3

God’s people have always struggled with the dilemma of living by faith or by fear. This was certainly true when God’s people were traveling from the land of Egypt to the Promised Land. After the spies came back with the report that the land was filled with huge giants, the people of Israel were confronted with a dilemma: Do we live by faith and go forward, or do we live by fear and go around? Do we trust what we see or what we can’t see? Despite the fact that the same God who had delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians was the same God who promised to deliver them into the Promised Land, the people chose to live by fear instead of faith. Unfortunately that choice delayed entry to the Promised Land for a generation. This dilemma of faith or fear is no more evident than in the area of financial stewardship. I be-lieve this is the number 1 area where most Christians will give in to fear and not live by faith! One important fact I have learned as a pastor is that it takes money to do ministry. It takes money to construct a church building, to pay for utilities, to hire staff, or to offer services to our community. Giving is a pathway to build up one’s faith. God realized that giving was an exercise of faith when He invited His people to partner with Him in giving to build the Tabernacle. The LORD said to Moses,

2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me gifts. Receive for me the gifts each person wants to give. 3 These are the gifts that you should receive from them: gold, silver, bronze; 4 blue, purple, and red thread; fine linen, goat hair, 5 sheepskins that are dyed red; fine leather; acacia wood; 6 olive oil to burn in the lamps; spices for sweet-smelling incense, and the special olive oil poured on a person’s head to make him a priest; 7 onyx stones, and other jewels to be put on the holy vest and the chest covering. 8 “The people must build a holy place for me so that I can live among them. 9 Build this Holy Tent and everything in it by the plan I will show you. (Exodus 25:1-9)

This dilemma of choosing to manage our finances by faith or fear still exists today. Our world promotes selfishness, excess and greed. When people hang on to nearly 100% of everything they earn and keep it for themselves or their families, this is selfishness and greed. Few people think they are greedy, yet they live out the definition of greed (an excessive desire for more) each day. When we refuse to give our financial gifts to God, we are choosing to live our lives and handle our finances without God’s blessing, without God’s direction, without God’s help. It is as if we are saying we can do better with our money on our own. What a mistake! We NEED God’s blessing upon our personal finances! We NEED God’s direction on how to spend the money he has provided to us. We NEED to trust Him and live by faith and not by fear! I remember several years ago when General Baptists were commissioning our very first mission-ary to China. Josh Hammond was a young man fresh out of college. I remember sitting back in awe of this young man’s passion and call to world missions. As I sat back praying for Josh and the road that lay ahead for him, I was also thanking God that I had not been called to minister in China but at a church in Springfield, Illinois. And even though Springfield, Illinois was a long way from China, I asked God to help me lead my church to one day be a church that would give $100,000 to General Baptist Ministries so that more missionaries just like Josh could be sent to places just like China. General Baptists must make some important decisions. On a personal level, each of us must decide whether we have the faith to partner with our local church so our own communities will be impacted with the gospel Christ. On the local level, each church must decide if it has enough faith to invest in the network of churches called General Baptist by giving so that more churches can be started and more people equipped for ministry in America and around the world. Pastors need to ask if they are casting the vision and leading their congregations to see the bigger picture of General Baptists doing together what we cannot do alone. Will we manage our personal and church finances by faith or by fear?

4

5

Stewardship.

Yes it is about money! No that’s not all there is to it! In the feature section you will find an introduction to the 2014 Mission One Theme of Stewardship. Some pages have been devoted to money issues. Others have been given to address time, talents, and lifestyle choices.

All have been designed to encourage Christian stewardship as a hallmark of the maturing disciple.

Additional Mission One resources including sermon starters, small group resources, and a host of other stewardship related items will be added to our Mission One website throughout the fall. Please check www.gbMissionOne.org for current resources.

7

hy do pastors always talk about money atchurch?” It’s a question I’m askedevery now and then when someonefindsoutI’mapastor. WhenIaskwhattheymean,theysay that when they go to church itseems like their pastor always talksaboutthefinancialneedsofthechurchright before the collection plate ispassed eachweek, and asks peopletogivemoremoneytohelpmeetthoseneeds. On top of that, pastors preachsermons about money from time totime,andsomeofthosesermonsalsoseemmeanttomotivatepeopletogivemoretothechurch. In essence, what they’re sayingis they believe that pastors talk somuchaboutmoney,andtheyasktheirpeopletogivesooften,that itmakesthem feel uncomfortable about howtheymanage theirownfinances,andalittleguiltyabouthowmuch,orlittle,theygivetothechurch. Sowhydopastorsandchurchestalkaboutmoney?Isitmeanttomakepeople feel uncomfortable or guilty?Dowedoittoomuch?Herearethreereasonswhypastorstalkaboutmoneyatchurch. ThreeReasonsWhyPastorsTalkAboutMoney1. Toinvitepeopletohelpthechurch

fulfill her calling to impact thecommunityandworld.

Whenpeopleaskmewhypastors

always talk about money, I usuallybeginmyreplybyjokinglysaying, “Ifyouthinkpastorstalktoomuchabout money at church, you shouldseewhattheydoatthegrocerystore.Every single time I go there and putsomethinginmycart,theyaskmeformoney. AndwhenIgoto thedoctor,he asksme for money too. When I

gotothegasstation,theyaskmeformoney. When I go to themovies orouttodinner,theyaskmeformoney.Come to think of it, wherever I go,peopleareaskingmeformymoneyinexchange for some service that theyprovideforme.”

My point is this: No business,organization, or ministry surviveswithout money. Businesses chargetheir customers for the products andservices they receive. Churches donot (though they may charge a feefor a particular class or workshop).Instead,churchesinvitepeopletogivetomeet their financial needsso theycan accomplish theworkGod calledthem to do, and serve people whocannotrepay. Our ultimate goal as pastors inaskingpeople togive isnot tomakebudget,saveforanewbuilding,fundprograms,oremploystaff. Weneedtoshowpeoplehowtheirtithesmakeareal–andeternal–differenceinthelivesof real people through thedailyministryof thechurch inside the fourwalls,acrossthestreet,acrosstown,andacrosstheworld.2. Jesus talked about money a lot!

Infact.... • Jesustalkedaboutmoneymore

than He talked about heavenandhellcombined.

• Jesustalkedaboutmoneymorethan anything else except theKingdomofGod.

• 11 of 39 parables talk aboutmoney.

• OneoutofeverysevenversesintheGospelofLuketalksaboutmoney.

• About 25 percent of Jesus’teaching in theGospels relatestomoney,stewardship,andthe

By Rich Avery

8

resources He has chosen to entrust to them. Few make a priority commitment to give from the heart. Most of us just “tip” God by dropping a few coins or bills in the plate here and there. I believe pastors and churchesprobably wouldn’t need to ask formoney if all Christians gave at leastthe10%tithe.Ourchurchhastestedthis assumption by holding a “TithingDemonstration Weekend” once ayear,whereweaskeveryone to tithe10% of the income they earned thatweek.Ourgoalwastoseehowmuchmoneywouldbereceivedifeveryonetithed. We’ve found that our incomeincreasedbynearly50%! We also challenged non-titherstoa90dayTithingChallenge togivetithingatryfor90daysandseewhatwouldhappenintheirlivesasaresult.Afterthechallenge,weheardamazingstories of how people grew in theirfaithandwatchedGodprovidefortheirneedswhentheycommittedtogivingHimatleast10%. Of course, if youcan’t give10%,youcanstartwhereyoucanandtrytoaddapercentevery4-6monthsuntilyou get there. But don’t stop there.Keep on going, and growing, in thegraceofgiving. I don’t know how it is at yourchurchwhenthepastorannouncesitistimefortheoffering,butatourchurch,peopleapplaudandcheernowwhenthe time comes. Why? One simplereason:becauseGodlovesacheerfulgiver, and more and more people inour church are learning to give withgratitude,fromtheheart(2Corinthians9:7).

Reprintedbypermissionofwww.MoneyWisePastor.com

resourcesGodhasgivenus. WhydidJesustalksomuchaboutmoney?Because…3. There is a direct correlation

between what we do with ourmoneyandwhatwetrulybelieve.

Jesus said, “Where yourtreasure is, there will your heartbe also” (Luke 12:34). In otherwords,where and how we spend our money is a reflection of where our heart is.

Aspastors,wehaveanopportunitytonotjustaskpeopletogive,butalsoaGod-givenobligation toshow themhowtoearnit,saveit,andgiveitinawaythathonorsGod.That’swhyalotofchurchesoffermoneymanagementclassesandcoaching. I think we can all agree that theworlddoesnottellushowtospendourmoneyaccordingtobiblicalprinciples.So where else will we hear this? Itneedstocomefromthechurch. But if you think pastors andchurchestalktoomuchaboutmoney,and ask people to give too often,considerthesefacts: • Only4%ofAmericanstithe(give

10% of their income to theirchurch) according to a 2011surveybytheBarnaGroup.

• 25% of American Christiansgave away no money at all(accordingtoa2008ChristianityToday article – from which thefollowingpointsarealsotaken).

• Theaverageregularlyattendingchurchgoergives6%ofafter-taxincome(butitwasnotedthatthisfigureisskewedbyahandfulofverygenerousgivers).

• The median annual giving foranAmericanChristianis$200–justoverhalfapercentofafter-taxincome!

• About5%ofAmericanChristiansprovide 60% of the moneychurches receive (it’s thesepeople who skew the averagementionedabove).

What this tells us, I believe, is that few Christians really believe that their money belongs to God and that they are stewards of the

9

ougive10%ofyour income toyourchurchand to the needy. You also save 20% of your pay for retirement,investments,andforarainyday.Isthereanythingwrongwiththatarrangement? If you’re aChristian, theremight be. Jesuswas veryspecificonthispoint. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will bealso”(Matthew6:21NIV). Weknowweshouldsavemoney,butit’salsoamatterofdegree–iftoomuchtreasuregoesintosavings,itcouldbetakingourheartswithit!Notgood. Thiswillalwaysbeasourceoftensionforthebeliever,andIthinkitwasmeanttobethatway.

The Good Side of Saving Money Wecanfindnumerousverses in theBiblesupportingthe ideaofsavingmoney.ThebookofProverbs is fullofthem,soweknowthatsavingisbothgoodandnecessary.Considerwhatitcandoforusasbelievers: 1. Helps us not be a burden to others. Byhavingasufficientamountofmoneysaved,weavoidbeing a burden to our loved ones and to the communityaroundus. 2. We’ll have more money to give. Themoreexcessmoney(savings) thatyouhave, themore generous you can afford to be in helping others.There’ll always be needs and the needy in the world(Matthew26:11),andtherewillalwaysneedtobepeoplewhoareinapositiontohelp. 3. Minimizes worldly stressors. Worry is a false idol that draws our attention awayfromGod.Havingsomemoneysavedcanhelptoreducesourcesofstress,keepingourmindsandourlivesfreetofocusonourfaith. Obviouslythere’salotofgoodthatcomesfromhavingextramoney,evenforabeliever.

The Dark Side of Saving MoneyWhenitcomestosavings,wehavetoaskthequestion,howmuchisenough?That’satoughcall,butitispossiblefortheperpetualpursuitofhavingevermoremoneytobecomeapersonalobsession. 1. Becoming your own favorite charity.

The popular phrase in the financial world is “payyourself first” when it comes to savingmoney. Theword“yourself”istheoperativewordinthedirective,puttingtheentireemphasisonsatisfyingyourneedsfirst.Afterpayingtaxesandnecessaryexpenses,eachofushaveacertainamountofdisposableincomethatwecandirecttovariousneeds.Ifpayingourselvesbecomesthepriority,whatdoesthatsayaboutus?Whatdoesitsayaboutourfaith? 2. Believing that money equals security. Itispossibletoconvinceourselvesthatthepurposeforhaving a lot ofmoney saved is to give ourselves “a littlesecurity” in life– thatsounds less likeaquest for riches,doesn’t it? But how much security can money actuallyprovide?Isthereapointatwhichthepursuitofmonetarysecuritycompeteswiththejourneytowardeternalsecurity?Probably,andthat’ssomethingweneedtothinkabout. 3. The world calls a heavy emphasis on saving “good.” Thewayof theworld isallabout theaccumulationofmoney.Butwehavetobeverywaryofpursuingthethingstheworldcallsgood.Wheneveryonearoundusispursuingthesamegoal,wecaneasilybecomesweptupinthateffortandlosesightofthefactthatwehaveadifferentpurposeintheworld. 4. Neglecting needs all around you. Noneofuscanaddressalloftheneedsaroundus.Butatthesametime,wecanneglectmorethanweshouldifwegettoocaughtupintheclimbforabiggerpileofsavings. “Ifanyonehasmaterialpossessionsandseesabrotherorsisterinneedbuthasnopityonthem,howcantheloveofGodbeinthatperson?Dearchildren,letusnotlovewithwordsorspeechbutwithactionsandintruth”(1John3:17-18NIV). Itispreciselybecausebuildingupwealthissonormal,soencouraged,thatweneedtostepbackandaskourselvesifourwaysaretoocloselyparallelingthoseofthesecularworld.

