PilgrimBCSM Pentagon Campaign Newsletters Jan 2014 | Page 5

PLAN FOR YOUR SUCCESS AND FINISH THE RACE The start of 2014 marks the second half of our three-year Pentagon Lifestyle Stewardship Campaign. The first half of the campaign has been very successful with almost $1 million in the Pentagon Fund from pledge payments and generous offerings. As we start the second half of the Campaign, we must each continue to keep the faith and each finish our personal Pentagon Pledge race. As the apostle Paul states in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” So how can you finish the race to fulfill your Pentagon commitment and also establish sound financial footing? The Bible tells us that it is essential that you have a PLAN for success. For your finances, the plan is called a BUDGET. Having a written budget will give you a list of expenses and giving to follow that will help you better spend the financial resources that God has generously provided to you and your family. In order to help PBC finish the race strong, the Finance Committee will hold FREE budget-planning sessions in January in order to help individuals and families establish a written budget for 2014 and beyond. You can attend the workshops either during Word on Wednesday on January 8th and 15th and Saturday mornings on January 11th and 18th starting at 9am. If you cannot attend these sessions, the recordings and materials will also be posted at http://www.pilgrimbcsm.org/training. The workshop sessions will include information on: In preparation for the workshops, consider the following suggested steps you will have to make in 2014 in order to fully trust God with your finances: 1. Your Money Personality 2. Biblical Financial Principles  Recognize That God is Worthy of Your Trust  Realize That God Wants You to Live a Full and Abundant Life  Substitute Faith for Fear  Ask God to Supply Your Needs  Keep Your Heart and Motives Pure  3. Why Budgets Fail and How to Overcome Them Take a Step of Faith 4. How to Build Your Personal Spending Budget Developing S.M.A.R.T. goals for:         Revenue – Earnings/Income Giving – Tithes, Offerings, Pentagon Savings Debt Housing Transportation Expenses Household/Personal Entertainment Finally, if you would feel more comfortable with a one on one consultation about your finances, please contact Brother Robert Shoffner by email at [email protected] to schedule an appointment. 5. Self-Discipline in Your Budgeting 6. Lifestyle Stewardship – What Is It? We hope to see you at the Budget Workshops and leave you with the following scripture for reflection: “On the first day of every week, each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2) BROTHER ROBERT SHOFFNER AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE 5