Support

Approved persons will be expected to have their own financial resources for the ministry trip. Support will not be provided from the field. Deputation among churches is specifically prohibited. Monthly pledges may not be received, and pledge certificates will not be issued to the churches or individuals contributing support.

STMA Account

A financial account is opened for each minister approved for overseas ministry through STMA. To receive Assemblies of God World Ministries Giving Credit and tax receipts, all offerings must be channeled through this account.

According to the IRS, all monies sent to this account are considered missions funds. Monies given by donors and designated for missions ministry of an individual are not personal funds, but missions funds.

Five percent of all offerings processed and/or received through AGWM will be reserved for the AGWM General Emergency Fund in accordance with the General Council Bylaws, Article XVII, Section 9., e., 1997.

Use of Funds

Funds may only be used for direct fares to and from the field, plus on-field travel, living and ministry expenses. Additional stops for sight-seeing and shopping are personal expense. In accordance with IRS rules, only locations of invitation for official ministry or required stopover points (due to air travel schedule) will be considered legitimate for financial reimbursement from the account. A travel reimbursement or advance will be made only after official approval of trip and only as funds are available in the account.

Reports

To AGWM. Upon completion of the overseas ministry trip, the minister using missions funds is required to submit to AGWM a complete financial report to be kept on file for review by the General Council auditor and, if required, by the IRS. An “Expense Report” form is provided by the STMA office.

To IRS. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing volunteer services on behalf of the AGWM may be considered contributions, to be reported on Schedule A of one’s personal tax return, based on the instructions of the Internal Revenue Service. The minister should consult IRS publications or a competent tax preparer concerning the method and appropriate records needed to utilize this potential deduction. No receipt is issued by AGWM for unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses.