In December, 2011 the Missouri Baptist Foundation Trustees approved a grant of id=mce_marker200 to award a scholarship for a Hannibal-LaGrange University student majoring in business. The scholarship honors retiring HLGU President Woodrow Burt. Dr. Burt stepped down as President in May after 33 years of service to HLGU, culminating with an18 year tenure as president. The scholarship was presented at the HLGU Award Chapel on April 25 by MBF President Chris Calmer to Matthew Leach of Germantown Hills, IL. The scholarship grant comes from distributions of a fund set up by a Missouri Baptist lay person “to serve worthy individuals for the purpose of attending Baptist colleges, universities and seminaries.”

“MBF is pleased to continue to honor the legacy of a faithful Christian steward to support Christian higher education and to express our admiration and respect for the service that Dr. Burt has given to HLGU,” says MBF President Chris Calmer.

MBF can assist in planning gifts that uniquely benefit individuals, family members, and Christian ministries. Learn more about how MBF can help people with estate planning. Or contact MBF at 800-776-0747 to speak with someone.

Getting to Know Matthew Leach

MBF: Tell us a little bit about yourself

Matthew: My name is Matthew Leach. I live in Germantown Hills, Illinois. I have three siblings: one older sister and brother, and a younger brother. My parents raised all of us in church from the time we were infants. Our current church, where we have attended for eighteen years, is the Bay View Baptist Church in Washington, Illinois. I have been encouraged from a young age to be active in athletics. I started playing basketball, baseball, and soccer at the age of five. In my early teens I gave up soccer and baseball to pursue my love for basketball, which I continue to play at Hannibal-LaGrange to this day. Also, I play golf to relax and get away from the fast-paced sports. While playing sports is always fun, my most favorite hobby is riding dirt bikes. Once I got my first dirt bike at the age of six, I have been an enthusiast ever since.

MBF: Why did you choose HLGU?

Matthew: The most important factor in attracting me to Hannibal-LaGrange was the atmosphere. Even on my first visit it was apparent that there was something different about HLGU. Of course, I expected the faculty to be excited and have nothing but praise for their school, but it was the student body and their attitudes that made the lasting impression. I had visited half a dozen schools or more by the time I came to see HLGU, and none of those schools had as an impressive group of kids attending them.

MBF: What is your major?

Matthew: I am a Business Administration major with an emphasis in Marketing. Also, I will be completing the requirements for a Management emphasis as well.

MBF: What do you hope to accomplish with your degree after college?

Marketing is my passion. I would love to find a career in that field, especially as a marketing manager. Currently I am talking with Caterpillar and Menards about possibilities after graduation. Being from the Peoria, IL, area (the headquarters of Caterpillar), it has been a lifelong dream to work in their corporate office in any capacity. While I am still unsure about what is to come after graduation next May, I am confident that God will place me right where He wants me.

At the age of 23, I was given the privilege to be the Minister of Music for my church.  I had led music at different times in the past as a substitute, but the new opportunity to lead on a weekly basis was an exciting opportunity for me to serve. 

It didn’t take long for me to realize I needed practice.  Even though I had grown up in a musical family, and had spent many years watching and learning from great musicians, my limited amount of formal training and education in music was now being put to the test. 

One way I decided to compensate for my inexperience was to direct music in my car whenever I was alone.  The beauty of this system was that I could make many mistakes without the fear or embarrassment of leading our congregation in a song like “How Great Thou Art” while using a three-four time signature instead of the usual four-four time signature.  

One strange observance I had during those years was many of the other car drivers seemed so friendly.  It was only after a few times that I realized my directing was being perceived as a wave to the oncoming cars.  Feeling a little embarrassed, I soon learned to direct the radio music with a lower profile and well below the dashboard.

As I reflect back to those early days, there are many thoughts that come to mind.  For starters, I am so thankful for those who instilled in me the love of music.  My family, friends, teachers, directors, and peers have been such an encouragement to help me develop and grow.  The churches where I have served have been patient and generous in their support.  Most importantly I believe the choirs, praise teams, and worshippers have joined me in declaring the truths of our faith, and at the same time expressing our love and affection to God in our worship.

