INTEREST RATES, TECHNOLOGY, AND AI’ S FUTURE IMPACT Panelists describe today’ s rate environment as uncertain, making delay risky. Moore argues waiting for lower rates is often“ a bad bet,” especially as construction costs rise. Lee recommends stress-testing loans for potential rate increases and prioritizing liquidity according to ministry needs. Looking ahead, technology— especially artificial intelligence— will reshape church finance. Blanton says AI will automate analysis, detect errors, and enable natural-language financial reporting, particularly benefiting small teams. McClure agrees AI can reveal trends and even fraud more quickly, though adoption will vary by comfort level. Craig concludes that the real risk is not AI itself, but leaders who fail to learn to use it.
A UNIFIED MESSAGE: STEWARDSHIP ALIGNED WITH MISSION Across every discussion, a consistent theme emerges: faithful financial leadership requires preparation, transparency, wise borrowing, and openness to innovation— always grounded in the church’ s mission. When churches steward resources strategically and spiritually, they position their ministries to thrive in both present challenges and future opportunities.
Strong trustees also demonstrate strategic thinking, balancing longterm mission impact with financial sustainability, and collaboration, working closely with church leaders, advisors, and fellow board members while encouraging inclusive participation. Because governance and financial practices evolve, a willingness to learn through ongoing training remains critical. The article also warns against common pitfalls, including undisclosed conflicts of interest, passive participation, and misunderstanding fiduciary duty to the church as a whole. Ultimately, trusteeship is described as“ more than a title— it is a sacred trust.” When trustees lead with wisdom, integrity and faith, their stewardship helps churches thrive and fulfill their mission with lasting impact.
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3: BRAD WILKERSON + ROCK CREEK CHURCH: Building by faith
By RaeAnn Slaybaugh
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2: What are the qualities of a good church trustee?
By Rev. Dr. William H. Foster, Jr.
The role of a church trustee extends far beyond reviewing budgets or managing spreadsheets. Trustees serve as stewards of both mission and financial resources, entrusted with overseeing church property, managing monetary gifts, and ensuring responsible payment of expenses. Often elected to trustee boards or finance committees, their duties typically center on property care and financial oversight. As Luke 16:10 reminds believers,“ Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much,” highlighting the spiritual weight of faithful stewardship. Several qualities define an effective trustee. First is integrity and trustworthiness, expressed through transparency, ethical decisionmaking, confidentiality, and disclosure of conflicts of interest. Financial literacy is also essential; while trustees need not be accountants, they must understand budgets, financial statements, and clergy tax considerations to ensure compliance and sound decision-making. Equally important is commitment to the church’ s mission. Trustees must view their work not as secular administration but as service to God, dedicating consistent time and leaving personal agendas aside. Legal and regulatory awareness further enables trustees to navigate governance policies, IRS requirements, insurance concerns, and risk management responsibilities.
Rock Creek Church in Prosper, Texas, began humbly in June 2007 when Brad Wilkerson and his wife, Sarah, hosted a Bible study in their living room with a small group of families. What started with 24 adults and 10 children has grown into a thriving congregation of nearly 3,500 people and a ministry that recently opened the doors to a new 42,000-square-foot facility. Throughout its journey, the church’ s story has been shaped by faith, strategic partnerships, hard lessons, and the rapid growth of the surrounding community. Before planting Rock Creek, Wilkerson served as associate pastor at Midway Church north of Prosper. Church leaders recognized significant population growth moving south along the 380 Corridor as families relocated for work, housing and lifestyle opportunities. Partnering with church-planting organization Converge, they launched a new autonomous congregation positioned to serve this emerging region. By 2014, the growing church was meeting in a Denton middle school and seeking permanent land. Providential timing connected Wilkerson with longtime Prosper residents willing to sell 30 acres specifically for ministry rather than development. Though the property lacked utilities and included floodplain acreage, evaluation confirmed ample buildable land, enabling the church to move forward confidently. In 2017, leaders attempted a cost-saving“ build-it-yourself” construction approach by acting as their own general contractor. Delays, complications, and rising costs extended the project timeline and ultimately made the effort more expensive. Wilkerson later called
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