Why it’s Good to Give as Much as You Can While recognizing the fact that we do need to savesomemoney,itisalsoasignoffaithwhenwefeelfreeto

By Kevin Mercadante

10

givemoney away, secure in the knowledge thatGodwillprovideforus. 1. It’s important to trust God rather than “pay yourself first.” Weprobablydon’t thinkabout thisoften,butastrongemphasisonsavingmoneycouldbemaskingalackoffaithinGod.Ifwealwaysneedtohavemoremoneyputaway,itcanbeanindicationwedo not entirely trust God to provide for us.Thereisadividinglinehere–Jesustoldusthatwe“cannotservebothGodandmoney”(Matthew6:24NIV). 2. It helps us be the hands and feet of God. IfGodhas blessed uswith any degree of prosperity,there’ssomuch thatwecando tobehishandsand feetintheworld.AsJesussaid,“Fromeveryonewhohasbeengivenmuch,muchwillbedemanded;andfromtheonewhohasbeenentrustedwithmuch,muchmorewillbeasked”(Luke 12:48 NIV). Do we take that seriously, especially

whenitcomestomoney? 3. The world will know us by our deeds. How great a witnesswill you be if you are a personof modest means, but one who gives generously? Thatcombination is downright countercultural – when peoplesee it theywillhave toaskwhy.They’llknow that there’ssomethingdifferent about you. If they know that you’re aChristian,yourwitnesswillbegreaterthananywordsthatcancomeoutofyourmouth. Idon’tthinkthatthere’sanymagicformulahere,suchasgivingawayonedollarforeverydollarthatyousaveforyourself.But is it possible to save toomuch,and togivetoo little – and all the while seeing no problemwith thatarrangement?

Thisarticlereprintedwiththepermissionofwww.thechristiandollar.com.

11

o be a good steward you have to recognize your relationshiptothingsthatyouhave.Whenyouthink ofthepossessionsyouhaveasyourownandthatnoonewilldictatetoyouhowtohandlethemorusethem,thenyouarenotbeingagoodsteward.Theproperrelationshipto things is tounderstand thateverythingbelongs toGodand thatyouhavebeengiven them tomanageonGod’sbehalf. Here are seven tips forChristianswhowant to haveabetterunderstandingofstewardshipandhow tohandlemoney. 1. Tithe to the Lord Therearedifferingthoughtsabouthowthetitheshouldbegivenorused today (sinceChrist’sdeath);however, itisclear thatweare tohaveanattitudethatwhatweowncomesfromtheLordandtogiveaportionbacktoHimisarecognitionofthatfact.Whetheryouascribetostorehousetithingandastrict10%,oryougiveaccordingtothewayGodhasblessedyou,weshouldgivecheerfullyandthankfully(2Corinthians9:7).EverythingwehaveisbecausetheLordhasblesseduswithit.OutofobedienceandloveweoughttobewillingtogivebacktoHimwithconfidencethatHewilltakecareofourneeds. 2. Don’t Get Into Debt Proverbs 22:7 “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” TheBibledoesnotforbiddebt.However,itteachesvery

stronglythatit isunwisetogetintodebt.Livingwithinourmeansisspendingwhatwemakeandcanafford.Itseemscompletelyunchristianandunethical tospendmoneythatwedon’town.However,weareguiltyofdoingitallthetime.Whenweputsomethingoncredit,orborrowmoneytobuysomething,thenwearenotlivingwithinyourmeans. Unfortunately,itseemsnormalintoday’sculturetolivefortodaywhilepresuminguponthefuture.Certainlyitisnotwrongtoplanforthe future. But James4:13-16 tells us thatwe should plan basedon God’s will with theunderstanding that ourlife is short and that wecannot control what willcometomorrow.Livingconstantlyindebtisapresumptionuponmoneywearenotguaranteedtohave. 3. Get Out of Debt as Quickly as Possible Psalm 37:21 “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.” Proverbs22:7saysthathewhoborrowsfromanotherbecomes the servant to the lender. How can you hopetoserveGodanddowhateverHeasksofyou if youarebeholden toabank for thenext 6 years (or indefinitely)?Youarenot free to serveGodasHewishes if youhave

ByDavidPeach

12

anobligation toanothermaster; yetnotpaying thisothermasterwouldbewrong.Ifyouareindebtthenyoushouldworkasquicklyasyoucantogetoutofdebtbypayingitoff. 4. Manage God’s Possessions

Colossians 1:16, 17 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Godownseverything;youandIaresimplystewards of what God has granted intoour possession. As stewards, we shouldbe faithful to God (1 Corinthians 4:2) andmanagewhatHehasentrusted tous.Theparable of the master who left variouspossessions to his servants (the Parableof theTalents) is a great illustration of ourrelationship to the Lord and the thingsHeentrusts to us (Matthew 25:14-30). In thestorythemasterrewardedtheservantswhousedhismoneywisely.Theonewhodidnotwaspunished.HowareyouusingwhatGodhasentrustedtoyou? 5. Accept Your Current Position 1 Timothy 6:7-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation

be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” A sign of Christianmaturity is to be content with thethings youhave.Alwayswantingmoredisplaysa lackoftrust in the Lord.That does notmean that it iswrong toworkhardertobetteryourpositionandconditioninlife,butit should not bewhat drives you.Your drive andpassionshouldbesquarelyplacedintheknowledgethatGodisincontrolandthatHewillcareforyourneeds. 6. Seek His Kingdom Matthew 6:31-34 “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Make God and His will first priority in your life andHewill supply theneeds youhave.These versesdonotpromisegreatwealth,buttheydopromiseaFatherwhoispersonallyconcernedforyourneeds.Wouldn’tyouratherhaveaGodwhocaresforyouthantohaveallthemoneyintheworldwithoutanunderstandingofwhocontrolsitall?

Godismorethanabletodomuchmorethanyoucaneverdream. 7. Involve Your SpouseItissodifficulttocontrolmoneyandspendingifyouarenotboth inagreement tohowmoneyshouldbeused inyourfamilyandmarriage.Asisoftenthecase,oppositesattract.Manytimesthereisasaverandaspenderinamarriage.ThiscancausegreatstrainonarelationshipunlessyougotoGodinprayeraskingforwisdomonhowtoproceedwithyourfinancesasaChristiancouple.AllowGodtoguideyou.Thismaymeanthatyouneedtoseekgodlycounselfromyourpastororothermaturecoupleinyourchurch. What’s Yours? What’s God’s? Ihopeyousee thateverythingyouhavecomes fromandbelongstoGod.YouandIaresimplystewardsofwhatHehasentrustedtoourcare.Thatmaybemoneyoritems.Whateveritis,submitittotheLordandaskforHiswisdominhandlingthesethings.

DavidPeachhasbeeninfulltimemissionsworkwiththeDeafsince1994.HehasstartedseveraldeafministriesinvariouscountriesandestablishedadeafchurchinMexico.DavidnowworksasDirectorofDeafMinistriesfor his mission board. This article reprinted by permission of www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com

13

Developing A Church Spending PlanBy Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

ust like every household, every church has a spending plan. Most churches and many individuals use a spendingplan that anticipates future expenditures based on pastexperience. Most churches write down this spending planin a budget that is prepared in advance by the pastorand church leaders and approved by the congregation. Even churches without a budget document have a spendingplan.Oftenthisisaplanthatoperatesonlyoutofcurrentcashflow,i.e. ifwehavemoneyinthebankwedoit. Thisplanoftenreactstofeltneedsandcurrentbalanceinthecheckbook.Thisapproachcan have serious shortfalls. First, this approach may only meetemergencyneedsorverybasicessentialneedsasthemindsetcanbecome“Weonlyspendwhenwehaveto!”Aseconddrawbacktoonlyoperatingoutofcashflowisthefailuretoplanforfutureneeds.Themostseriousdrawbacktothisonlyoperatingoutofcashflowisthatthisapproachmaykeepthechurchonahesitantspendingplanbecausetheobjectivetoooftenbecomesoneofmaintainingacashbalanceratherthanoneofmeetingneeds. WhenpreparingaspendingplaneveryGeneralBaptistChurchshouldconsiderthreecategoriesofexpenditures: •OurWorkintheWorld—Missions •OurWorkintheCommunity—LocalChurchMinistry •OurWorkinFacilities—BuildingandGrounds Afinalsectionof thebudgetshould includeprojected income.TithesandOfferingsshouldsupportthegeneralworkofthechurch.Specialofferings,projectincome,ordesignatedgiftsshouldsupportthespecialneedsofthechurch.

A Budget Worksheet

I. OurWorkintheWorld—Missions MissionOneUnifiedGiving _____ AssociationalMissions _____ LocalMissions _____ MVPTeam OtherMissionProjects _____

II. OurWorkintheCommunity—LocalChurchMinistry Pastor Salary&Housing _____ SelfEmploymentTax _____ PastorProfessionalExpenses _____ LocalMileage, _____ ContinuingEducation _____ Summit&Minister’sConf. _____ ChristianEducation SundaySchool _____ YouthMinistry _____ Children’sMinistry _____ SrAdultMinistry _____ ChurchOffice ChurchSecretary _____ Postage _____ OfficeSupplies _____ OfficeMachines _____ Phone _____ Worship SeasonalMusic _____ CopyrightLicense _____ MediaPurchases _____ PersonnelBenefits PastorPension(5%) _____ HealthInsurance _____ DesignatedGifts _____

III. OurWorkinFacilities—BuildingandGrounds Utilities _____ Insurance(propproperty/vehicles) _____ Custodian _____ LawnCare _____ Maintenance _____ BuildingReserve(2%) _____ Transportation _____ DebtRetirement _____

TotalExpenses _____

Income TithesandOfferings _____ SpecialOfferings _____ DesignatedGifts _____

TotalIncome _____

Is Your Church Fiscally Fit?By Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

ereareafewmeasuresofchurchfiscalfitness. 1.Incometotals.Doestotalannualincomemeetorexceedtotalannualexpenditures?Ifexpensesoccasionallyexceedincomethismay be a sign of health aswhen a building program results in amajorexpenseoneyearwith fundsgenerated inapreviousyear.If expenses routinely exceed income by substantial amounts thechurchcannotremainsolvent. 2.Incomehistory. Isthechurchplaguedbyafeast-or-faminementality of giving to special needs at the expense of ‘routine’ministry?Ifthefolksrespondonlywhenthecoffersrunlowthisisnothealthy. 3. Income sources. Do estate gifts underwrite the operatingbudget?Thisisnotwise!Areafewgenerousmembersprovidingalargeportionof theoperatingbudget?Fiscalfitnesscomesfromabroadlysupportedministry. 4.Incomepercentages. Churches should expect to spend 40-65% of budgets onemployeecosts. Factoryand retailmanagerscringeat thissincein business the lower the salary percentage the higher the profit.Educational institutions cringe because in their model of high-touch personal connections to students up to 90% of the budgetis personnel. A church spending too small a percentage on staffprobablyunderpaysorexpectsoverperformance.Achurchspendingtoolargeapercentageonstaffmayunderservebyreducingprogramministryandmissionoutreachtocoversalaries. Newer churches or newer facilities often have mortgages.Fiscallyfitchurchesspend15-25%ofincomeonregularmortgagepayments. Fiscallyfitchurcheswillgive10-15%tomissions.Insomecasesmorewillbegiven.Althoughthereareexceptions,ifachurchgivesmore than20%of itsgeneral incomemuchneeded localministryoftengoesundone.