My spiritual growth has benefitted greatly from the years of music ministry.  Thankfully I have also seen great ambassadors in stewardship and financial management modeled for me as well.  As I have grown in my faith, I have seen many stellar examples of stewardship.  I have tried to be intentional in spending time learning from finance and investment professionals, and I have also been open and accountable to others in my personal finance so that I could be all that God has called me to be in this area of my life.

Hopefully my story will inspire you to support, affirm, or mentor someone around you who needs that extra help in one of the ways I have mentioned.  Thankfully, the list of those who have encouraged me is quite long and with much appreciation, I am forever grateful.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:9 it says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (NIV). 

As you might have guessed, my time of practicing and directing in the car has diminished through the years, but thankfully I know exactly what I can do to brighten my day when the commute is a little dull.  Let the directing begin!

May God bless you as you serve and live for Him!

Chris Calmer, CPA, CFA
Vice President of Operations
Missouri Baptist Foundation

I recently read a message about a gospel ministry.  It needs money.  This organization is in my community. I know it well. You may know of financially strapped ministry organizations in your community, too.

The organization I read about is a residential discipleship ministry that helps people get a fresh start.  Those it serves are alcoholic, drug addicted, unable to find or hold a job, or homeless.  Some are young - still teenagers.  Recently, a woman living there gave birth.  I met a seventy-year-old man who was going through the program.  Some residents make this place their home.  A young woman told me, “I’ve never been loved like I am here.”

The leaders tell about Jesus, provide living space, food and clothing.  They require residents to work and support the organization.  Leaders teach Bible study, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines.  Attendance is mandatory.

I like what this ministry does. It offers no-nonsense, heavy-duty, industrial-strength training.  (My life could stand some additional discipline and I might benefit from living there.)

This fine ministry is short of money.  Much of their support comes from the work of the residents.  There is not much work in the winter.  Yard work will be available in a couple of months.  Until then, it will hard to make ends meet.

A group that donates deer to the ministry each Fall, couldn’t do so this year.  So, there’s no meat in the freezer.  Building rent is due.  Electricity, gas, and water bills are on hand to pay.  Vehicles need repair.

I went to see a movie recently, which means I have some extra cash.  The movie was fun and I needed some time off.  But, I’m going to do something for this ministry.  The men and women who live there have basic needs.  They are more important than my fun, and giving to them will be satisfying, too.

I’m not going to tell you the name of this organization, nor where it is located.  It’s a real place with real needs.  However, there is a Christian organization near you that needs help.  If you can’t find one, read this paper, the Word and Way, your local newspaper, or ask your pastor or other Christian leader for a suggestion. They may suggest a Christian ministry that needs your gift.

I’ve told you that I’m going to give to the organization in my community.  Even though I’ve told you that I am going to make a gift, I should also tell you that I’m going to give it in a quiet, private way. This good ministry doesn’t need to know who I am, though they may need what I can give.

So, can you give something?

National and international financial situations are complex.  The only economics I understand are personal.  I understand my income and expenses.  My personal finances are also the only economics that I can control.  I influence my income and have much control over my expenses.

In a radio report heard recently, the reporter stated that unemployment in the U.S. continues to be high.  Retail stores are disappointed that Americans are not spending much money.  Folks are avoiding common items like new clothing and small kitchen appliances.  Families are remodeling their homes instead of buying new ones.

I’m being careful, too.  Each month, a bit of money goes into savings.  My wife and I aren’t eating out as much as we did previously.  We give to our church and other ministries.

My ultimate confidence does not depend on my salary or thrift.  Instead, I believe that the Lord will take care of us.  Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27

That doesn’t mean that we can lay back, relax, and do nothing.  The Apostle Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

So, both are true.  We can do what we can.  And, we trust God to do what only He can do.  That may seem like a contradiction, but it’s more simple than listening to the explanations and predictions of economists.

What is going to happen next?  I don’t know.  But I’m going to work, give, serve, and trust God.  Not too complex, is it?

Article written by:
Brad Dixon
Western Missouri Regional Vice President
Missouri Baptist Foundation

“No estate tax for me! Great! I don’t need to worry any more about estate planning.” This is the comment that I am hearing when I share with people that Congress acted to raise the estate transfer tax exemption to $5 million.  Less than 2% of Americans die leaving an estate valued at over $5 million. This does not, however, mean that the need for estate planning is eliminated.  Do not confuse “estate tax” planning with the much broader issue of estate planning. 

