From The Stewardship Journal Team

Welcome to the last edition of the 2023 Stewardship Journal. Before we share what is in this week’s Journal, please allow us to first thank you for your continued support. We appreciate your words of encouragement and your support. We believe our best days are ahead of us! Here is what is in this week’s Journal.

Speaking of best days, The Stewardship Journal Goes National, the title of our first lead post, shares with you the changes coming on January 8th, 2024, when the Journal goes national. You’ll find out which state conventions have joined and a brief description of new tools available to you and your church leaders. From your weekly offering to raising capital dollars, the Stewardship Journal will be the SBC’s go-to source for all things related to stewardship/generosity. All of this is provided to you for free!

Mark Brooks, The Stewardship Coach writes on how to be an exception to the decline in giving many churches are experiencing. Here is a quote from his post, “As a result of the lockdowns, giving dropped like a rock, and it has never fully come back. There are exceptions. The title of this Coach is How to Be the Exception When Giving Caves In. And yes, I said when because right now, the Church is headed for difficult times.” Find out from Mark how to navigate these difficult times ahead!

Are you getting ready for the New Year? Our final post is Mark Brooks’ Bonus Section, entitled Planning Your Ministry Year. Mark shares an article from a guest contributor, Chad Brooks @revchadbrooks, who begins the post by saying, “It’s the time of the year when many pastors and ministry leaders are thinking about their new year. Let’s get into a basic framework I like to follow when I am personally walking through it. I always like to start any sort of planning session with a good brain dump. To do this well, I find it is best to create these three lists and in this order.” Take some time to read his three lists and make your own lists for planning out your ministry year.

Thanks for taking this journey with us in 2023. We are looking forward to an exciting and fruitful year in stewardship for 2024. We will see you on January 8^th, 2024. Until then have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In Jesus’ name!