14

Stewardship of Time:Thesecrettotimemanagementisnotlearninghowtosavetimeortogetmoreofit;thesecretisknowinghowtouseit.

Use an alarm clock. Add5minutestoyourday.Checktheresult…5minutesaday=35minutesaweek=1820minutesinayear netchange:30.3hoursUseanalarmclock.Setaremindertopray.Checktheresult…Useyourappstoreforyoursmartphone.Noticetheprayerreminderapps.Especially2X7:14.

Useyoure-mail.Gotowww.operationworld.org.Signupfortheire-mailprayerreminders.

We lose and gain timeeveryyearbyactofCongressthroughDaylightSavingsTime.In1752thecitizensofEnglandlost11dayswhentheGregorianCalendarwasadopted.ThatyearSeptember2wasfollowedbySeptember14.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Time Measurement in the Ancient WorldTheancientGreekshadtwowordsfortime.Eachdenotesaparticularconceptoftime.ChronosprovidesthesourcewordforourEnglishchronology.Chronostimeismarkedbyaprogressionofelements.Secondsbecomeminutes.Minutesbecomehours.Hoursbecomedays.Daysbecomemonths.Monthsbecomeyears.Yearsbecomedecades.

Kairostimewasverydifferent.Thistimereferstoanevent,aspecialmoment.

Isitpossiblethatinthecourseofourordinarychronologythatwemightexperiencekairosmoments?Thecalendarpageischronostime.Theimportantdateiskairostime.

Two Views of TimeSomeviewtimeascyclical.Whathasbeenwillbeagain.ThisEasternviewoftimeisillustratedbysuchreligiousconceptsasreincarnation.

Othersviewtimeaslinear.Whatstartedwillonedaystop.ThisWesternviewoftimeisillustratedbytheChristianviewoflastdays,apocalypse,judgment.

16

StewardshipofTime:WeeklySummary• TV/TheInternet/SocialMedia:• Activities&Athletics:• DevotionalLife:• Commuting:• ChristianService:• Employment/School:• Rest:• Laundry&Clean-up:• Recreation&SocialLife:• Miscellaneous:

Whatisstewardship?ItistheChristian’smanagementoflifestylewhichresultsingenerousgivingoftime,talentandtreasure

Time Management in the Ancient World TheancientHebrewscameoutofyearsofenforcedslavery.WhentheLordprovidedguidelinesforanewlifeoffreedomHeincludedaneffectivetimemanagementtool.EverysevendaysSabbatharrivedwithachangeofpacethatprovidedtimeforworship,rest,andmuchneededmargin.

PeriodicallytheancientpeopleofGodwereaskedtomanagetheirtimebytradingoneactivityforanother.Oneofthemosttime-consum-ingactivitiesoflifeintheancientworldwasthepreparationoffood.Byfastingthetimeneededtopreparefoodwasexchangedfortimespentinsomespiritualactivity.TheprophetIsaiahtaughtthatfastingwasmuchmorethantheab-senceoffood(Isaiah58).Lookatyourweeklytimelog.Arethereblocksoftimeyoucanredirectbyfastingfromyourusualactivities?

Whetherit’sthebestoftimesortheworstoftimes,it’stheonlytimewe’vegot.—ArtBuchwald

RedeemthetimewithaTimeLog.Chartyouractivityoverthecourseofseveraldays.Identifyhowmuchtimeisspentineachoftheseimportantareas.Feelfreetoaddcategoriesasneeded.Ask:Isthisthebestuseofmytime?

TimeLog:ThereAreOnly168HoursinEveryWeek!

17

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’ I Timothy 5:17-18 NKJV.

he advice from Scripture regarding compensation for pastors has not always been taken seriously. Congregations and their leaders often want to befair,orevengenerous,buthonestdiscussionoftheneedsofthepastorcanbeanuncomfortablediscussion. The very nature ofministry, however, often findspastorshesitanttoaskforadequatesalaries.Manypastorsdoministryevenwithoutasalary. The Scripture is very direct:pastorsareexpectedtoworkhard;churchesareexpected tooffer faircompensation. The pastor’s salary shouldbe reviewed annually. Years ofexperience, educational level, andcostoflivingadjustmentsshouldallbepartofthereview.Supportstaffsuchassecretariesandcustodiansshould be evaluated and paid incomparison to their skills and theirpositions not in comparison to thepastororstaffministers. Whysuchlowsalaries?Salaries paid by churches havehistoricallybeenlowerthantheaveragesalarypaidinmostcommunities.Toooftentheoldadage“Lordyoukeephimhumble;we’llkeephimpoor!”hasbeenanactual fact. Afewreasonsforlowerchurchsalariesare: 1. Unbiblical priorities. The New Testament clearlyexpectsthatpastorsberespected,treatedwithdignity,andpaid fairly. TheApostlePaul instructs, “Nevertheless, theonewho receives instruction in thewordshouldshareallgoodthingswiththeirinstructor.Donotbedeceived:Godcannotbemocked.Amanreapswhathesows.”Galatians6:6-7(NIV). 2. Unrealistic expectations. While all believers areexpected to trust God not man, members may expect

theirpastortoliveonlessasanexampletotheflockwhilethe flock lives onmoredespite the noble example of theunderpaidpastor. 3.Uninformedlayleaders.Manylayleaderswhoserveonfinanceandbudgetcommitteeshaveneverbeentrainedtodevelopacompensationplan. 4. Unfair models. The salary model that is oftenused in churches is based on the take-home pay of theaverage church member. This approach does not takeintoconsideration that theemployeecost toanemployer

is much greater than net pay.Employees benefit from havingan employer who provides healthinsurance, job training, andretirementbenefitsinadditiontothematching share of Social Security.Independent contractors do notenjoy these benefits yet they gaina level of freedom and flexibilityunknownbytheemployee.Pastorsare employees; evangelists areindependentcontractors. Personnel committees, financecommittees, and pastor-searchcommittees do well to avoid twoperilous pitfalls in planning forpastoral compensation. First, it isneverappropriatetouseanaverageof church member’s income todeterminethepastor’ssalaryunlessan actual study is done of everymember’sincome.

Second, it is important to consider the long termimplications of a parsonage to the pastor who is morethan30yearsofage. Homeownership isakeystone toretirement. The general practice of a 30 year mortgagemeans that if a pastor does not purchase his own homebyhisearly30’shewill nothave it paid forby theusualretirementage.Toencouragealong-termpastoratesomechurchesprovideadownpaymentintheformofaloanorgranttothepastorwhichisforgivenoveraperiodofafewyears. Other churches use the parsonage for second orthirdstaffmembersasthechurchgrowsanddevelops. Everysalarypackageshouldaddressthreebroadareas:basesalary,fringebenefits,andprofessionalexpenses.

By Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

18

Essential Parts of the Salary Package

Base salary is theactual amount thepastorandhisfamilyhaveforlivingexpenses. Fringe benefits provide for retirement, healthinsurance, and continuing education. Fringe benefitsshouldnotbeconsideredaspartofthebasesalarysincetheseitemsdonotprovidedirect,living,taxableincometothepastor. • Retirement should be based on the minimum

requirementoftheGeneralBaptistPensionprogramin which the employer (i.e. the church) contributes5% of the base package to the program and theemployeecontributes2%. Eachemployeehas theoptionofcontributingadditionalamountswithheldasapayrolldeduction.

• Healthinsuranceshouldbeprovidedfortheemployee.Thechurchwillbewisetoinsistonfamilycoverageandtoprovideforthosepremiums.Spouseswhoarefull-timeemployeesmaybeeligibleforreduced-costfamilycoverage.

• ContinuingEducationisanoftenoverlookedcategoryof fringe benefits. Continuing education is vital toeffective ministry in the 21st century. CurrentlyGeneralBaptistsprovideaMinister’sConferenceforpastorsandtheMission&MinistrySummittoprovidecontinuing education and professional/personalnetworking.

Professional expenses incurredbythepastorasheengages inministryonbehalfof thechurch. Out-of-towntraveltoministryassignmentsandofficeexpensessuchaspostage,phone,cellphone,copier,etc.shouldbeprovided

inthechurchbudgetbutnotaspartofthepastor’ssalary.Books and professional publications are essential if thepastor is to stay abreast of current studies, trends, andmovements.

How do we know what is fair?

1.What does it cost to live in your community?Usingthecostofamodesthomeingoodrepairyoucandeterminetheapproximate incomenecessary tosecureamortgageonthiskindofproperty.Besuretoallowforschoolloansandminimumconsumerdebtasyoucalculate.Generallymortgage requirements are based on a percentage ofincomeavailabletomakethemonthlyinstallment. 2. What are other professionals paid in your community? Asalaryscalebasedoneducationandyearsof service is available in your local school system. Thesoloorassociatepastorcouldbe linked to theclassroomteacher’s scale. The senior pastor who supervises otherassociatepastorscouldbelinkedtothebuildingprincipal’sscale. 3. What do other churches pay? Several salarysurveysarereadilyavailablethatshowwhatsalaryrangesexistbasedonlocation,sizeofchurch,sizeofbudget,yearsofexperience,etc.Twoveryhelpfulonesaretheonedoneby Lifeway downloadable/free at www.compstudy.lifeway.com and The Compensation Handbook for Church Staffpurchased through www.churchlawtodaystore.com. InadditionanumberofotherregionspecificordenominationspecificsalarysurveyswillbediscoveredthroughasimpleGooglesearchof“pastorsalarysurvey”.

19

20

herewasonceatimewhentheearth,thecreatures,andthenaturalresources wereseenby theCreatorasbeinggood.Thecreatedorderwasaperfect testimonyofthewisdomandgreatnessoftheCreator.Today,weliveonthesameplanet,but it seems thatall isnotgood.Theevidence iseverywhere inourenvironment.Insteadoflife-sustainingrainfromtheheavens,wereceive“acidrain.”Millions indevelopingnationssufferbecauseofwatershortagesorwatersuppliesthatarecontaminatedbytoxicchemicalsordiseaseorganisms.Expandingdeserts,drought,andfamineareaffectingmillionsoflivesdaily.EveninAmerica,thegrowthandprosperityofwholecommunitiesarethreatenedbydwindlingwatersupplies.Thesoilthatnourishesus,theairthatwebreathe,andthefuelsforourindustries,cars,andhomesarealsodiminishinginquantityandquality. Thisdepressinglistofenvironmentalproblemsshouldnotbeasurprisetothosewhounderstand theScriptureswhich teach that thecurseofsinwasplaceduponmanandthecreationasaresultofman’sdisobediencetoGod.Therefore,“thewholecreationgroanethandtravailethinpaintogetheruntilnow”(Romans8:22).ButthanksbetoGod“whohathdeliveredusfromthepowerofdarkness,andhathtranslatedusintothekingdomofHisdearSon...”(Colossians1:13).“Neverthelesswe,accordingtoHispromise,lookfornewheavensandanewearth,whereinrighteousnessdwells”(IlPeter3:13). Those who have confessed their sin and acknowledged their need of theSaviorhaveablessedhope that transcends thegroaninganddeteriorationof theenvironment.However,thishopedoesnotjustifyadisregardfortheenvironmentandthenaturalresourcesoftheearth.Infact, theScripturesclearlyemphasizecertainprinciplesconcerningtheresponsibilityofChristiansasstewardsoftheenvironment.Certainly,thefocusoftheBibleisnotuponnaturalresourcepreservation,butuponthepreservationofthesoulsofmenandwomen.YetitistheconvictionofthisauthorthatifChristiansaretobeeffectivewitnessesassaltandlightinthisworld,theremustbeanewawarenessofandcommitmenttolivinginharmonywiththeCreatorandthecreatedorder. ThefollowingisabriefoutlineofthemarksofaChristiansteward.Hopefully,itwillhelpthereadertoinitiateaprayerfulstudyoftheScriptureswhichaddressthisveryimportantpartofourlivesonearth.

The Steward Loves the Creator.

Christianstewardshipbeginswithwillingobediencetothegreatcommandment:“YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyouheart,andwithallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind”(Matthew22:37).“WeloveHimbecauseHefirstlovedus”(IJohn4:19).StewardshipgrowsoutofloveforGod.Thesteward’sloveforGodisnourishedbyhisremembranceofCalvary,wherethegreatloverofoursoulsprovidedtheultimatedemonstrationofstewardship inHissubmissiontotheOneHeserved(Philippians2:5,9).

