Alabaster 

Area of Emphasis: Alabaster

Through the Alabaster offering, ministries around the world receive funds to purchase property and buildings around the world (including in the United States).

Churches are encouraged to plan to receive an Alabaster offering when it is most convenient for the church calendar. These offerings are over and beyond WEF. When a local church gives these offerings through the appropriate channels, the church will receive credit for 10% given.

 

Use of Alabaster Funds

Alabaster funds are to be used for new churches to:

• Purchase a property or church building
• Purchase or build a church parsonage
• Build a church building
• Conversion of a property into a church gathering space
• Meet initial costs for renting a church meeting space for a limited period

Alabaster funds may also be used to:

• Purchase or build missionary homes
• Purchase or build regional or field missions facilities
• Build or repurpose buildings on Bible college campuses Alabaster Facts

Churches lay the foundation through Alabaster offerings for places where people worship, heal, and learn by encouraging global participation each year. Every Alabaster project is a joint effort of local contribution and labor, combined with global love and support in bringing tangible presence and a sense of long-term commitment to a community. No Alabaster funds are used for administrative costs.

Nazarenes gave US $2.8 million for Alabaster to fund projects in 2024. The Alabaster Offering is used in all six global regions.

Often, Alabaster giving goes hand in hand with Nazarene Missions Teams, who help build structures funded by Alabaster and the contributions of Nazarene Missions Teams. NMI assisted 355 Nazarene Missions Teams, comprised of 4,664 participants for projects.

 

How are Alabaster offerings received?

The Alabaster Offering gets to the mission field via several avenues. The most widely used is the Alabaster Box. Individuals are challenged to regularly contribute the cost of items they desire but do not need. The boxes also serve as reminders to pray for those people who will benefit from Alabaster buildings.

The semi-annual offerings in September and February are tradition in the Church of the Nazarene. Many churches receive regular offerings throughout the year that are designated as Alabaster funds. (This is often a part of the Faith Promise plan for missions giving.)

Access an Alabaster icon and promotional videos here: https://nubo.nazarene.org/index.php/s/ge9TQmPaQ8ZzLco