EDITOR'S NOTE: Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) President Neil Franks is offering daily updates for MBF clients on the MBF Facebook and Twitter feeds. As our global community navigates the personal and business implications of COVID-19, the Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) wishes to help Missouri Baptist churches. We want to serve your church’s needs while you are caring for the ministry needs of your congregation. Knowing that with the restrictions on sizable gatherings you will … [Read more...]
A new perspective on the ‘interim’ status
I just completed my very first interim pastorate. Well, I guess all of my pastorates have been interim, since I am no longer serving at any one of those churches. Come to think of it… I suppose all pastors are interim if you factor in enough time, and all church members too, including deacons. But, I think you know what I mean. I had the privilege of serving a local congregation during the “in between” time the church had a “permanent” pastor. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I can … [Read more...]
Overcoming our thinkin’ problem
It has been said that country music is just “three chords and the truth.” Now I am not sure who “they” are, but I wholeheartedly agree. In all the opening lines of country music, David Ball’s 1994 song must sit at the top of the list for truth. The song begins, “Yes, I admit… (with the prototypical nasal tonality I might add) I’ve got a thinkin’ problem.” Mr. Ball hits upon the gravest of all problems, a thinkin’ problem. I was forced to review this problem recently while preparing a … [Read more...]
Why did we buy Windermere?
(See related stories here and here) So you might be wondering…Why would Straightway Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of the Missouri Baptist Foundation, purchase a distressed campground called Windermere Baptist Conference Center? It is a reasonable question, and one in which our staff and trustees wrestled for some time. I would like to take this opportunity to attempt an explanation. In case you have not already heard, the real estate and real property of Windermere Baptist Conference … [Read more...]
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! No, I am not confused, I realize it is not January. But, in our world at the Missouri Baptist Foundation, our fiscal-year ends on Sept. 30. A fiscal-year is any 12-month period selected for accounting purposes. While most churches and many businesses use the calendar year, others – based on their particular business field – may choose another. We use the Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 time frame, just like the federal government, but don’t confuse us with them. Every church of … [Read more...]
MBF can help you get well, live well, finish well
I really enjoy my job. But, I have to admit, I questioned God about a move from the pastorate of the local church into becoming your Foundation president. I never really sought to be a “convention guy;” however, the Lord had placed me in certain roles and positions which seemed to confirm this was in fact His unique calling for me. I do have the desire to make our convention a better place to serve the Lord while serving each other. I am happy to do so as opportunities present … [Read more...]
Work in daylight, prepare for nightfall
So, in the house we are currently leasing, the master bedroom faces the morning sun. Which means I am very aware of the sunrise. This is not normally a big deal, as in the winter months I get up long before the sun does. But in the summer, especially on Saturdays…, well let’s just say I have no other place I need to be at 5:35 AM. This awakening is amplified by having only blinds on the windows rather than curtains where the light can be stymied from sneaking around the edges. But, I will … [Read more...]