The Steward Loves the Creation.

Godhasallowedthecreationtobesubjectedtothefutilityofsinfulmankind,butHelovesthecreation.InColossians1:16,20,wereadthatinChrist“allthingswerecreated,both in theheavensandtheearth...He isbeforeall things,and inHimallthingsconsist”(holdtogether).AnditwasthepurposeoftheFatherthatthissameChristshould“reconcileallthingsuntoHimself;byHim,Isay,whethertheybethingsinearth,orthingsinheaven.”Theincarnation,humanity,suffering,anddeathofChristdemonstrateGod’s love for soulsand thecreatedorderwithinwhicheachsoul isembedded—the flesh of man, the creatures, and the life-sustaining environment.Even under the curse of sin, thewisdom and greatness ofGod is evident in themarvelousdesignandfunctionofthehumanbodyandthebodiesofvariousplants,animals,andmicrobes.EachspecieshasbeenwovenbytheCreatorintoacomplextapestry of life with many intricate interrelationships necessary for their survival.ThestewardwholovestheCreator(John1:1-3),Sustainer(Colossians1:17),andRedeemer(Colossians1:18-20)ismovedbytheindwellingSpirittolovewhatGod

21

thedemandsofoneperson’slifestylecanhaveanimpactuponthelivesofmanyothers. Forexample,themoredevelopednationsoftheworldrepresentonlyabout25%oftheworld’sbillionsofpersons,but are responsible for 80% of the annual energy andmaterial consumption.This great demand raises the costof energyand foodonworldmarketsbeyondwhatmanynations can afford. Several developing nations that arestruggling to avoid bankruptcy are recklessly extractingnaturalresourcesandignoringtheneedsoftheircitizensinordertostayafloatintheworldeconomy. In light of these issues, the Christian steward viewshisstewardship ingiving tithesandofferings inabroadersense.Herealizes that inorder togive in trueworshipofGod,hemust liveandearnwithoutmakingunreasonabledemandsuponthenaturalresources,thecreatures,orhisneighbor(Isaiah58;59:1,2). Heisnotaslavetomaterialismortotheguiltthatmayarisewhenhecompareshislifestyletothosewhoarelessfortunate. Instead, the Christian steward acknowledgesthathehasbeencreatedwiththeabilitytoserveonlyonemaster (Matthew 6:24). Therefore, he chooses to serveGod, notmaterial wealth.Anxiety is controlled by a trustinGod’smarveloussupplysystemadescribedinMatthew6:19-34.As a result, the steward learns that he can live

more richly by consuming less. He isseenbyothersasonewholovesGod,the creatures, and the earth, but it isevidentthatheisinvestinghislifeandwealthinanotherworld.Bestofall,hehas many opportunities to minister tothepoorofthisworld,whethertheyarerichinmaterialwealthornot.“Hehathshewed thee, O man, what is good,andwhatdoththeLordrequireoftheebuttodojustly,andtolovemercy,andtowalkhumblywith thyGod?” (Micah6:8). To the reader who has beenchallenged to examine the qualityof his or her own stewardship of theenvironment, we suggest that theWordofGodbeprayerfullystudied.Inadditiontopassagescitedherein,notethe references listed below. As you

read,allowGodtosearchyourownheartandlife.Doyoulove theCreator aboveall other things?Doyou loveHiscreationasHelovesit?Doyouunderstandyourroleinthecreatedorderandtheimpactyourstewardshipcanhaveonothers?AnddoyouservetheMasterormaterialism?

Dr.JohnE.Silvius isaSeniorProfessorEmeritusofBiologyatCedarville University, Ohio. He is the author of a college levelbiology textbook, “Biology: Principles and Perspectives (4thedition)”.

BIBLICAL REFERENCESExodus 23:10-11: Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 14:28, 29:Matthew25:14-46;Ephesians4:28:James2:14-17,1John3:16-17.

loves, and to live in harmony with his neighbor and thecreatedorderwhichisbeingsustainedbyGod.ThestewardviewshisresponsibilitytoloveandcareforthecreationasanimportantpartofGod’sredemptiveplan.

The Steward Understands His Role.

All creatures and all natural resources belong to theCreatorGod(Exodus19:5,Psalm24:1).ThedivineOwnerdelegatedtomantheresponsibilitytobeastewardofthenaturalorderofcreation.Thatis,manwascalledtosubdueandruleovertheearth(Genesis1:28)whilebeingcareful“todress it” (serve it)and “keep it” (preserve it) (Genesis2:15). Adam, the first steward, was called to study thecreatures so that hemight understand his relationship tothembiologicallyandspiritually (Genesis2:19,20).Herewe see the beginning of scientific endeavor. The properexercise of dominion requires that the steward have anappreciationforandunderstandingoftheinterconnectionsthatarenecessarytosustainhumanlifeandthelifeofeverycreature. Today, inspiteof thesubversiveeffectsof sin,God’sgrace has permitted man to developa partial understanding of theseinterconnections through ecology andeconomics. Ecology (Greek (oiko = house)+ (logos= the studyof) is thebranchof life science that deals with theinterrelationship among all of thecreatures, and between the creaturesand their environment. Even theChristian steward with only a basicknowledge of ecology can see thatGod’s natural laws are still in effectto sustain a marvelously intricate lifesupport system on earth. Man couldnotliveonearthtodaywithoutthelife-supportingfoodandoxygenfromplantsandanimals.On theother hand,manalone has been given the ability andprivilege of exercising dominion overthese life-sustaining creatures and their environment. Hecanextractmineralandenergyresourcesandutilizeplantsand animals to provide goods and services through aneconomicsystem. Thewordseconomicsandstewardshiparebothderivedfrom the same Greek word oikonomia (oiko = house) +(nomos=managementof).That is,man isamanagerofthe“householdofearth.” The Christian steward understands that all men areeconomistsinthesensethatallaremanagersoftheirpartofthehouseholdofearth.Herealizesthathecannotliveingreedandcarelessoverconsumptionoffood,energy,andother resources without adversely affecting his neighborand the other creatures. Because of the ecological andeconomicinterconnectednessthatexistsaroundtheworld,

22

Stewardship By Serving

Spiritual Gifts Identified in the New Testament

Romans 12:6-8 Ephesians 4:11 1 Peter 4:11

ProphesyingMinistering ApostleshipTeaching ProphesyingExhorting Evangelizing SpeakingGiving Pastor-teachersor ServingorsupportRuling PastorsandteachersShowingmercy 1 Corinthians 12:6-10 1 Corinthians 12:28 1 Corinthians 12:29-30

Wordofwisdom Apostleship ApostleshipWordofknowledge Prophesying ProphesyingFaith Teaching TeachingHealing Miracles MiraclesMiracles Healing HealingProphesying Helping TonguesDiscerningofspirits Administrations InterpretationoftongueInterpretationoftongues Tongues

Spiritual Gifts Identified in My Life Foronlinespiritualgiftinventoriesgoto:

www.spiritualgiftstest.comorwww.elmertowns.com/spiritual_gifts_test/

ForapapercopywithascoringkeyformattedinMicrosoftWordgoto:

http://www.acts17-11.com/gift_inventory.htm

ForassistanceutilizingaSpiritualGiftsInventoryaspartofdiscipleshipornewmemberclassescontactCongregationalMinistriescmofc@generalbaptist.comor573.785.7746

23

Nearly1,000GeneralBaptistsgatheredfortheannualMission&MinistrySummit. 715Adults 175Students(48—Nursery/Preschool, 79—K-5th,48—6-12th) 40one-timeguests

ThepraiseteamfromRelevantChurch,LocustGrove,Geor-giaprovidedworshipwhilekeynotersDavidMurrowandJudahSmithprovidedlifeapplicationmessages. WorkshopsessionsfeaturedspecialguestsTammieHead,JoycePorcadilliaanddozensoflocalchurchleaders.Thoseat-tendingworkshopswereassistedbyanewSummitappforsmartphones. BobStrombergprovidedlatenightcomedy.

Monday, July 15

24

TheafternoonGeneralAssociationsessionconfirmedRev.ClintCookasExecutiveDirector,paidtributetoDr.JamesW.MurrayandcongratulatedRev.DaleBatesonhisimpendingretirementfromStinsonPress. TuesdayeveningbeganwithagenuinespiritofcelebrationastheNewWalkpraiseteamledworshipanddozensofbeachballssailedthroughtheair. TuesdayeveningsawthecommissioningofmissionariesandchurchplantersfollowingarousingkeynotemessagefromClintCook,“KnownInHell”. Anofferingformissionssawmorethan$7,200giventosupportchurchplantinginCookeville,TennesseeandoverseasprojectsinIndia.

Tuesday, July 16

25

LarryOsborneprovidedpowerfulexpositorypreachingineachmainsession.NextLevelIntensivesintheafternoonaddressedavarietyofgrowthbarriers.Dozensofotherworkshopsprovidedpersonalenrichment,practicaltraining,andspecializednetworkingamongchurchleaders. Nearly200membersoftheNewWalkBlueShirtBrigadewererecognizedfortheirgraciousworkingreeting,hosting,andservingduringtheSummit. ModeratorGaryBaldusturnedthegavelovertoincomingModeratorJeffSmithinpreparationforthe2014SummitinSpringfield,Illinois.

Wednesday, July 17

26

Best Practices: Segregation of Duties

By Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

A few simple safeguards, developed as financial policies of the local church, can easily be built into a church’s financial management system to protect the integrity of those who serve as financial managers for the church. Not many years ago the church treasurer was expected to count the offering, pay the bills, and provide reports for both the church business meeting and tax receipts to donors. One volunteer often undertook the entire responsibility. Wise church leaders realize, however, that a few simple policies, when developed and implemented, provide a level of accountability and much needed transparency that generates trust. The business or accounting description of these policies is segregation of duties. In essence, each step in the financial operation is separated from the other steps with multiple personalities involved.

Step1.CollectingtheOffering.ResponsibleParties:TheUshers. In most churches the bulk of income is received when the offering is collected during worship. Generally several ushers assist in this process. When the collection is complete the offering should be removed to a secure place for further processing. While one person could carry the entire offering it is best if two people are assigned the task. The underlying principle: At least two people are always present when the offering is received and counted.

Step2.MakingtheDeposit.ResponsibleParties:TheCountingCommittee. A group of people who have discretion and who can work accurately should be assigned to prepare the deposit. This should be done on-site, as quickly as possible after the service is concluded. At least two un-related individuals should be assigned to prepare the deposit by listing the checks, tallying the loose cash, and noting special or designated offerings. Accuracy is important both in the subtotals of the deposit and in the initial record of giving reflected in the deposit. Subtotals are used to verify bank records. Initial giving records are used later to provide contribution statements. On those occasions when a larger than usual offering is anticipated the counting committee may need to be expanded to share the workload. Duplicate deposit tickets should be used and initialed by the counters so that any questions that are raised may be addressed to the correct individuals.

Step3.PayingtheBills.ResponsibleParty:Treasurerand/orBookkeeper. Funds received by the church are designed to further the ministry of the church. Funds should be dispersed according to the spending plan and policies adopted by the church in its annual budget. A process to request checks should be utilized that requires a written check request that identifies the budget category for the request as well as the nature of the purchase. Generally only program leaders should make check requests. A request for a personal reimbursement should be documented with receipts, prior permission to make the purchase, and a notation of the budget category involved. Only in very rare circumstances should church funds be disbursed as cash payments unless a formal petty cash system with its checks and balances is implemented.

Step4.ContributionStatements.ResponsibleParty:FinancialSecretary. Using information from the deposits a contribution record is maintained for each donor. Quarterly this record and a letter of thanks should be mailed to each donor. This allows any corrections to be made closer to the time of the error rather than at year’s end. Annually, early in the calendar year, contribution records should be provided to each donor in keeping with IRS regulations. Since one person, working hard, could handily take care of most church’s business affairs, why bother with segregating the duties so that several people are involved? Segregation of duties and financial policies agreed to and adhered to by the church are designed to protect honest people from unfounded charges of mismanagement or misuse of church funds. Every few months some church, somewhere is plagued with embezzlement and fraud. The real pain, however, is not felt by the church but by the offender who was often a respected member of the church prior to the discovery of financial mismanagement. In most cases simple safeguards like those described here would have prevented the cases of embezzlement and fraud described in the media. With simple safeguards in place only armed robbers will be able to violate the integrity of a church’s financial system.

