Year 2024, donors designating funds to an adult class will be informed of the change and given the option to transfer their contribution to the Outreach Ministry Fund or other existing ministry.