New relationship puts financial freedom in reach of Colorado Baptists

By Duane Trimble

During the 2006 annual SBC meeting Bob Rogers, vice president for Cooperative Program, announced that a relationship had been formed with Crown Financial Ministries of Gainesville, FL.

In a Baptist Press article earlier this year, Rogers is quoted as saying, "The Executive Committee, in coordination with Crown Financial Ministries, will work with our state conventions, associations, churches and pastors to bring the best financial resources, at affordable prices, to individuals and families. It is our goal to offer a plan to free people from the bondage of debt, making it possible for every Southern Baptist to fulfill the unique ministry and purpose for which God has called them." One of the strengths of Crown Ministries is their quality materials on money management and financial freedom.

The agreement calls for Crown to provide their money management resources to SBC churches at a discount of approximately 40 percent. Eventually these products will be co-branded with the SBC logo. Colorado Southern Baptist churches that wish to take advantage of these savings can call "It's a New Day" toll-free at 1-866-902-6578.

Does your church already use Crown?
The search is on for Colorado Baptist pastors and/or churches who have either used Crown products in the past or who are currently using their materials. We are desiring to develop a list of churches familiar with Crown materials for first-hand testimonials. If you fall into this category, please send a confirming e-mail to Duane Trimble at detrimble@netzero.net.

Is your church interested in teaching Financial Freedom Principles?
Christians often feel they are unable to give to the Lord's work according to Biblical guidelines because they lack control over their finances. Debt controls each paycheck and credit spending only digs the hole deeper.

A proven place to start is by offering Crown's ten week financial freedom study. This study must be led by trained group leaders. Fortunately, churches that would like to launch the ten week study at the first of the 2007 year will have the opportunity to send small group leaders to training led by Crown representatives. Small Group Leaders training will be offered on Saturday, December 2nd at Bear Valley Baptist Church, 10001 W. Jewell Ave. in Lakewood.

Persons and churches desiring to attend this training can register online at www.Crown.org . To receive the 40% SBC discount you must order your study materials by calling the "It's a New Day" number at 1-866-902-6578. Keep in mind that there is advance preparation to attend the training. Plan ahead and order your materials well in advance of the training.

Pastors - would you like to attend a Pastor's group?
Jason Brown, Crown representative for the Front Range and a member of Bear Valley Baptist Church, will lead groups of pastors through the ten week small group course. Going through the study will help pastors to take a fresh look at their own personal financial practices and equip them to lead an initial group in their own ministry setting. Pastors who are interested in knowing more or whose churches are already using Crown materials are requested to contact Duane Trimble , CBC Stewardship/CP Consultant at 970-669-0236 or by e-mail at detrimble@netzero.net.