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September 5, 2007
Ashley Clayton on Stewardship and the SBC, Part 2
8. Tell me more about the It’s A New Day initiative.
The “It’s A New Day” initiative is a joint-effort between my office and Crown Financial Ministries to impact the Kingdom by providing a road map to financial freedom. What makes this program different is that it speaks to 100% of your money—not just 10%.
Another important difference is that the program is grounded in Biblical principles and is designed as a Bible Study first. The solution that we’ve put together for our churches is an “out-of-the-box” toolkit. Sunday School material for every age group, sermon outlines for the pastor, promotional materials, and teaching supplements such as video and other presentations are all included.
9. What are people saying about this campaign?
Ed Stetzer said at one of our early pastor conferences, "...this “It’s A New Day” initiative...helping people get out of debt…might prove to be one of our best cultural bridges for churches." Churches that engage their community in this way will certainly position themselves as being authentic and relevant. This is really good news for most churches!
10. What success stories have you heard from churches?
Dr. Larry Wynn is the Senior Pastor of Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula, GA. Larry was the first pastor to lead his church through this four week church wide emphasis. It resulted in new church members, increased offerings and changed lives.
He also gives the emphasis credit for enabling his church to give over one million dollars in last year to the Cooperative Program. They actually put billboards up in their community that essentially said, "Get out of debt here!" The results were amazing!
Hebron’s experience is actually captured in a DVD that we provide for churches. All they have to do is request a copy from my office.
11. Why do you think “It’s A New Day” is important for Southern Baptists?
One constant thread around the Convention is this: everyone is in favor of helping people get out of debt. That’s why I believe this initiative took center stage at the national Convention meeting in San Antonio, TX earlier this year.
And helping people get out debt so that they are free for ministry is a goal every SBC church can share together--even those sharply divided over political and theological issues. Both sides of the aisle are nodding their heads “yes,” and saying, “this is a good thing!”
And that’s what we need. Something we as a Convention can rally behind as we work together to fulfill the Great Commission by telling people about financial freedom and ultimately eternal freedom through Jesus Christ.
Posted by bstroup at September 5, 2007 3:25 AM
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