27

Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others. –Augustine

If I have but enough for myself and family, I am steward only for myself and them; if I have more, I am but a steward of that abundance for others. –George Herbert

Worship is giving God the best that He has given you. Be careful what you do with the best you have. Whenever you get a blessing from God, give it back to Him as a love

gift. Take time to meditate before God and offer the blessing back to Him in a deliberate act of worship. If you hoard a thing for yourself, it will turn into spiritual dry rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded. God will never let you hold a spiritual thing for yourself; it has to be given back to Him that He may make it a blessing to others. –Oswald Chambers

Marshall thy notions into a handsome method. One will carry twice more weight packed up in bundles, than when it lies flapping and hanging about his shoulders. –Thomas Fuller

Work is a blessing. God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experiences of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures. –Elisabeth Elliot

The most important thing about global warming is this. Whether humans are responsible for the bulk of climate change is going to be left to the scientists, but it’s all of our responsibility to leave this planet in better shape for the future generations than we found it. –Mike Huckabee

At the end of your life on earth you will be evaluated

and rewarded according to how well you handled what God entrusted to you. –Rick Warren

Don’t say that a loving God is going to send you to hell - He’s not. The thing that’s going to send you to hell is that you’re a sinner and you don’t want to admit it. –J. Vernon McGee

If your investments are limited to this earth, you are the world’s worst investor. –John Hagee

We should never think that once we have given some money and time to the Lord that the rest is ours to do with as we please. All that we have belongs to God, so He should be taken into consideration in everything we do. –Theodore Epp

The world asks, “What does a man own?” Christ asks, “How does he use it?” –Andrew Murray

If God was the owner, I was the manager. I needed to adopt a steward’s mentality toward the assets He had entrusted - not given - to me. A steward manages assets for the owner’s benefit. The steward carries no sense of entitlement to the assets he manages. It’s his job to find out what the owner wants done with his assets, then carry out his will. –Randy Alcorn

The fear of the Lord helps us recognize our accountability to God for the stewardship of leadership. It motivates us to seek the Lord’s wisdom

and understanding in difficult situations. And it challenges us to give our all to the Lord by serving those we lead with love and humility. –Paul Chappell

How believers handle their money is inextricably related to the depth of their worship. Whether we put money in the offering plate or not, weekly worship should remind us of our continual stewardship of the possessions that Lord has entrusted to us. If we do not give properly we cannot worship properly. –John MacArthur

We should use all our money for the Lord. This is, we should use all our money in a way that God would approve. In that sense, all of our money is to be given to the Lord. Stewardship is to be total, not partial. –Wayne Mack

Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest. –D.L. Moody

Be careful to make a good improvement of precious time. –David Brainerd

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. –Winston Churchill

Stewardship is the act of organizing your life so God can spend you. –Lynn A. Miller

28

29

ave you ever had a night in when you couldn’t sleep? You counted sheep. You stared at the ceiling.Youdrankwarmmilk.Sleepcontinuedtoevadeyou.Somethingwasoccupyingspaceinyourmindandyoucouldn’tstopthinkingaboutit. Psalm 121:4 tells us that God doesn’t sleep. Weunderstand that worry doesn’t keep God awake. He isnotup inheavenwringingHishandswonderingwhatHeisgoingtodoaboutthecurrentconditionoftheworld,thelackofmorals,andthedownwardslidofcivility.WhenwereadthatGodrestedfromhislabors,itdoesn’tmeanthatGodwastiredorneededanap.ItsimplymeansthatGodstoppedcreatingbecausecreationwasfinished. However, if God did sleepwhatmight He lose sleepover?TherearesomethingsthatHewouldnotlosesleepover. • He wouldn’t lose sleep over

thestockmarket.Godownsall the gold and silver, thecattleofathousandhillsandall thecattleon thehills.Hisresources are limitless andHe has always provided forHisown.

• He wouldn’t lose sleep overour rightsbeing taken fromus. Christianshave forcenturies thrived in places where freedoms werelimited.

• Hewouldn’tlosesleepoverthecolorofthecarpetorwhetherwehavedeaconsorelders,justaslongasministryisdone.

• Hewouldn’t losesleepoverwho ispresidentof theUnitedStates. TheBible teachesus that it isGodwhoputs people in power andHedetermines theirappointedtimes.

WhatIthinkGodmightlosesleepoveristhelostnessofpeople’ssoulsandthelackofchurchestoreachthem.Hewouldfindithardtosleepbecausesomanypeopleare

unsaved,wanderingabout likesheepwithoutashepherdandnothavingapersonalrelationshipwiththeirCreator.IfGoddidsleepHemightlosesleepovertheconditionofaheartthathasneverexperiencedthesavinggraceofGod.HewouldunderstandthatheartisblindedbythegodofthisworldandseparatedfromitsCreator. Godmight losesleepoverthe lack of compassion in thechurch.Hemightbeconcernedover churches that are fullof consumers whose onlyconcerniswhat’sinitforthem.Hemight lose sleep over pastorswho have not led theircongregationstogetinvolvedinchurchplanting. Truth is,Godhas lostsleepover theconditionof theworld.Lookat “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God”(Luke6:12).JesusChrist,Godinthefleshhasgoneuponamountain to pray. Here isGod in theflesh talking toGod inheaven. It’s hard toget ourmindaround thisbut the fact isJesusspentallnight inprayer.HelostsleepoverthethingsofGod.Helostsleepoveroursalvation.HelostsleepoverHismission. GodprovedHisconcern for lostsoulsatCalvary.HegaveHisonlybegottenSonbecauseHeisnotwillingthatanyoneshouldperish. Shouldn’twebeconcernedaboutlostsouls?Howwill theworldknowwecareaboutthem?WhatcanwedotoshowthemGod’slove?Letmegiveyousomesuggestions: • Sharelifewiththem,don’tjustpreach. • Invitethemtoyourhouse. • Gooutwiththem.Jesusatewithsinners. • Pastorsequipthesaintsfortheworkoftheministry. • Have a special day at church, challenge your

memberstopersonallyinvitesomeonetoattend. • Repentifyoudon’thaveaburdenforthelost. • Losesomesleep.

By Donald Key, Director of National Missions

30

31

s you look around the dimly lit auditorium of the New Testament CommunityChurch (or NtC, as a newgeneration is calling it), you maynotice something surprising. Therearemanyyoungfamiliesandjustasmany people of their parents (andgrandparents) age. It isn’t alwayscomfortable. Many concessionsin style and approach have beenmade. Yet somehow, this is amultiplegenerationcongregation. Themusicisloudandprojectedon two large screens. The bandplays mostly current music andthe stage has lights that blink andchangecolors.Worshipisthefocus.Youareaslikelytoseeawomaninher80sliftingherhandsor clapping to the drumbeat as you are a teenager. Youmayseefourgenerationsofonefamily;fromababyinthenursery,togreat-grandma. We’vebeentolditcan’tbedonethatyoucanonlyreacha particular age group.And yet, here is evidence to thecontrary.Itisnotuncommonforawomaninher80stotellmesomethinglike:

“Pastor,I’mnotsureaboutthemusicandthelightsaretoodimtofindmychairbutitisablessingtoseealltheseyoungfamiliesandsomanybaptisms.Ifanyonehassomethingtosayaboutthechanges,sendthemtome.”

Ithasbeenmyexperiencethatthegenerationsbeforeme want only a couple of things. First, they want to beacknowledged, maybe even honored. The generationsbeforeusdon’twanttobetossedaside.Manyorganizations,includingandmaybeespeciallythechurch,movetheirfocustoward a particular age demographic. As they age, theymovefromthefocusto,well,outoffocus.Maybeit’seasiertorecognizeitinyourteengroup.Theteenministryisedgy,hip,andthemessagesrelatetotheproblemsofteens.Whenteenagersgraduatefromhighschool,however,theyfeelleftout, pushed out.The focus isn’t on them anymore.They

weretheteenministryandnowtheyarenotevenallowedtoparticipate!“Thesenewteensaren’tas_________aswewere.”Thisisnotunlikehoweachgenerationmovingfromthe“targetaudience”feels.Thegenerationsbeforemebuiltthischurch,bothfigurativelyand literally.Thegenerationsbefore me stuck through some very tough times. Thegenerationsbeforemeoftenpay thebills anddoa largepartofthebehind-the-scenesvolunteerwork.Unlesstheyareacknowledged,theyoftenfeelpushedout,castaside,andmaybeevenused. Second, the generations before us want to continuemaking a difference. After all, they were the differencemakerswhentheywereinthe“targetaudience”.Theyweretheoneswhowereinvitingtheirpeers.Theyweretheonescooking at the fellowship barbeque. They were the oneswhoservedonboardsandmadekeydecisionsthatledtotheministrywegettobepartoftoday. Just as the teens need aministry that works towardansweringthequestionstheyhave,thegenerationsbeforeusneedaministryfocusedonthem.Theyhaveanewsetofparadigms.Theirquestionshaveshiftedfrom,“HowdoItakecareofthesekids?”to“HowdoItakecareoftheseparents?”Itwaseasytoministertoteens:“Don’thavesex

Revitalization of churches for the purpose of growing our denomination is the responsibility of everyone. D. Joey Graves, pastor of New Testament Community Church, has seen this church grow and begin to reach his community. National Missions asked Pastor Joey to share what he has learned in the revitalization of NtC.

32

outsideofmarriage.”Butwhataboutafterdivorceorlossofaspouse?Thegenerationsbeforeushaveanevengreaterneed for spiritual guidance. Does the Bible continue toapply?OftenSundaymorningdoesn’tquitecoverit. So,hereareacoupleof thingswehave tried. Itmayseemlikeasmallthing,but,asthepastor,Iregularlyworkthose who stood before us into the Sunday mornings.Sometimeshighlightingavolunteerorgroupofvolunteers.Sometimes highlighting a class or small group that isgeared toward them. Occasionally, we will ask someonetogiveastory, testimonyoraprayer.This isnotdifferentfromwhatwedowithanyagegroup.Butweareintentionalaboutincludinganolderagegroup.Usually,onceayear,Iwillgiveamessageabout thehistoryandheritageofourchurch.Honoringthosewhohavebeenaroundfor10,20,and30or inourcase37years.We talkabout thevisionthenandhowithasleadtothevisiontoday,andhowit’snotthatdifferent. We also include people of all generations in serveopportunities. Not everybody can swing a hammer, buteverybody wants to be involved. Ask if they can help.If their response is “I really can’t do that anymore”, askthem tobepresentanyway.Chancesaregood, that they

have someexperienceand insight that could savetime, energy, money or all three. Remember, thatmost people are still adjusting to their new staturein life. Just as a newlywed feels awkwardwearingaringallthetime,someonewhousedtoswingthehammer feels just as awkward watching someoneelseswingthehammer.Awordofwarning:DONOTPATRONIZETHEM!Encouragethemtoparticipate,tobeinvolved,andbesincere.Noone,youngorold,wantstobeincludedbecausesomebodymandatedtheybeincluded.Thisisagoodruleofthumbforallagegroups. ThelastbitofinsightIcanofferistohaveprogramsthatincludeformergenerations.ThesmallgroupsoftodayaretheSundaySchoolofyesterday.Icanguaranteeyou that theywere justas,maybeevenmore,passionateaboutgroupsthanyouare.Infact,thebiggestchallengeinmovingtogroupswasa

misunderstanding!WhenwemovedfromSundaySchooltogroupsmanyofthosebeforemethoughtweweretryingtoonlydothebigSundaymorningcrowdgathering.Theyfeltlikegroupswereawayofmovingfromteachinginamoredetailedsetting.WhiletheystillfeelthatSundaymorningsare the best time to do small group teaching, they aren’tnearly as offended when they realize that groups couldreachmore people and offer a better selection of topicstoreachmorepeople.WeevenofferedasmallgrouponThursdays, at 11a.m., taught by the pastor, strictly goingthroughtheBibletext-by-text.Andguesswhoisavailableat11a.m.onThursdays?It’sthegenerationbeforeme.Westartedwithsinginghymnsandthepastor ina jacketandtie.Over time thegroupaskedme tostopsingingand todressmorecasual! Finally,letmeaddthissmallthing.Indealingwiththegenerations before, do the same things you do for everyothergeneration.Meet theirneeds throughgroups,serveopportunities, and recognition. The answer isn’t addingprogramming.Itiskeepingtheneedsofvariousgenerationsinmindwhenwedowhatwearealreadydoing.Theanswerdoesn’thavetobea“senioradultministry”(itmaybe,but,itdoesn’thavetobe).EverygenerationwantstobepartofwhatGodisdoing.Wejustneedtocontinuetogivethemopportunities.

33

earen’tfromthere.Wehavenofamilywho lives there. But, somehow it captured our heart.KathyandIareGeorgiabornandbred.WebleedtheredandblackeverySaturdayinautumnaswehunkerdownwiththem“HairyDawgs.”But,somehowMiddleTennesseecaughtourheart.Afterseveralyearsleadingachurchthroughtransition,goingtotheNashvillefireworks show, and going to Vandy games just sowecouldseegoodSECteamswhentheycametotown,ithappened.OurheartswereinTennessee. We moved back to the Peach State 5 years agoto leadyetanotherchurch throughadifficult transition.AlwaysleadingwithmiddleTennesseeinthebackofourmind.Nowthetimehascometomakepreparationstomoveforward,laythefoundation,andplantanewchurchin that place we love so much. Echo Church is ourheartbeatforLebanon,TN. It’s interestinghowthingswork.Wemovedback toGeorgiawithahearttogobacktoTennessee,andendedup meeting the only General Baptist church planter inthestate,RelevantChurchPastor,CarlNichols.Asourfriendshipdeveloped,bothofussawtheopportunity tomakeanewchurch in Lebanona reality. Iwas invitedto explore General Baptist life and ministry where Imetseveralgreat folks that took the timetoencourage

the process. As a result and with the generous andcooperative support ofNationalMissions andRelevantChurch, an internship was made available for us topreparetolaunchafastgrowingchurchinmiddleTN. AtEchoChurch,ourmissionisto“EchoJesus’storywithpassion,creativity,andrelevance…sothatpeoplewillbecomeallGodmadethemtobe.”Ourvisionistocreateachurchwhereunchurchedandde-churchedpeoplewilllovetoattend,bechanged,andbecomechangeagentsin their culture. WilsonCounty is, and is slated to beone of the fastest growing counties inTennessee fromnowuntil2030.AshortdrivetoNashville,it’stheperfectspot for growth. Echo Church will launch in the fall of2014 in Lebanon, a small townwith big plans. EchoChurch will launch withGeneral Baptist, a smalldenomination with a bigfuture.

Irv and Kathy live in Locust Grove GA. Irv is presently finishing an internship at Relevant Church. They plan to plant Echo Church in Lebanon TN.

By Irv Ryder

scholarshipfundinmemoryofWayneFoust(December1,1928—June12,2013)hasbeenestablishedatOakland CityUniversity.Grantsfromthefundwillassistyoungministersintheireducationalpursuitsattheuniversity. WayneFoustgavehislifetoGeneralBaptistchurchesandpeople.HeservedaspastorinMissouri,Kentucky,Indiana,andArkansasfrom1995to1975.HisserviceaspastorwasinterruptedwhenhebecameDirectorofPublicationsfortheGeneralAssociationofGeneralBaptistsandEditorofThe General Baptist Messenger from1975-1993. Followinghis‘retirement’heservedchurchesinSoutheastMissourifrom1993to2012. AnativeofWilburn,ArkansasWaynemovedtoPoplarBluff,MissouriwherehewasemployedasalinotypeoperatorbyTheGeneralBaptistPress.TherehemetandmarriedHazelKetchersidein1953.In1962withthreechildrenintowtheymovedtoOaklandCity,IndianasoWaynecouldpursuetheologicaltraining. Rev.Foustservedinavarietyofdenominationalpositionsandin1984servedasModeratorfortheGeneralAssociationinTampa,FL.HewrotehundredsofpositionaleditorialsthatspoketosignificantspiritualissuesamongGeneralBaptistswhileeditingthousandsofpublicationsthatshapedcongregationalleaders.Healsotaughtleadershipseminars,teachertrainingworkshops,andmusicschoolsinmorethan300localchurches.In1989BoyScoutsofAmericahonoredhimwithTheGoodShepherdAward.In2000hewaspresentedaDoctorofDivinitydegreebyOaklandCityUniversity. Dr.FoustissurvivedbyhiswifeHazel,fourchildren(Rev.Dr.DennisWayneFoust[Paula]ofCharlotte,NC;DavidLoyFoustofOrlando,FL;CarolSueSmith[Steve]ofIndianapolis,INandKennethLeonardNess[Dee]ofFayetteville,AR)sevengrandchildren(NathanaelWayneFoustofCharlotte,RachaelCarolineFoustofSantaMonica,CA,Rev.CalebStoneFoust[MaryBeth]ofRichmond,VA,TaylorandZachSmithofIndianapolisandAdamandMonicaNessofFayetteville),aswellasonebrother(AlfredFoust[Judy]ofPetersburg,Indiana). ContributionstotheWayneFoustScholarshipFundmaybesenttoOaklandCityUniversity,138NorthLucretiaStreet,OaklandCity,Indiana47660.

34

ntheroutineoflifeasaPastor’swifeandmother,Ifindahugeblessing inthisrolewhileitisoftentimesfilledwithchallengesthatcanthreaten thejoyandharmonydesired.Thereisatopicrepeatedlyonthetableinourhome…balanceandstewardship.Acontinualwatchontheriseandfallofourprioritiesareconstantlyatstake.Betweenmeetings,laundry,emails,scheduling, assisting, dreaming, leading, feeding,mentoring, counseling,advising,cheerleading,andre-evaluatingwitheveryseason,I’mremindedtoask:“God,whatwouldYouhavemedo?” RecognizingthatourtimeonearthislimitedandthatTheChurchandfamilyarebothwhatGodSOdeeplylovesandthatHeisWhoISOdeeplyloveandwanttoadorewithmywholelife;I’velearnedthevalueinhumilityasbeingthemostblessedpositionbeforeGod.Whenourplatesareover-filledwith responsibility, expectation and duty, we are to rememberwhoweareandWhoseweare.1Peter5:6comestomind, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”AndProv.11:2, “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” Idon’tknowaboutyou,butmanytimeswhenIhearfromGodiswhenIgetreallyquietandstillandjust listen…andtodothatImustrestmyself.Iknow,sometimesthatiseasiersaidthandone,none-the-less,toreallypaceourselves,it’sessential.RestingisadisciplinesoimportanttoGodthatHescheduleditintooureveryweekasfarbackasHisexampleatcreation.I’mconvincedit’simportantandisthestartofsomethingwonderfulinourbodyandspiritandmind!Howcomfortingitistoknowthatwhenweliedownandsurrenderafteraweekofstewardingourlife’spurposeandfaithfullyinvestingallourcalculatedeffortsintoHisworkaroundus,thatHeassignsusanaturalgifttoREST…itprovestobearealgamechanger. LearningfromthewarningsandinstructionsfoundinGod’slovelettertousallisfar betterthanlearninglessonsthehardway.WereadinProverbs29:25,“Thefearofmanbringsasnare,butwhoevertrustsintheLordshallbesafe.”Partneringwithmyhusbandandfamilyto“spend”ourlivesstewardingthehomeandministrywhileacknowledgingthatwecansay“no”tosomethingsisnecessaryattimes.IntentionallyschedulingfamilytimeandfamilyresttogetherhelpsustoleadourChurchlifeandourhomelifebyTheSpiritandnotbytheguiltofbeingpeople-pleasers.Desiringtogiveofourselvescheerfullyandnotresentfullymeanswesay“yes”tosomethingsbecausewewant toandnotbecausewewoulddreadto.SomethingpointedouttomerecentlywasanewlookatMatthew22:39b,“YoushallloveyourneighborASyourself.”WOW,Ihaveheardthisscripturemyentirelifeandsomehowinterpreteditinthepastas-toloveothersas betterthanmyself,butno,itsaystolovemyneighbor asIlovemyself…thatIshouldlovemyself,too!Andforme,thatmeansrestingandbeingfaithfulinthesmallthingsoflife.Iamsogladthatsomeonelovedmeenoughtostressthatportionforme. Inthislife,there’snothinglikeknowingthatyou’redoingexactlywhatyou’resupposedtobedoing!It’snosecretthatbeingadevotedwifeandpartnerwithTerrell inraisingourgirlshasbeena topministryofmineandthewisevoicesaroundmeremindedmeofthatallalong!I’msogladIlistenedbecauseforthemostpart,they’reallgrownupnowandIcanhavethegreatpeaceofknowingthattheywerewelltaughtofTheLord,tolovetheirfamilyandtheirchurchfamily.TheyhaveafutureandahopeinHIMtopasson!InGodsWordandLove,we’vefoundarealtreasure!

Submitted by Women’s Ministries for Fall 2013 Messenger. Author: Shanda Somerville

35

Author bio:About Shanda Somerville…Shanda is the wife of Pastor Terrell Somerville, founding Pastor of Freedom Church in Gallatin, Tennessee, where she serves on the executive team and leads Adore Ladies ministry. Her desire is to inspire others in a warmer, intimate and personal relationship with God and to more fully embrace the joys of The Lord. Shanda & Terrell have three daughters, a son-in-law, and a new grandson residing in Oak Grove, Tennessee.

sayounggirl,Ilovedshoppingwithmygrandmother.Wewouldtryon outfitafteroutfit,untilwepickedouttheensemblesthatwerejustright. Then, becausenooutfitwas completewithoutmatching shoes,wewenttotheshoestore.Ilovedthesetimeswespenttogether,andIlovedthelootwebroughthome.Iprobablyconnectedthelootwiththelovingfeelingthatcamewithbeingwithmygrandma,whomIadored.

Istartedbabysittingeverysummerweekdayatage12,soIhadmyownspendingmoney fromthat timeon.PerhapsasmallamountofchangewasdroppedintheofferingplateduringSundaymorningchurch,butmostofmyearningswerespentonmyself.Evenwhenholdingdownthreejobsatoncewhileinhighschool,myearningsfundedmyquestfornewthings.AndalthoughIwenttochurcheverySunday,Ireallydidn’tlearnmuchabouttithingoraboutstewardshipofthegiftsGodgivesus.

Incollege,Icontinuedtoworkpart-timejobssoIwouldhavemyownmoney.Istilllikedshopping.MycollegeofferedlearningenhancementclassesduringaJanuarytermthatwereconsideredtobelearningenhancementexperiences.Inmysenioryear,severalofmyfriendssignedupforWildernessExperienceclass;oceankayakingintheSeaofCortez.I,however,choseanartandmusictourofLondonandParis.Myfriendswho“roughedit”saidIwouldneverhavemadeitinthewildernessbecauseIlikedtoshoptoomuch.

Lori and Robbie Myers were commissioned at the 2013 Mission & Ministry Summit. Shortly thereafter, they completed transferring what was left of their belongings – and their selves – to Saipan. They, along with their 13 year old son Reagan, begin a new chapter of their lives as missionaries.

Submitted by Lori Myers

36

Fastforwardmanyyearstothepresent.Iammarriedtoawonderfulmanandwearepartofafantasticchurch.Werecentlyfacedsomedifficultfinancialchallengesthatcouldhaveoverwhelmedus,butnowwehavelearnedaboutstewardshipandtithingfromourgreatpastor.Wearetryingourbesttobeobedient.Istilllovetoshop,butaftertwoyearsofunemploymentandsomeotherthingswhichGodusedtochangeouroutlookon“things”,myhusbandRobbiereceivedaveryclearcallfromGodtoenterthemissionfield.AndGodwassogoodatpreparingusduringthattimeoffinancialupheaval,soclearlydidHeshowusthatusingourmoneytoaccumulatemorethingsreallydidn’tmakeushappy,thatwhenRobbietalkedtomeaboutusbecomingmissionariesIwasimmediatelyonboard.

