Trusted Advice for Pastors
On this page, you will find information on a variety of topics of interest to Pastors. Click on the title link to access a topic. At Envoy Financial, our ministry is to serve you and your ministry. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at (888) 879-1376, option 1 or by email.
For information on any of the following, click the title link.
1. What does the Bible say about money and stewardship? (Back To Top)
Introduction
Did you know that there are roughly 2,350 verses concerning money in the Bible? That’s almost twice as many as verses about faith and prayer combined. Jesus had a lot to say about money:
Why? Because the Scriptures are very clear about an inherent connection between a person's spiritual life, attitudes and actions concerning money and possessions.
Envoy Financial provides “Trusted Advice Along The Way” for today’s Christian Ministry Professionals. Whether your church is large, small, or any size in between, Envoy Financial is equipped with the wisdom and knowledge to help you make the right decisions from a biblical stewardship perspective.
The Bible is clear that we are to save for our future. “A wise man saves for the future, but a foolish man spends whatever he gets.” (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)
Scripture References
Money, Wealth, Blessing and Prosperity:
A wise man saves for the future – Proverbs 21:20Money little by little grows - Proverbs 13:11Ability to produce wealth – Deuteronomy 8:18The blessing of the Lord brings wealth – Proverbs 10:22Diligent hands bring wealth - Proverbs 10:4Pursue righteousness and find prosperity - Proverbs 21:21All hard work leads to profit - Proverbs 14:23Oh, that you would bless me indeed – 1 Chronicles 4:9-10Then you will be prosperous and successful – Joshua 1:8God gives any man wealth and possessions – Ecclesiastes 5:19A generous man will be blessed - Proverbs 22:9Enduring wealth and prosperity - Proverbs 8:18Trusting God leads to prosperity - Proverbs 30:8-9Steady plotting brings prosperity - Proverbs 21:5Trying to get rich quick - Proverbs 28:20, 22Do not boast in riches – Jeremiah 9:23-24No hope in wealth – I Timothy 6:17-19
Generosity, Contentment and Giving:
More blessed to give than receive – Acts 20:35Give and it will be given to you – Luke 6:38The righteous eat to their hearts content – Proverbs 13:2
Greed and Coveting:
Greedy man brings trouble to his family – Proverbs 15:27Put to death greed – Colossians 3:5Be on guard against greed – Luke 12:15The love of money - 1 Timothy 6:10Dishonest money - Proverbs 13:11I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold – Acts 20:33Can’t serve two masters - Matthew 6:24Free from the love of money - Hebrews 13:5Do not trust in riches - Proverbs 11:28Where your treasure is – Luke 12:34
2. Sermon ideas about financial stewardship (Back To Top)
Money and Possessions
The Unmerciful Servant – Matthew 18:23-35The Shepherd and His Flock – John 10:1-18The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30The Rich Young Ruler – Mark 10:17-30Everything Belongs to God – Psalm 50:10, Psalm 24:1Don’t Worry About Worldly Needs – Matthew 6:25-31
God’s Lordship and Ownership
The Cost of Discipleship – Luke 14:28-33The Faithful and Wise Servant – Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-48The Great Banquet – Luke 14:16-24The Master and His Servant – Luke 17:7-10The Shepherd and His Flock – John 10:1-18The Tenants – Matthew 21:33-44; Mark 12:1-11; Luke 20:9-18The Thief – Matthew 24:42-44; Luke 12:39-40The Two Sons – Matthew 21:28-32The Unfruitful Fig Tree – Luke 13:6-9The Unmerciful Servant – Matthew 18:23-35The Watchful Servants – Mark 13:34-37; Luke 12:35-40The Wedding Banquet – Matthew 22:2-14
Human Prosperity and Poverty
The Lost Sheep – Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7The Rich Man and Lazarus – Luke 16:19-31
Contentment
The Workers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16
Tithing
New Cloth on an Old Garment – Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36New Wine in Old Wineskins – Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-38The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14
Generosity
The Friend in Need – Luke 11:5-8The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:30-37The Moneylender – Luke 7:41-43The Owner of a House – Matthew 13:52The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32The Son’s Request – Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13
Funding the Great Commission
The Growing Seed – Mark 4:26-29The Kernel of Wheat – John 12:24The Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19The Yeast – Matthew 13:33 ; Luke 13:20-21
Revival and Reformation
The Discarded Salt – Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35The Fig Tree – Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-31The Lamp Under a Bowl – Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 8:16 , 11:33 -36The Lost Coin – Luke 15:8-10
Eternal Reward
The Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44The Lowest Seat at the Feast – Luke 14:7-14The Sheep and Goats – Matthew 25:31-46The Valuable Pearl – Matthew 13:45-46The Wise and Foolish Builders – Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49
4. What are the best retirement plans for pastors and churches? (Back To Top)
403(b) Retirement Plans vs. 401(k) Retirement Plans
Roth vs. Traditional Plans
Simple Retirement Solutions
5. Important tax benefits for pastors (Back To Top)
For more information on any of the above, contact a qualified Envoy Financial representative at (888) 879-1376, option 1 or by email.
