Last Full Measure of Devotion

By: Barry G. Allen- President & CEO

Something special is being offered to pastors of Southern Baptist churches across the country by the International Mission Board in cooperation with various state Baptist foundations, including the Kentucky Baptist Foundation, and our legacy giving partner, PhilanthroCorp. This could revolutionize and facilitate estate stewardship in those churches whose pastors choose to participate.

The results of a recent LifeWay survey confirmed what we’ve known for years, namely, many pastors do not have wills and other estate planning documents in place, and most churches make no effort to educate and sensitize their members about including the church and other Baptist ministries in their wills or estate plans.

To develop a biblically generous church, the church must have a pastor who is faithful in his stewardship. To that end, the IMB has arranged a “free” luncheon on June 11 during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Houston, Texas to the first 1,000 pastors who register. The luncheon will be held from noon to 1:30 at the Hilton Americas Hotel, which is very convenient to the convention center. It is being held at the same time as the pastor’s wives’ luncheon as an added convenience. IMB President Tom Eliff will speak, and the focus will be “The Last Full Measure of Devotion: a Pastor’s Missions & Ministry Legacy.”

Reservations can be made on line at: http://www.regonline.com/SBC_Luncheon. You also can register by calling 1.804.219.1405 or emailing lconnerley@imb.org. Remember, it’s first come, first served.

To those Kentucky pastors who register, please look for a Kentucky Baptist Foundation table when you arrive at the luncheon. I shall look forward to hosting you.

You will be pleased to know no Cooperative Program or Lottie Moon funds are being used to provide this “free” lunch. The event is being made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor in the Houston area who believes the personal blessings, vision and materials shared with you can insure the ongoing expansion of the Great Commission.

If you are a pastor and attending the annual SBC meeting, please register for this luncheon today! If you are not a pastor, please make sure your pastor is aware of this opportunity and encourage your pastor’s participation.

The information in this article is provided as general information and is not intended as legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, you should seek the advice of an attorney or other professional adviser.