Set the Groundwork for Church Plant Protection from Day 1

Cody Mankin, Director, GuideStone Agency Sales & Business Development  A church plant ushers in an air of excitement and anticipation. Unfamiliar faces transform into meaningful relationships, event calendars begin the framework for fellowship and hope for a community unfolds.  What could bring this progress to a halt? An injury. A lawsuit. A fire. A data breach.  A proactive approach to …

3 High-Risk Property Areas You Must Consider for Church Safety 

By Megan Cuzen, Director of Agency Customer Experience at GuideStone Some things don’t mix — wired microphones and baptistries, concrete surfaces and playgrounds, and poor lighting in parking lots. High-risk areas of your church demand extra attention to protect your ministry and people from injuries, crimes and lawsuits. Maximize church safety with a closer look at steps you can take …

What is Faith-based Investing?

By Chad Bailey Seven out of 10 Americans say their personal values guide their investment choices.1 More investors are now seeking out investment strategies and products that reflect their values and what’s important to them. God has called us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us — including our time, talent and treasure. Since our faith guides how we …

B21 Guide to SBC 2024

B21 has you covered for all things related to the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. Note: Our B21 Panel will run the morning of June 11th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom with doors opening at 6:30AM. This event is SOLD OUT.

Start Well, Stay Well, Finish Well with GuideStone at the SBC

Gathering together for the SBC Annual Meeting is our big family reunion.  And like any good family reunion, we give hugs to those we love and pick up right where we left off. We extend cheery welcomes to the newest family members, explaining all the quirks of certain personalities and traditions. And, of course, we’ll be praying for our time …

5 Reasons Why Pastors Should Consider Pursuing a Doctor of Ministry

Matthew D. Haste  At the close of each academic year, the six seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention confer degrees upon hundreds of graduates, including dozens who receive a Doctor of Ministry. Most of these DMin graduates will take their new diploma home, perhaps hang it on an office wall, and then get back to work doing the same ministry …

What Being a “Minister for Tax Purposes” Really Means

By Seth Hawkins As a minister, you have a unique calling in your life. You also have a unique status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, and with this status are some unique options and rules to consider when it comes to tax time. Just because a congregation designates someone as a minister does not mean that person is automatically …

Our Noble Widows: Mission:Dignity® Answers the Call 

Join Us in Honoring Mission:Dignity Recipients This SummerDr. Aaron Meraz, Director of Mission:Dignity at GuideStone® Both the Old and New Testaments speak to the responsibility of the church to care for widows in need, none plainer than what we read in James 1:27 (CSB): “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in …

A Plea for A Confessional Convention

Written by Ben Lacey NOTE: This is an opinion piece from Pastor Ben Lacey about the role of the BFM2000 in the SBC. B21 believes this to be an important conversation and will likely have an article from a differing point of view as well. What does the SBC need right now? Clarity. Why? Because as a friend of mine …