WesoonsettledonSaipan,withGod’sdirection.First,wehadtolookatamapandseejustexactlywheretofindit!WefoundthetinyislandinthePacificOceanover7,300milesawayfromourhomeinMissouri.Weprettyquicklycametothedecisiontosellourbelongings,exceptforasentimentalfewthatwewouldstore,andmovetoSaipan.Iwon’tlie;itwasdifficultwatchingsomethingsbeingcartedoffatourtwoyardsales,andtakingsomeofourwell-lovedbelongingstocharityoperations.Butthroughthewholething,wekept it inperspective- thesethingswerenot“home’andwerecertainlynot“happiness”either.Godprovidesforuswhilewearehereonearth,andwesooftenforgetthatHewantsthefirstfruitsofourlaborgivenbacktoHim,andthatwehavetheresponsibilitytobegoodstewardswithwhatHegivesus.Mostpeoplearenotgoingtosellalltheirbelongingsandgointothemissionfield.Somewill.It’stheobediencethatisimportant-ifHecallsustodothis,willwedoitorwillwedisobey?Inthesamevein,arewegoodstewards,oraretherebetterthingswecouldbedoingwithsomeofHisprovisionstous?

Iwilltellyouhonestly,itwasanenormouslyfreeingfeelingtogetthroughtheunloadingofourbelongings.We feelextremelyunencumberednow.Are there things that Imiss?Sure.Butlivinghere,whereallthelocalresidentshavesomuchlessthanIhavehadinmylife,Iappreciatethesimplethings;thelittlethings,somuchmorenow.Idon’tenvymyfriendswithbeautifulhomesandfurnishings;butIdon’tthinkthereisanythingwrongwiththateither.IjusthavecometotherealizationthatweallneedtostudywhattheBiblesaysaboutstewardship,andthenapplyitinourownwaytoourlives.

IwouldbedishonestifItoldyouthatInolongerenjoyshopping.ButIrealizenowthatmorejoyisfoundinlettinggothaninaccumulating.

Patti Thornton, Women’s Ministries Director

ometimelatethisyearorearlynextyear, youmaybeaskedtogivetoanABCOffering. ANDyoumaywonderwhyintheworld,whenChristmasspendinghasstretchedyourbudgetlimits,youarebeingaskedtogivetoyetanotheroffering.It’ssimple,really.

A.AmazingisGod’sgraceandHisplanforusto bevesselsofHisredemptionstory.

B. Beforewelavishourselves,wearegiventhe opportunitytolavishtheministryofthego-ers.

C. ChristmasisjubilantwhenChrist’scommis-sioniscelebrated!

IncludetheAsenathBrewsterChristmasOfferingasyouplanyourannualevents,andcelebratethebirthaswellasthefinalinstructionsofJesusChrist:Go…Baptize…Teach. The2013ABCOfferingwillhelpDustinandMe-lissaThompsongetRefugechurchofftheground.PriorNationalMissionsrecipientshaveincludedGenerationChurch,NewWalkChurch,andRevolu-tionChurch.

The Asenath Brewster Christmas Offering is named for the founder of Women’s Ministries, and in honor of her legacy of resourcing the “mission of the hour.”

38

39

TRAINING CHURCH PLANTERS TO PLANT REPRODUCTIVE AND MULTIPLYING CHURCHES General Baptist International Missions has partnered with TheTimothyInitiative(TTI)totrainchurchplantersinourmissionfieldstoplantreproductiveandmultiplyingGeneralBaptistchurches.

SincethefoundingofTTIaboutsevenyearsagobyDr.DavidNelmsinWestPalmBeach,Florida,theresultshavebeenphenomenal: • 21,550churchesplantedin34countries. • 323,250havecometofaithinJesusChrist. Thisstrategyspecificallytargetschurchplanterslackingthemeansand/oravailabilitytoreceiveabalancedbiblicalandtheologicaltrainingthroughoutAsia,Africa,andtheAmericas.Eachchurchplantertrainedisexpectedtoplantaleastonemultiplyingandreproducingchurchintheirarea.Thecostfortrainingonechurchplanterandforplantingone

churchis$200.This provides a great mission investment opportunity for individuals, families, Sunday School classes, small groups, churches, and Associations to partner with our church planters in our fields to plant General Baptist churches!

THE MISSION TTIisareproductive,multiplyingchurchplantingmovementthatworkswithotherchurchgroupstopenetratethenationsandculturesoftheworldwiththeGospelofJesusChrist.

OUR VISION Our vision is to plant hundreds of reproducing and multiplying General Baptist churches inpartnershipwithTTI.

OUR STRATEGY We trainchurchplanters tostartoneormorechurches in their localcommunity.Webring thechurchplanterstogetherforoneyearoftraining,andeachchurchplantercannotgraduateuntiltheyhavestartedamultiplyingnewchurch.Thesechurchesmeetinbuildings,houses,undertrees,etc.Theaveragesizeofanewchurchis15newbelievers,althoughmanygrowmuchlarger.

WehavelaunchedthischurchplantingstrategyinHondurasbytrainingsomeofthetrainersinAugust.Thesetrainersarenowrecruitingcandidatesfortrainingintheirtrainingcenters.Thegoalistotrain100churchplantersfortheplantingof100newchurchesinHondurasbyDecemberof2014!UltimatelyTTIwillbe introduced inourchurchplantingoutreach in India, thePhilippines,NorthernMarianas,Jamaica,andothercountries.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE IN EACH COUNTRY 1. RegionalDirector.AnexperiencedleaderwhooverseesanumberofNationalDirectors. 2. NationalDirector.Heoverseestheprojectineachcountry.

3. Teachers. Each teacherleads a Training Center invarious locations in specificcountries. Time and time againwe have been remindedthat church planting is themost effective means ofevangelism. We believemultiplication is essential inchurch planting. The goal ofall church planters trainedby TTI is that their churchbecomes a healthy church-plantingcenterforthegloryofGod.

By Kris Yeomans

t’sbeenanexcitingandbusyyearsofarforourMissionOneMinistryTeams(formerlyMVP).Todate,wehavesent out19short-termteamsto6differentfields.Nearly300volunteershavegoneonashort-termtripthisyear!Westill haveseveralteamsscheduledtodepartlaterthisyear,andwelookforwardtoseeingGodglorifiedinoureffortstoreachthelostthroughevangelism,medicalclinics,leadershiptraining/development,constructionandmuchmore!Hereisaquicksnapshotofwhathastakenplacethisyearsofar:

Honduras-3newchurchbuildingshavebeenbuiltthroughourpartnershipwithLoneWolfBuildings.Twomedicalteamshavetreatedmorethan2,836patients!Mostimportantly,134soulshavebeensavedthroughtheevangelismatourmedicalclinics!

Jamaica-anewchapelbuildinghasbeenbuiltatCampMt.ForestforourJamaicanbrothersandsisterstouseduringchurchcamp.

The Philippines-severalchurcheshavebeenrebuiltfollowingthedevastatingTyphoonPablothathitMindanaoinDec2012.Onemedicalteamsawmorethan1,500patientsinruralareasofMindanaoIsland,andmorethan45soulsweresavedthroughtheevangelismandgriefcounselingthattookplaceatourclinicsthere!

Niger-thegospelwaspresentedduringthemonthofRamadaninthismajoritymuslimnationinWestAfrica.Thelife-changinggospelwaspreachedandmorethan220adultsheardabouttheOne,True,LivingGod.Seedswereplantedandmorethan1,000childrenweretaughtBiblestoriesandtheywereabletohearaboutthesavingpowerofJesus-theonlyWay,theTruthandtheLife!

Godisnotonlyusingourshort-termministriestoexpandHisKingdom,Heisalsousingthemtocallpeopletofull-timemissionaryservice.WepraiseGodforthe13newmissionarieswhohavebeencommissionedthisyear,manyofwhichhaveparticipatedonshort-termteamsin thepast. Ourshort-termministriesdepartment ismovingforwardandweareexcitedtoseeGodcontinuetoworkthroughourteamstochangelives.Wewantyoutobeinvolved!Don’tmissoutontheopportunitytohelpfulfilltheGreatCommission!ContactKrisYeomansat573-785-7746orkris@generalbaptist.comtolearnmoreabouttheteamsheadedoutlaterthisyearandtohearallaboutthemanyexcitingopportunitiesinstorefor2014!

Short Term Missions Update

41

hankyouforeverythingyouhavedone tomakethecalltogopossible.It’s becauseofyouthatweareabletofulfilltheGreatCommissioninourlives.

Wehavebeenhereforalmostfourmonthsandhavehadmanynewexperiences.Astimehasgonebywehavelearnedmoreandmoreaboutthecultureandtheconditionofourchurches.AfewweeksagoIhadtheopportunitytojoinourTyphoonReliefCoordinatoronhisroutinevisitstotheGBchurchesthatwereeithercompletelydestroyedorbadlydamagedfromTyphoonPablo.

Wewereabletovisit10churchesinthreedays.IwasamazedatFilipinohospitality.Everyonewasverykind,loving,andgenerous.Theytrulymadeusfeelathomewhereverwewent.WewereabletotalktomostofthepastorsandIwasamazedatthestoriestheytoldaboutTyphoonPabloandthepersonalsacrificestheirchurches

madetohelptheircommunity.Therebuildingprocesshasbeendifficult.Butthelevelofteamworkhasbeenamazing.Someofthechurchespostponedtherepairsontheirchurchbuildingsotheycouldhelprebuildthechurchesthatweredestroyedbythetyphoon.

AsIvisitedwiththeleadersandmembersIbegintothinkaboutthescriptureinNehemiah6:3,“SoIsentmessengerstothem,saying,‘Iamdoingagreatwork,sothatIcannotcomedown.WhyshouldtheworkceasewhileIleaveitandgodowntoyou?’”Helpuspraythatourchurcheswillnotcomedownfromtheirgreatworkandthatthislevelofsacrificeandteamworkwillcontinue.ButnotonlytobuildbuildingsbutthatitcarriesovertothebuildingofGod’schurch,thepeople.

InHisservice,

KeithBowers

42

estledhighinthemountainsofthesouthernPhilippineIslandofMindanaotheMatigsalogBible Institutestandsoutasabeaconoverthesurroundingvalleys.FormanyyearstheMatigsalog BibleInstitute(MBI)hasbeenatraininggroundforpastorsandchurchplantersforthetribalar-easofMindanao.ManygreatGeneralBaptistmissionarieshaveleftadeeplegacyatthisinstitute.WhenIaskpeopleherewhenapasteventtookplacetheanswerisoften“thathappenedinthetimeofCarrorUnderwood,Howard,TrivittorWeatherfordorthenameofanotherGBMissionary.WhenIfirstheardthatphraseIrealizedthattimeandeventsareoftenmeasuredbythemissionarieswhowereherewhenithappened.IwasfilledwithsuchasenseofgratitudeandrespectforthehardpioneeringandsacrificialworkothersbeforemepouredintothePhilippines.Icouldalsofeeltheheavyweightofresponsibility:theresponsibilitytoempowertheFilipinoleadersheretopioneerotherworksofGodthatleavesuchamarkonthelivesofothers.

ManyofthestudentswhocometoMBIdon’tevenknowiftheywillbeacceptedbeforetheschoolyearstartsinJune.Somewillwalkfordaysthroughmountainsandjunglestoreacharoad.Theretheywillbuyaonewaybusticketwithallthey’vesavedtoreachMBIwiththehopeofbeingacceptedandtrainedasaChristianworker.AsIlookintothefacesofthestudentswho’vecometoMBIIseeapeoplesohungrytobeusedbyGodtheywillgivealltheyhavejustforthechancetobetrained.

WehavecometothePhilippinesbecausewebelievethenextgreatmissionaryforcetoreachun-reachedpeoplegroupsthroughoutthe10/40WindowwillbepeoplefromplacesliketheMatigsalogBibleInstituteandGeneralBaptistBibleCollege.IntheseplacesourbrothersandsistersarepreparingtogointoMindanaoandtheworldtobringthehopeoftheGospel.Inthefuture,iftimeisstillmeasuredbythenamesofgreatmissionaries,IbelievethosenameswillbefamiliarFilipinonameswhosacrificedtotakethegospeltootherunreachedplaces.

