Generosity Today Issue 2 2024

Dear Friend,

In Jesus’ parable of the talents, we are reminded of this truth: It isn’t how much we have in our hands that matters, but how we choose to use it.

To the servant who was given five talents, the master said, “well done.” To the servant who had two talents, he also said, “well done.” It was only the servant who hid and mismanaged his wealth that he called “wicked.” (See Matthew 25:14-30)

I’ve seen the destructive power of money – but also the amazing impact it can have when channeled in the right direction. When we manage our God-given resources according to His directives and for His purposes, the result is eternal good.

I pray you will be inspired by the stories in this issue about godly stewardship and generosity. How we manage our possessions will reveal our affections.

If Barnabas Foundation can be of any assistance in helping you share your wealth in ways that honor God, please give us a call. It’s our joy to be your Kingdom partner.

Sermons, Starbucks and Savvy Support

Life Story: Peter & Jo

Rev. Peter has one sermon on giving. “It’s titled ‘The Sermon on the Amount,’” he says with a laugh, “I only wish that I had preached that sermon more!”

Beyond what he taught from the pulpit, Peter and his wife, Jo, have spent a lifetime modeling the values of biblical stewardship.

“Early on in our married life together, Jo and I decided that we would always live within our means,” says Peter, “Avoid debt and payment of interest, if possible, and we would save some money every month to invest in a house fund for retirement. Lastly, we would always tithe.”

As an investment strategy, Peter and Jo began purchasing small amounts of Starbucks and Microsoft stock over the course of a few decades.

As the number and value of those shares rose, they began to realize their dream for retirement. In 2004, they moved into a beautiful home with a stunning view of the mountains in Washington state.

Peter muses, “I tell people that the Lord used Starbucks and Microsoft to build us a very nice retirement home!”

Even in retirement, their shares continue to grow in value, presenting Peter and Jo with an interesting challenge. “If I sell any of that, I have to pay a 98.6% capital gains tax,” explains Peter. “I don’t want to do that!”

Instead, Barnabas Foundation helped them identify a creative giving solution: donating their appreciated stock to ministry through life income gifts.

By giving this way, Peter and Jo have reduced their capital gains taxes, and they’ve secured ongoing income to help sustain them through retirement. Best of all, Peter and Jo take great joy in supporting a variety of ministries close to their hearts.

“These were charities that we had been giving to all along,” says Peter. “They have a high rating and priority in our thinking.”

Peter and Jo stand amazed at God’s blessing as they’ve pursued Kingdom priorities with their finances.

“One of my favorite texts is Malachi 3:10,” says Peter. “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”

“Put that one to the test,” says Peter. “As long as the Lord continues to bless our investments and multiply them, we’ll continue to give them back.”

This is a sermon on giving that Peter and Jo continue to live out together, even in retirement.

Peter and Jo found a win-win solution by giving appreciated stock to ministry through life income gifts.

POSSESSIONS & AFFECTIONS

T he Story of our Stuff

Bert and his wife travelled to one estate sale after another in search of abandoned treasure. Their pursuit: antiques and well-worn furniture they could repair, repaint and repurpose for their upcycling business. What they hadn’t expected to find were clues to the prior owners’ affections.

“One woman had an abundance of dishes and decorations for every major holiday,” observed Bert. “Clearly, she loved to host.”

In contrast, another house had a single set of utensils, mismatched plates and a basic dining room set. Photos and other evidence of her beloved pets, however, were abundant.

“Their possessions revealed who or what they loved,” he reflected.

Bert’s conclusion is an intriguing one. For most of us, a simple home inventory would quickly reveal our affections. Indeed, our stuff is always telling stories.

What is your stuff saying to others about whom or what you love?

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul warned Timothy about the perils of misplaced adoration.

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

(1 Timothy 6:9-10, NIV, emphasis added)

Notice Paul wasn’t calling “money” in itself the “root of all kinds of evil.” Rather, it’s loving money

and accumulating it at all costs that create ruin and destruction. Chasing, adoring and hoarding stuff never ends well.

On the other hand, wisely stewarding whatever God-entrusted resources we’ve been given is our spiritual duty. Using money to bring glory to Christ and to pour out His love to others is a good, life-giving and holy assignment.

Consider Paul’s further instructions to Timothy about wealth.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

(1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV)

In these verses it becomes clear that having stuff is not the problem. Money is not a dirty word in God’s economy.

The problem comes when money becomes the object of our affection rather than a tool to be used by Him. In other words, it’s not what we have, but how we use it.

All that we have is a gift from God – a gift that was meant to be shared.

After all, our stuff is always telling stories. What is your stuff saying about whom or what you love?

KEYS FOR THE KINGDOM

Smart, Flexible Gifts of Real Estate

Ready to sell your vacation home, rental property, farmland or other real estate?

Before you go to market, you may want to consider a smart, flexible gift to ministry instead.

When you give real estate to ministry, you receive a double tax benefit. You’ll get an immediate charitable deduction for the value of your gift, plus you will avoid any capital gains that you would have paid at the time of the sale.

Many people make an outright gift of 100 percent interest in their property to charity.

Some give just a portion.

Others use real estate to set up a giving arrangement that pays them income for life.

Regardless of how you give, real estate is a smart, flexible option for supporting Kingdom-building ministry in a big, powerful way.

Could real estate be a good giving solution for you?

Learn more by emailing planning@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.

Gifts That Pay Income Blessings for a Lifetime

FREE

May 15, 11 a.m. (Central)

Through a life income gift, you can give for Kingdom impact and receive income payments for life.

During this free, 20-30 minute session, Barnabas Foundation’s Adam Lopez, J.D., will discuss how lifetime giving options can benefit your favorite Kingdom causes while caring for the needs of you and your loved ones.

STEWARDS FUND

A Donor-Advised Fund

That Aligns with Your Values

The Stewards Fund, a donor-advised fund, provides you with a simple, flexible and tax-efficient opportunity to have tremendous Kingdom Impact.

Like a charitable giving account, a donor-advised fund allows you to give cash, stock and other appreciated assets into a single fund. From there, you can request grants be made to multiple ministries that are close to your heart.

Why are donor-advised funds so popular? Allow us to break down the benefits:

Timing. Receive an immediate tax deduction at the time you make a gift into the Stewards Fund. Then, advise how and when you wish your gifts to be distributed.

Flexibility. Grants can be requested at any time using our convenient online grant system. You may choose to give in one-time or recurring increments, and you may designate your gift to meet specific needs.

Simplicity. Simplify your giving and record-keeping by making all gifts of cash, stocks or appreciated assets into a single account.

Privacy. You can choose to make any or all grants anonymously.

Expertise. Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of Barnabas Foundation staff who will manage and liquidate your non-cash asset gifts.

Cost-Effective. Many families use their Stewards Fund account as a simplified and cost-effective alternative to establishing a private foundation.

FUNDING YOUR STEWARDS FUND ACCOUNT

The following types of assets have been contributed to a Stewards Fund:

BShare with a Friend!

To request your free copy of the Stewards Fund Brochure, email info@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.

BA RNABAS ASK

Q: What are the advantages of giving from my IRA?

A: If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift from your IRA to charity and receive significant benefits in return!

Benefits of giving from your IRA include:

• Convenience. It’s an easy way to give to your church or other favorite ministries without affecting cash flow.

• Tax-wise. Distributions made directly to charity reduce your taxable income. This benefits you even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax returns!

• Promises kept. Gifts from your IRA can be used to fulfill any charitable giving pledges previously made.

• Multiplied Impact. Gifts made from your retirement assets are tax-free to charity. The entirety of your gift will go toward your favorite causes!

Have Questions?

Email planning@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.