I like looking at charts. Don’t you? They can convey a lot of information in a visually appealing way. While they can also mislead (just like words), they allow the brain to process data in a way that often communicates more powerfully than written or spoken words. (At least, from a guy who likes looking at charts.) Recently, while looking at a chart of the dollar’s value over time, I knew inflation was reducing the buying power of my dollar because of the Que-Burger Indicator. The … [Read more...]
Mansion in glory
I recently had the opportunity to visit Beaufort, South Carolina, for the annual gathering of State Baptist Foundation Presidents. Amid our meetings, strategy sessions and prayer, we had a bit of time to explore the area’s history. Founded in 1711, Beaufort played significant roles both in the Revolutionary and Civil War due to its location among the Sea Islands. It also played a unique and shameful role in the slave trade. During those difficult days, true heroes like Harriet Tubman and … [Read more...]
Advancing the gospel by money management
I love my job. Why? Because I get to focus on Advancing the Gospel. Although my position has looked different throughout my life, my calling has remained the same since I started at Siloam Springs Baptist Assembly. When I first walked that aisle as a teenager, I assumed it would be in youth ministry. Then I became a pastor and still serve in a wonderful church as an interim pastor (note we are all interim). But now, I get to live out this calling in the world of finance. To help people … [Read more...]
Leaving a legacy
I recently attended a funeral of a dear friend and mentor. Dr. John Henry Moore was born on October 12, 1939, and was promoted to heaven in time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday with Him on Dec 23. A medical doctor and surgeon, I met him while in Branson and had the privilege of serving with him for several years when he was on our pastoral staff. He always provided great insight and wisdom to our staff and the church. He and his wife provided marriage mentoring, taught Sunday School, and gave … [Read more...]
‘Best of times, worst of times’
“It was the best of times…it was the worst of times.” You have probably heard these words before, but before you expend too much brain power trying to come up with the source, let me go ahead and tell you that author Charles Dickens wrote them. You may know him from his work, A Christmas Carol. However, this quote is actually from another of his writings, A Tale of Two Cities. While at first, it may seem odd I am not using a quote from A Christmas Carol, the more one considers those … [Read more...]
It was a full day
I had just finished my second sermon of the morning at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, where I serve as an interim pastor; then Kendra and I jumped into the car for the several-hour drive to a different church in southwest Missouri to preach that evening. Being invited to preach is always an honor, but being invited back is an even bigger one. It was my first time at this particular church, and we did not know what we would experience. My attendance expectations were low as it … [Read more...]
Dealing with doubt?
EDITOR'S NOTE: Neil Franks serves as president of the Missouri Baptist Foundation. I have a funny last name. Not like a name that makes you laugh or a name that is hard to pronounce; rather, my last name is sometimes confused for a first name. For instance, I admired my wife’s pastor; he was a fantastic godly leader and a brilliant expositor of the Word. One Sunday, we returned from Seminary for a visit; I looked forward to seeing him and listening to his sermon. At the end of the … [Read more...]
Count it all, Joy
I work with accountants. I like accountants; God likes accountants; you should like accountants. They are full of tenacity, many of whom are the finest examples of Christian kindness you will ever find. However, accountants will require you to “code” every transaction. Expenses must be “charged back” or correctly identified based on the transaction’s already determined exact account number. Getting close does not count; for instance, writing account number 482628402974 is not the same as … [Read more...]
We are all interim
I have the fantastic privilege of currently serving as an interim pastor. The word “interim” comes from the Latin, meaning “time intervening.” Or, in other words, “the time in between” two points or events. As pastors, we use the “interim” title to describe the person between the two “permanent” pastors. But, if you think about it, there is no such thing as a “permanent” pastor. If there were, there would never be the need for an interim. The truth is, all pastors are interim. I serve … [Read more...]
Have it your way
I recently sat down with some pastor friends for lunch. It was a place they had taken me to before, but this time I was ready. It was one of those “choose your own pizza toppings” place. Sort of like the old Subway concept where you can point out the ingredients you want to have added to your sandwich, but this time with pizza. Last time, I was not prepared for all the options, and I opted for the traditional Meat Lovers equivalent. But this time, I was ready: four size options, three … [Read more...]
Double the return on your investment
The farmer puts seed in the ground to harvest a crop in return. The financier puts money into a stock in order to gain a financial return. You remodel your house to produce a higher resale value. The desire to produce a return on our time, effort and money is common to all people. But what if you could get double the return? I know what you are thinking. “Neil, this sounds like one of those get rich quick schemes I hear about on the news.” Wait! Here me out. There is another way to … [Read more...]
Are you in shape?
It’s the new year. The time of year we should all ask ourselves, “Am I in shape?” No, not that kind of shape. (Although, as Pa Grape of the old Veggie Tales cartoon insisted, round is a shape.) I am referring to your fiscal shape, not your physical shape. While you should fully recognize your physical shape may impact your fiscal shape. We are all aware if poor physical health is not one of your priorities, then you may expend more financial resources on medical bills than you intend. … [Read more...]
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