By Josh Hammond

43

YouknowGodhasassembledagoodteamwhentheFaithHomeDirectorcansitinthehospitalwithachild,whojusthadsurgery,andnotworryatall.WehadateamhousefullofPastorsandleadersintraining,30visitorsfromthegirls’beautyschoolcuttinghaironcampus,ourkidsdoingtheirhomework,andvendorscomingandgoing.HectorwastranslatingthePastortrainingandkeepingthingsgoingviatextmessages.A.J.wasmultitaskinginthetrainingsessionandsendingoutcurrentnews.Brayanwastakingcareoftheoffice,payingthevendorsandcoordinatingtheschoolvisitorsandhomework.TioJavierwasbusyrunningthechildrenbackandforthbetweentheregularandspecialschools,andtheotherhouseparentswereholdingdownthefort.IjustsatwithJonathanandbreathedeasyknowingallwaswellincapable,God-Appointedhands.ProudofourFaithHometeam!

ChristinaMassey,DirectorFaithHomeMinistries

Amanda:_______________________________InJuly,IenjoyedaweekinHondurasatFaithHomeandwasabletospendsometimewithChristina,AJ,HectorandMaria,thewomen’sco-opdirector,TerraandKatie,theamazingsummerinterns,andsomeofthechildren.IhavebeensoexcitedbywhatIfeeltheLordisleadingustowiththewomen’sco-opspecificallyaswehaveagreeduponsomestrongpossibilitiesforfutureprojectswhenourfamilyarrives.MyheartiscompletelytakenbythechildrenofFaithHome.

Ilookforwardtosharingmyfamily’slifewiththeothermissionariesandstaff,alongwiththepastors,children,localHondurans,andMissionOneteams—allthewhilelivinginfellowshipandcommunity,growinginHimsothatwecanglorifyGodinHonduras.

Ryan:_______________________________Ihad theprivilegeofspending thefirstweekofAugustwithSamRamdialandMikeEleveld inHonduraswhilewewalked the local pastors throughthe first round of The Timothy Initiative intensive training. It was anamazing time as the pastors not only received a great deal of teachingbut began to grasp the vision for what we believeGod is going to do inHondurasduringthefirstphaseofthisproject.Theyleftwithcleardirectionand excitement as they move forward to implement the next steps.

DuringourtimeinHonduras,wealsoappointedanationalleadertooverseethedistrictleaders;whowillbesettinguptrainingcentersandbeginningtheprocessofrecruitingpotentialchurchplanterstobeginTheTimothyInitiativetraining.Theballisnowinplay,sopleasebeinprayerasmyfamilymovesdowninearlyOctobertowalkbesidethesefaithfulmenandwomen—toencourageandequiptheminministry&expandingtheKingdomofGod.

Westillneedabout250sharestogetustooursupportgoal…soweaskthatyouprayaboutwhatyoucandotosupportourministry.WebelieveGodisgoingtodosomegreatthingsinHondurasandwelookforwardtosharingmorenewsinOctober.

44

Ihavebeenupsince5:00A.M.anddecidedtostrolldownbythebeachnearourapartment.ThekingfisherswerebusythismorningmakingsurethatIheardtheminthestillnessofthepredawnlight.Thetidewasupcover-ingmostoftherustingandbarnaclecoveredtankthatsitsoffshore.Thereareseveralofthemalongthecoastline,remindersofthebloodybattleduringWorldWarTwothateruptedtofreetheislandfromJapanesedomination.Thereisoftenaheavycostforfreedomandchange. Sittingoffthecoast,justontheothersideofthecoralreef,arefourlargecargoships.Theyhavesattheredayafterdaysincebeforeourarrival.Theyseldomleavetheirpost.TheyareMaritimePrepositioningShips(MPS),whicharestrategicallyplacedaroundtheworldincaseofamilitaryconflict.TheMPSvesselseachcarrysufficientequipment,suppliesandammunitiontosupportaMarineair-groundtaskforcefor30days.Theyaremannedbymer-chantmarines,eachshipanchoredand

BreatheItIn–GodGivesLife!ThiswasthethemeofourweekofVacationBibleSchoolatSaipanCommunityChurchthispastJune.WespentfiveeveningsteachingthechildrenofSaipanaboutthelife-givingbreathofGodthroughBiblestories,crafts,songsandactivities.Wehadwonderfulattendanceandanoverwhelmingnumberofvolunteers.Thisledtoafantasticweekoflearning,fun,andbonding.WewereblessedtoshareGod’spromisesoflife,hope,courage,wisdom,andnewlifewithatotalof105children,agesrangingfromKindergartento5thGrade.Thankstoour52volunteers,wehadanalmost2-1childtovolunteerratio.Thisallowedustospendagreatdealoftimeindividuallyencouraging,lovingandteachingthepreciousheartsofourchildren.Wewereabletoraise$430.18inofferingtobegiventotherebuildingeffortsinthePhilippines.Thekidsreallyrespondedtothefriendlycompetitionbetweentheboysandthegirls.Thegirlsledtheofferingthefirst3daysofV.B.S.withtheboyswinningthefinaldaybyaverylargemargin,whichultimatelyallowedtheboystowinoverall.Therealwinners,though,arethosewhoareapartoftherebuildingeffortinthePhilippineswhoaregoingtobenefitfromthechildren’s generosity. We alsohadawardsforbothboyandgirlinBiblememorization,most friendsbrought, and perfect attendance.For our (Jason andAnnie’s) firstyearrunningVBShereonSaipan,we were overwhelmed by theattendance from the communityas well as the willingness of ourvolunteers to serve. We arealreadytalkingaboutthemeideasfor next year and are lookingforwardtowhatGodhasinstore!

waitingforthecalltobedeployed. Isatalongthebeachasthewatersoftlylickedawayattheshoreandthoughtandprayed.JesussaidinMatthew28:18-20NIV,“‘Allauthorityinheavenandonearthhasbeengiventome.Thereforegoandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit,andteachingthemtoobeyeverythingIhavecommandedyou.AndsurelyIamwithyoualways,totheveryendoftheage.’”Thewords,“thereforego”keepbobbingaroundinmyheadliketheorangebuoyneartherustingtank.Jesuscommandedus,Hischurch,Hisfollowers,togoand“makedisciples”.Aroundtheworld,outofeverytribe,languageandnation,weChristianssitasthoughwearewaitingfororderstomove.WehavebeenfullydeployedbythecommandsofChrist,empoweredbytheSpirit,andhavebeengivenfullauthoritytoactonChristbehalf. Thequestioninmyheadis,“Whatmorearewewaitingfor?”Thedisciples

werestandingaroundafterJesus’ascensionwhensuddenlyheavenlybe-ingsappearedandsaid,“…‘whydoyoustandherelookingintothesky?ThissameJesus,whohasbeentakenfromyouintoheaven,willcomeback’...”Therealitywastheyhadaclearmissionandstandingaroundwasnotintheplan.Jesusiscomingback,butuntilHedoeswearetogointoalltheworld. Iamstationedonatinyislandfloat-inginthePacific.Itishometoapproxi-mately48,000people.MostareCatho-lic,someareShinto,Buddhist,Islamic,andmanyothershadesofevangelicalsandPentecostals.ThetruthisthatmostdonothavearedeemingrelationshipwithChrist.Wemustevangelizethisisland.Somanypeoplearefromdiffer-entnationsandtosavealifeisperhapstosaveanation. WearepullingupanchorandaskingtheHolySpirittobeourwind.Prayforusandalsopraythattheplacewhereyouworship,andthepeopleyouworshipwith,willnotbecontenttositofftheshoreandwait.Thereforego....

It’sabeautifulSundaymorningonSaipan.

VacationBibleSchoolatSaipanCommunityChurch

45

By Jason Warren

By Phil Warren

46

hecallingisnotauthoritativethewaytheScriptures are.Yourcallingisneverbeyondquestion.Youcan’t claim it to others the way you quote scripture tothem. Neverthelessourcallingcanbeprofoundlyanddurablysure in our own heart. It is thework ofGod to bring ourheart toapointofconviction that,all thingsconsidered—includingScripture—thispathisthepathofobedience.Theconviction isnot infallible.Butwhen it isofGod, itbringspeace. HowdoesGodwakensuchacalling?Iwillsuggesttenmeansthatheuses.Onlyoneoftheseisinfallible—theBible.Alltheothersarerelative.Theyarenotabsolutelydecisiveinyourleading.Theyareimportant.Butanyofthemcanbeoverriddenbytheothers.VariouscombinationsofthesearethefuelGodusestodrivetheengineofhiscallinginyourlife. 1. Above all, know your Bible and saturate your mind with it. The Bible shapes our minds for mission durability(Psalm1:1-3),andmakesusburnforChrist(Luke24:32). 2. Know your gifts and know yourself. Every Christian has gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). Knowingthem shapes your convictions about your calling. Andknowingyourself(asPaulexemplifiesinRomans7:15-24)deepensyoursenseoffitnessforvariousministries.(Keepinmindthatthiscanbeoverriddenbyotherfacts!) 3. Ponder the need of the world. TheChristianheartofloveisdrawnbyperceivedneeds,whethernearorfar.ThereforeGoduseswhatweknowtoawakenthemeasureofourdesirethatpushesusovertheedgeofcommitment(Matthew9:36-38). 4. Read missionary biography and missionary frontline stories. Clearly theBible treatsheroesof the faithasdivinelyappointed inspirations for or the awakening of visionand ministry (Hebrews 13:7). “Therefore, since we aresurrounded by so great a cloud ofwitnesses, let us alsolayasideeveryweight,andsinwhichclingssoclosely,andlet us runwith endurance the race that is set before us”(Hebrews12:1). 5. Inquire of your soul, “Where are you burdened for others?” Godsendsandseekstheburdenforlostpeople.Jesuscarriedsuchaburden:“OJerusalem,Jerusalem!...HowoftenwouldIhavegatheredyourchildrentogetherasahen

gathersherbroodunderherwings”(Luke13:33-34).Thisburdenwasessentialtohiscalling.Whatisyourburden? 6. Know your circumstances. Parents, health, houses, lands, children, age, etc.Allofthemmatterinourcalling,butnoneofthemisdecisive.Theycanallbeoverridden.“Truly,Isaytoyou,thereisnoonewhohaslefthouseorbrothersorsistersormotherorfatherorchildrenorlands,formysakeandforthegospel,whowillnotreceiveahundredfoldnowinthistime,housesand brothers and sisters and mothers and children andlands,with persecutions, and in the age to come eternallife”(Mark10:29-30). 7. Pray for God to throw you where you can be best used for his glory. Isay“throw”becauseinMatthew9:38thatistheliteralmeaning: “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest tothrowoutlaborersintohisharvest.”Thepointispray!AskGod to use you to the fullest for his glory. “If any of youlackswisdom,lethimaskGod,whogivesgenerouslytoallwithoutreproach,anditwillbegivenhim”(James1:5). 8. Do not neglect passionate, Christ-exalting, corporate worship. The most important missionary calling that everhappened took place in corporate worship: “While theywereworshipingtheLordandfasting,theHolySpiritsaid,‘SetapartformeBarnabasandSaulfortheworktowhichIhavecalledthem’”(Acts13:2). 9. Listen humbly to the spiritual people in your life. Theynotonlyconfirmyourgifts.TheyaretheinstrumentsofGodtoawakeninyoupossibilitiesandjoysofmissionaryservicethatyouneverdreamed(2Timothy1:5-7). 10. Cultivate absolute surrender of all you are and have to Christ. This is the person that God leads to the greatestfruitfulness of life. Woe to the person who tries to be ahalf-Christianandnever says from theheart: “I renounceeverythingforyou,LordJesus.Iamwillingtogoanywhereanddoanythingatanycost, ifyouwillgowithmebemyeverlastingjoy.”ThisiswhyJesussaid,“Ifanyonecomestomeanddoesnothatehisownfatherandmotherandwifeandchildrenandbrothersandsisters,yes,andevenhisownlife,hecannotbemydisciple.27Whoeverdoesnotbearhisowncrossandcomeaftermecannotbemydisciple....Therefore,anyoneofyouwhodoesnotrenounceallthathehascannotbemydisciple”(Luke14:26-27,33).

By John Piper ©2013 Desiring God Foundation. Used by Permission

Ten Means God Uses to Compel Those Whom He Calls