As Christian stewards of God’s material blessings held in our estate, we have responsibilities for more than managing taxes.  Meeting our stewardship goals still requires careful planning in many areas, especially estate planning.  Some of the issues to think about that are handled through wills, trusts, and other estate management tools include:
• Naming guardians for minor children.
• Managing the inheritance of children and grandchildren of all ages who have not developed good financial management skills.
• Creditor protection of inherited assets.
• Disability protection for yourself and a surviving spouse.
• Family inheritance planning in second spouse situations.
• Including your church, Christian ministries, and other charitable organizations.
• Income tax planning on retirement account distributions.

In reality, the newly passed estate tax law is probably a good reason to review your existing estate plan and see if it needs to be updated.  If you are part of the 98% or more of Americans that will not be subject to estate taxes, you may be in a position passing along even greater amounts to family and Christian ministries.  If anything, the need for wise stewardship in developing your estate plan has increased.  Just when you thought you could take something off of your to-do list, estate planning probably needs to go to the top of the list.  (P.S. Keep an eye on the estate tax laws.  The $5 million exemption is set to expire December 31, 2012.)   

Stephen Mathis, CFP
Interim President
Missouri Baptist Foundation

Spring means cleaning and putting our house in order for the busy months ahead. Before the days of central air conditioning, housekeeping was quite a chore! I dreaded the work in those days, but I loved the resulting orderly and clean house!

I also dreaded the chores required to “leave our house in order” before going on vacation. “Why can’t we just jump in the car and head to our destination?” I reasoned as a youngster. As beds were made and cupboards cleaned, my mother taught us, “These things matter.” I always appreciated the result!

Now is a good time for Christians to spring clean to leave their financial houses in order. After all, we have a final destination, heaven, and we are to be responsible stewards while on Earth. The Bible teaches that “things” matter! As a steward, you can order everything by designating those who benefit from your estate, those you would leave in charge of settling your financial affairs, and ministries you wish to support through at least a tithe on your estate.

A good check list would include preparation of a last will and testament, a carefully structured trust, or both. Having a healthcare directive, power of attorney, and instructions for your personal representative might also be included.

The Missouri Baptist Foundation assists hundreds of families each year to prepare estate and charitable gifts. Let us help you be a responsible steward and leave your financial affairs and estate in order. What a wonderful feeling to leave home and know it is done!

This summer holds a milestone birthday for me — 55! As I roll down life’s highway with millions of other baby boomers, it occurs to me that I need to pull over for a brief “rest stop” to consider financial preparation for what lies ahead. Hopefully, it is not too late to make any necessary adjustments. What questions must I answer?

First, what will my income be at age 60, 65, 70, or whatever age I choose to retire? I need to pull out my Social Security projection – they send me one every year now. Next, I will check with my retirement plan administrator (mine happens to be Guidestone) and request projections. I will get with my IRA custodian for help to project an amount that may be available from that account. Regarding savings and investments (regardless of size), I will estimate earnings at a conservative 5%. Lastly, I will make my best guess about earnings I could receive from part-time projects and any real estate or business holdings. With this information, I should be able to make a reasonable estimate of income.

Second, what expenses might I expect? A rule of thumb some follow is 75-80% of current expenses. To be more specific to my situation, I will take time to list expenses by categories (food, travel, transportation, giving, medical, housing, utilities, etc.). I should probably add 10-20% to these projected expenses because I know I may have overlooked something or an emergency or inflation may happen.

Third, how do my projections for income and expenses compare? Income that exceeds expenses would be a mighty good start. But should expense projections exceed income expectations, I had better see what can be done to boost the savings before retirement. I may have to make some immediate lifestyle adjustments.

Fourth, am I confident in these “rest stop” projections? Hopefully, they have headed me in the right direction. However, I know I should seek professional retirement planning, financial planning, and tax advisors who can help me adjust my calculations to reflect tax and inflation effects over a 10-, 20-, 30-year or more retirement — God willing. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” I will ask God, my perfect counselor and guide, to lead me to capable Christian counselors.

Fifth, have I saved enough? After reviewing my situation, I’ll get the help I need to make certain. No matter your age, it is not too early or late to be a faithful manager of God’s resources. Properly planning to use His blessings to provide for family and minister to others is good stewardship. Won’t you join me in this endeavor? Don’t be surprised to discover that God is unbelievably good to us!