Your retirement plan continues to be one of the very best ways to prepare for the future financially. The limits change each year. (Click here to access the 2010 Contribution Limits.) Here are some important facts: Be aware that these limits are higher than many participants can use. However, there are circumstances where increased contributions are important, including employer contributions as part of a severance package for up to 5 years after separation from service. Be aware that retirement plan account types need to be added together to determine the contribution limits. For instance, in 2010, the elective deferral limit will be $16,500. An employee who contributes $6,500 to an after-tax Roth 403(b) account can only contribute $10,000 to their before-tax Traditional 403(b) account. Roth 403(b) contributions are part of the $16,500 limit – not in addition to pre-tax contributions – in other words no double dipping. Includable Compensation/Housing Allowance:Among the most frequently asked questions about compensation for the purposes of the 403(b) contribution limits are whether or not a minister’s housing allowance can be included in compensation for purposes of the maximum annual contribution calculation (100% of compensation). The answer is “no.”
Your retirement plan continues to be one of the very best ways to prepare for the future financially. The limits change each year. (Click here to access the 2010 Contribution Limits.) Here are some important facts:
Be aware that these limits are higher than many participants can use. However, there are circumstances where increased contributions are important, including employer contributions as part of a severance package for up to 5 years after separation from service.
Be aware that retirement plan account types need to be added together to determine the contribution limits. For instance, in 2010, the elective deferral limit will be $16,500. An employee who contributes $6,500 to an after-tax Roth 403(b) account can only contribute $10,000 to their before-tax Traditional 403(b) account. Roth 403(b) contributions are part of the $16,500 limit – not in addition to pre-tax contributions – in other words no double dipping.
Includable Compensation/Housing Allowance:Among the most frequently asked questions about compensation for the purposes of the 403(b) contribution limits are whether or not a minister’s housing allowance can be included in compensation for purposes of the maximum annual contribution calculation (100% of compensation). The answer is “no.”
6. Retirement Savings and Planning Calculators (Back To Top)
The calculators are organized in the following categories and can be accessed on our Calculators page by clicking here:
Retirement and Inflation Saving and Investing Loans and Credit Cards Cash Management Risk Management Estate Planning Taxes and IRAs
If after using any of the calculators, you have questions or need financial planning assistance, please contact us at (888) 879-1376, option 1 or by email to schedule an appointment with a LifeStage Specialist. We look forward to serving you!
7. How do I speak to my board about establishing a retirement plan? (Back To Top)
Newly Established Churches and Individual Pastors (Simple Retirement Solutions)
Existing and Larger Churches
Key Components To Implementing A Plan
8. How do I counsel couples about financial stewardship issues? (Back To Top)
Introducing your church resource for counseling couples on financial stewardship issues.
This is a relational guidebook to help married and engaged couples build (or rebuild) their relationship by working together on financial issues. With God's principles at work, there is hope for arriving at financial balance! Couples learn to understand and respect each other, and by communicating more effectively, can begin the journey to financial harmony - and joy!
