From My Desk To Yours

Welcome to the first edition of the 2024 Stewardship Journal. The Journal was started in 2021 by the Missouri Baptist Convention to provide their pastors with information and advice on all things related to stewardship and generosity. With this edition, the Journal is going national, with several state conventions now sponsoring this newsletter. Your state convention leadership is investing in this resource for you. The Journal aims to help church leaders create a culture of generosity built upon biblical stewardship principles. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to helping you see an increase in giving and givers!

Our lead post is entitled, Previewing the 2024 Stewardship Journal. The post is a preview of what you can expect from us. This passage summarizes the article well: “What will the Journal contain? The Journal is comprised of a series of articles from key leaders in the stewardship arena around the SBC and the nation. It also contains the writing of long-time SBC stewardship leader Mark Brooks, known as The Stewardship Coach. The Journal helps leaders understand the basics of building a stewardship plan, giving them practical tips.”

Our next post is by Mark Brooks, The Stewardship Coach, who regularly contributes to the Journal and serves as material curator. Mark boldly states in this week’s post, Setting the Stage for Financial Stability, ”If you read and follow my directions, your chances of being fully funded in 2024 will greatly increase. If you fail to heed my advice, your church’s chance of existing beyond 2030 greatly diminishes. That’s a bold claim, but my mission is to reverse the decline in giving, one church at a time. In my years as a stewardship minister and coach, I have helped hundreds of churches raise millions of dollars. From the top 100 churches in attendance to churches running 100, my plans help church leaders navigate today’s financial challenges. As giving continues to decline, we are faced with increasing challenges.”

Our final post is Mark Brooks’ Bonus Section, which typically is more practical in its focus. Our Bonus Section is designed to give you more detailed plans and samples for increasing generosity. This week’s Bonus Section is entitled How to Start the Giving Year Out Right. The post begins by stating, “January is next only to July as one of the more challenging months of your giving year. There are multiple reasons, from weather to a slow recovery from the Holidays. Whatever the reason, it is imperative you head off the decline that January’s giving typically sees.” He then gives you practical ideas on how to do this and offers a playbook filled with start-of-the-year plans and ideas.

Thanks for taking the time to read the Stewardship Journal. Let us know what you think. Let us know if you have ideas or topics you want us to explore. Let’s get your church fully funded to do all God has placed on your heart. We are here to help!

In Jesus’ name!