Stephen Mathis, CFP
MBF Executive Vice President
Missouri Baptist Foundation

In the August 2009 “Give & Take” newsletter, Robert F. Sharpe, Jr., a nationally recognized adviser to non-profit organizations, identified reasons donors choose to make anonymous or private gifts. Reasons ranged from religious traditions and shyness to protecting against unwanted contacts from gift-seekers. Due to identity theft concerns, some seek to minimize publicity that could jeopardize family safety or financial security. In the Christian community, my experience has been that a very humble spirit is the frequent nature of faithful stewards. Decisions to share publicly about giving are prayerfully made in light of what will model stewardship in a way that encourages fellow believers and strengthens the work of the church.

A popular tool that accommodates various levels of privacy in giving is the Donor Advised Fund (DAF). These are available through community foundations, some financial service providers, and, in Missouri Baptist life, the Missouri Baptist Foundation. Planning and making gifts through a DAF at a “third-party” entity that is a qualified charitable organization also captures tax benefits to which the giver may be entitled. In addition, the use of a DAF can allow:

• The DAF manager to make distributions to ministries while keeping the donor’s identity anonymous. Expressions of appreciation from the benefiting ministry may be provided through the DAF manager to the anonymous giver.

• One large gift transaction to be divided among multiple causes (church, ministries, charities, etc.). Following the donor’s instruction to the DAF manager, notification of the donor’s identity may be withheld or released on a charity by charity basis.

• A gift to be completed in one year for tax purposes but distributed over several years.

• For gifting appreciated assets such as stocks or a mutual fund in ways that avoid capital gain taxes. The DAF manager converts the asset to cash for distribution to churches and ministries that may not be organized to properly receive and acknowledge non-cash gifts.

Concerns over privacy need not restrict the generosity God places in your heart. Using a Donor Advised Fund may even increase the economic stewardship of giving if you have a DAF with an organization that assists you in tax-wise planning of your gifts.

Stewardship Isn’t Just Tithing 10%

Recently, I was reminded in one of our church services that stewardship goes far beyond our tithe. For years, I’ve witnessed and heard individuals use the terms “stewardship” and “tithing” interchangeably. In reality, tithing is just a part of the stewardship process.

Most of us would agree with the biblical model set before us that our tithe should be 10%. At times, I also believe God calls us to give above our tithe to help our church, other ministry causes, and in meeting the needs of others around us who are hurting and need our financial help. But, where do we go from there? Is our stewardship complete? What about the other 90% of our income? What about all the resources we’ve been given?

Stewardship must go beyond the tithe and penetrate every part of our lives and every decision we make. Stewardship, by its very definition, implies that we are taking care of resources that are owned by someone else. Wikipedia states “Financial stewardship is based on the belief that God is the true owner of each person’s possessions, and that one is accountable to God for the acceptable care and use of those possessions.”

Once we understand that everything we have is actually God’s, it should motivate us to do our very best every time we write a check, use our credit card, paint our house, wash our car, or plan our day. It may seem trivial to look at stewardship in such a detailed, microscopic fashion; however, even some of our smallest decisions can add up to life-changing events and circumstances. We should also remind ourselves that when we manage our finances, care for our families, use our talents, and budget our time, we can recognize the many blessings we’ve been given. Faithful stewardship will seek to honor God in ALL things great and small.

When I reflect on my daily decisions, I can’t help but think of ways to be a better steward of what I’ve been given. Whether it’s investing better, giving to the right ministry causes, or just turning off the light when I leave a room, there are daily choices I make which speak to my testimony of stewardship.

In 1 Corinthians 4:2, it says “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” NKJV. Our stewardship is not just about what we are giving to the church; but, it’s what we’re doing with every possible resource we’ve been given.

Please consider joining me in making it a daily habit of asking the Lord to show us the ways we could be a better steward and demonstrate our faithfulness to Him. I know if we trust Him and open our hearts and minds to hear His direction in our lives, He’ll show us the way!

May His blessings flow to you as you demonstrate stewardship beyond the tithe!

Article written by:

Chris Calmer, CPA CFA
Vice President of Operations
Missouri Baptist Foundation