Includes Readers' Guide for personal reflection or group study!
Contents:
Part One: The State of Your Union: The Five Most Common Ways Couples Disagree About MoneyPart Two: Your Monetary Makeup: Why You and Your Partner Approach Finances the Way You DoPart Three: Checks and Balances: Keys to Getting on the Same Financial Page/Great Communication TipsPart Four: Developing a Positive, Prosperous Partnership: Five Hot-Button Issues Couples Need to Agree On
Praise for Cents & Sensibility:
With this book the Palmers may well emerge as the financial counselors for a new generation of debt-weary couples. Their advice is pointed, practical, rooted in experience, and certain to strengthen thousands of marriages. - Tom Minnery, Vice President, Focus on the FamilyScott and Bethany have been helping people reach their financial goals for fifteen years. This book helps couples reach their relationship goals as well. A must read! - Ed Forst, President, Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.For years, hundreds of organizations have trusted Bethany and Scott to give their employees sound financial advice. I trust them. Read Cents and Sensibility - and you'll trust them, too! - John Pearson, President/CEO, Christian Management Association
For a copy of Cents and Sensibility: How Couples Can Agree about Money, visit the Resources Page.
9. Common investment mistakes pastors must avoid (Back To Top)
Star Struck and/or Chasing Returns
Eggs In One Basket
Saving Too Little
Fees
Fees vs. Performance
God wants us to be wise stewards. However, low fees do not always mean better performance. Fees vary depending upon the type of investment funds. For example, international funds have higher fees than government bond funds. Be aware of them, but don’t let fees hold you back. It’s important to look at the overall balance of your account to make sure you are in the right sectors with the right percentages.
I Can Manage Myself
Many people want to have a “hands-on” approach to their finances. We find, however, that most people:
These factors prevent most people from being able to mange their accounts effectively. Envoy Financial’s mission is to give you Trusted Advice for your accounts – and we have many ways to do this:
Opting out of Social Security?
10. Financial Products and Services Available (Back To Top)
Retirement Plans 403(b)Roth 403(b)Joint Accounts (Non-qualified)401(k)Roth 401(k)SEP IRAsSimple IRAsExecutive Financial SolutionsRollovers and ConsolidationAnnuities Fixed Equity Indexed IRA Planning RothTraditional Education Savings PlansLife InsuranceThe Integrity Collection (Faith-Based Funds)EZ FlexSimple Retirement SolutionsResearch and EducationAsset Management (Advisory Programs)
Retirement Plans
403(b)Roth 403(b)Joint Accounts (Non-qualified)401(k)Roth 401(k)SEP IRAsSimple IRAsExecutive Financial SolutionsRollovers and ConsolidationAnnuities Fixed Equity Indexed
IRA Planning
RothTraditional
Education Savings PlansLife InsuranceThe Integrity Collection (Faith-Based Funds)EZ FlexSimple Retirement SolutionsResearch and EducationAsset Management (Advisory Programs)
11. Information Request: (Back To Top)
We will be pleased to contact you regarding any additional information you would like. Please complete the following and we will promptly contact you.
I would like a planning appointment regarding (check all that apply):
Setting up a retirement plan Transfers/rollovers A life insurance review Sophisticated retirement and investment analysis Education savings plans Budgeting Required minimum distribution Emergency funds and short-term savings Debt reduction
I need to make changes to my account (check all that apply):
Changes to my beneficiaries Changes to my address, phone, or email
I would like a ministry review appointment (check all that apply):
Setting up a church retirement plan Reviewing an existing church retirement plan Adding new benefits to our ministry benefits package
I would like an appointment with a LifeStage Specialist. I have questions about (check all that apply):
Diversifying my assets Establishing a savings plan A retirement analysis Other investments that I currently have Life insurance: New or Currently have Annuities: New or Currently have I would like information on how Envoy Financial can help our Mission-Sending organization I would like information on Simple Retirement Solutions, the plan for ministries of 10 or fewer employees. Please send me some additional information on the following: