As I sit and listen to all the “experts” talk about what the future holds I have some thoughts of my own to share. While I don’t have the stage of those talking heads at MSNBC or other sites I do have a blog. You have to love the Internet. Thank you Al Gore or whoever. So here is what I think.

2009 will look and feel a lot like 2008. Please do not fall prey to the fear mongers that continually talk about how bad it is. It is indeed bad but it is not as bad as the press is making it out to be. We are in a recession much like the S&L crisis of the early ’80’s. While we will see the economy continue to struggle it will be much like we have seen in this past year. There will be highs and lows. In the end a year from now we will realize that things were not as bad as we thought they were going to be.

Washington will continue to meddle in the economy thus endangering its recovery. I am reading a book called, “The Forgotten Man.” It is a story of The Great Depression which unless you are a serious historian or economist is sort of dry reading but informative. One lesson it gives is that the government both of Hoover and Roosevelt actually hurt the recovery through their actions rather than helped it. As I have been reading the book I can not help but see parallels between then and now. IF Washington will let this recession take its natural course then we will be ok. If they meddle incorrectly then we could be in for a tougher road. I don’t know about you but I have no confidence in what I hear coming out of Washington from either party. We need some fresh ideas.

Giving will see continued declines in SOME ministries. As I have been preaching for the last few months YOUR ministry does not have to be one of those that will see a decline. Not long ago I talked to a pastor in Michigan who is seeing his giving stay strong. Why? He has a compelling vision and a workable plan. While those that decline in giving will capture the headlines of the negative press you can continue fueling your dreams and visions for the future.

We will all survive whatever happens and God will still be on His throne! Have you read the last chapter of Revelations? Our side wins! While I am holding my breath about my Sooners beating the Gators I have confidence in my eternal team. That confidence should give you confidence as we move towards this new year.

So that is what I think will happen in the next year. As for me this has been a great year. I have been blessed to have you as my audience. I truly hope that what I have written has been helpful to you. Do me a favor and pass along this blog address. If you have not already please go to our website and get your free copy of my new book, “Recession Proof Your Offerings.”

So, have a blessed New Year and as always please let us know how we can be of help to you or your ministry!

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

Making predictions can be a risky venture. I remember my father every year would clip out of the paper the astrologist Jean Dixon’s predictions for the next year. It was filled with things like Martians will land in New York and other such stupid stuff. My father was not into astrology he just wanted a good laugh at the end of the year when the predictions would obviously fail to come to fruition. I don’t buy into astrology nor do I have a crystal ball and I have not stayed in a Holiday Inn Express but I do have a sense of what we can expect in the coming year.

In this post of The Stewardship Coach I want to give you the results of my weeks and months of research and more importantly suggest a plan of action for you to consider.

What trends should you be aware of as we enter 2009?

Here are some trends and issues to consider …
1. The current recession will last throughout most if not all of 2009. Nearly everyone is in agreement that this recession, our 11th since World War II, will be longer than the average recession of 10 months. While we might see a “technical” rebound during the third quarter, the GDP rising, the perception and feel of the public will not be reversed until somewhere in the fourth quarter. Here are some things to keep your eye on related to the recession…

A. Unemployment will continue to rise hovering at or just beyond 8%. This could change drastically if Congress does not give Detroit some sort of bailout plan. However they seemed agreed that something must be done to keep those jobs. If that happens unemployment will stay well below the nearly 11% we saw in the early ‘80’s. More than any other factor of our economy employment is a regional issue. In some areas of the country unemployment will be higher than others. Those areas that are more diversified will see a lower number than those, like Michigan that are closely tied to the auto industry.

B. The Stock Market will continue to be volatile. Look for the Market to rise and fall much like it did this past year. I think you will see a few times where it will dip at or below 8,000, which is a good time to buy, but for the most part it will stay in the 8,000 to low 9,000 range most of the year. I do think that it will in the fourth quarter begin to surge back and stay above 9,000. The question is will it establish legs above that or simply bounce back and forth below 8,000? While volatile throughout most of the year it will rebound and profits that were lost in 2008 will be regained somewhat in 2009.

C. Interest rates will continue to be low. The Federal Reserve Board will assure that interest rates will continue to be low throughout 2009. This will be a benefit for those looking to build or refinance. Credit will finally loosen up in the first quarter of 2009. Churches will still face a more difficult task of getting a loan as banks will be more cautious but money will be there.

D. The housing industry will rebound late in 2009. This current crisis was caused by the collapse of housing. I think you will continue to see declines in housing until around the summer of 2009. It will be until late 2009/early 2010 before we see a full recovery. Even then it will not be as it was and in many areas home values will take years to return to their pre-2008 levels.

E. Consumer confidence will remain low until late in the year. This will have an impact on the potential of your donations. Even though economic indicators will start to show signs of recovering it will take awhile for people’s confidence to return.

2. Politicians will continue to meddle in the affairs of the economy. Since Democrats now control the Senate and the House as well as the White House look for more involvement from the government. While most would agree that some sort of bail outs had to occur in the end it will be the tax payer that will foot the bill. The real question will be whether Obama will be centrist in policy as his early appointments are showing, or more in line with the left of his party. Either way it is look for increased government involvement in all areas of life.

3. The press will continue with negative reporting. I call it the However line. No matter what good news we hear, and there are some bright spots, the press always finds a way to dampen that enthusiasm with statements that usually begin with, however. “Spending for the Thanksgiving season was 3% ahead of last year, however it was way behind 2006 spending,” reports Your Home Town Paper. Typically that is the way it usually goes. This will work against any feelings of confidence consumers have thus making it harder for a full recovery. Comparisons to The Great Depression will continue further causing uncertainty and unease. Christian leaders will be challenged to counter this negativity pointing to the source of our confidence, God the Father.

4. The experts will be wrong. This past spring as oil was climbing higher I asked an executive with a major oil firm if he thought the price per barrel would hit $200. He said most certainly. Today oil slipped below $43 a barrel. Literally you can hear anything you want as to how long and how bad this recession will be. There are those that predict it will not be long or as painful and others who are predicting the end of American life as we know it. What I have learned is that no one really knows.

5. We will recover! There will be those that will preach that this current recession is more of a depression than a recession. Don’t listen to that negativity. In each of the previous ten recessions we have always rebounded. The fundamentals of our economy will work and we will recover. While it will not be without some pain we will ultimately see resurgence in our economy.

What should you be doing to position yourself for a winning 2009?

1. Seize the opportunity. This present time is our greatest opportunity to offer help and hope since 9/11. While some ministries pull back you should be looking for ways to expand and increase your presence in the community where God has you. Americans are looking for leaders and sadly finding few. We have the answers that Americans are looking for.

2. Have a plan of action. Don’t just sit back and let your giving decline. Create a plan of action. I talk to pastors every week that have an evangelism plan, a discipleship plan, a missions plan but virtually no plan to fuel those dreams with stewardship. It is one reason that I wrote my new book, “Recession Proof Your Offerings.” Look below at the conclusion of this article for information about how you can get your copy.

Whatever does occur in 2009 we can be assured as Christian that God is still on His throne and in charge. We have in the Scriptures all the answers that people need. I am again reminded of the businessman in Michigan that I talked to two years ago. Others in the church were telling me that with the economy in Michigan the way it was there were not sure if now was the right time to expand. This gentleman told me his business had had it worst two years but that he knew that in times like these people were needing answers. He said, “The way I figure it, we have to build this new sanctuary to get ready for those people who are looking for a place of hope.” Wouldn’t like that guy in your church? Be the kind of leader that attracts that kind of guy and you will have a church full. Remember what I always say…

Good vision trumps bad economy!

Mark Brooks
Founder and President of The Charis Group

P.S. My new book, “Recession Proof Your Offerings,” comes out this week. For a free copy go to our website and click on the button entitled, “Free Book.”

The first job that I ever remember having was mowing my Uncle Bob’s yard for $1. The next day which was a Sunday my father made sure that I had one dime in my pocket for church so that I could tithe on my new found earnings. I do not remember how old I was but I could not have been much over seven or eight years old. Two things were being taught to me at that young age. The first was the value of hard work and what you can earn as a result. The other was the importance of honoring God with the tithe.

The dedication page to my new book, “Recession Proof Your Offerings,” says, “This book is dedicated to: My parents, Joe and Mary Jo Brooks, who made me tithe a dime on the first dollar I ever made mowing my Uncle Bob’s yard. They started me on the road of stewardship.”

As I spend Christmas at my parents house in Oklahoma I have been again reminded of that story and many others that taught me the importance of stewardship. As I read them the dedication page the night before Christmas my father related how sixty years ago as he and my mom were starting their married life she asked if he tithed. Being in the Navy at the time and barely having enough to get by on as it was he remarked that they could not afford to tithe. Still, they did so and guess what? Sixty years later they are still at it and they have never missed a meal. God has rewarded their faithfulness many times over.

I was proud that my two children were at the table hearing this testimony to God’s provision from their grandparents. Though my Dad did not realize it nor was it his intention his testimony continues the time honored tradition of teaching stewardship to the next generation.

Here is a thought. Perhaps what your church needs to hear are some positive stories of God’s faithfulness as a result of the tithe. Sometimes hearing it from someone that is not the preacher convinces others to begin the journey. As you approach your planning for 2009 find creative ways to have members tell their story. It could be the motivation needed to spur some young couple on the road to sixty years of faithful stewardship. Think about what that could mean for the Kingdom.

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

PS. Go to our website, www.TheCharisGroup.org and click on the button that says Free Book to get your free copy of my new book, “Recession Proof Your Offerings.”

We all know the verse. It was probably the first verse we ever learned. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Is there any better verse to reflect upon at Christmas than this one? For me this sums it all up. Since He gave should not we?

I remember a house in Springdale, Ar where I use to pastor that had what I felt was the best Christmas decorations of all. On one side of their yard they displayed a lighted manger scene. On the other side was a lighted cross with a robe hanging upon it. Those two symbols sum up the true meaning of Christmas. They are God’s gift to us. The question is what are we doing with that gift?

As you celebrate Christmas I hope you will find time to reflect upon God’s gift to us and how that impacts you. My prayer for each of you is that you will have a Christ filled Christmas. While much of our country frets over the economy, we Christians know the true meaning of this season. I pray for yo that you experience the true peace that comes in knowing Christ and experiencing God’s gift in the fullness.

Merry Christmas!

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

Drawing my years of stewardship experience and extensive research I give practical help for pastors and church leaders as they face the challenge of an economic down turn in the economy.

Chapters include:

Chapter One: It’s the Economy

A realistic view of the economy.

Chapter Two: It’s Not The Great Depression But It Is Depressing

A realistic view of the economy.

Chapter Three: There is No Crystal Ball

How long will the down turn last and what will that mean for your ministry?

Chapater Four: Band-aids and Aspirin

How many pastors approach fails to deal with the essential issues of stewardship.

Chapter Five: Vision: The Reason People Give

The importance of vision to giving.

Chapter Six: The Power of the Pulpit

How you can use your pulpit to increase giving.

Chapter Seven: Practical Approaches to Stewardship

Advice from an expert that will guarantee an increase in your offerings.

Chapter Eight: Deal or No Deal?

When to move forward with possible projects during an economic down turn.

Chapter Nine: The Value of a Coach

Tiger Woods has one, why don’t you?

Go to our website and click on the button that says, “Free Book,” to get your copy today!

Mark Brooks

This Sunday Joe Biden will appear in an interview conducted by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos in which he will say the economy is in danger of “absolutely tanking.” The Drudge Report headline on Saturday morning read, “Scrooge Biden: Economy in danger of “Absolutely Tanking.” I think Biden is not only wrong but reckless for saying what he has said. Too bad he did not take the tack of another Democrat who said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

So, why do I think Biden is wrong? Here are some thoughts…

The party out of power always wants to make the situation look really bad so that they can get credit for fixing the mess. I don’t know about you but I am fed up with politicians of all parties. Everyone knows that eventually the economy will turn around and the sitting president at the time will get the credit. That is what happened to Bill Clinton and it will happen to Barack Obama. Watch for how the economy will suddenly start to get better about a year into the new administration’s watch. I can just hear them before the mid term elections saying, “See you elected us and we fixed this problem. So give us more power!” Fools that we are we will swallow it.

We are in a recession that will run its course IF we let it alone. This is the 11th recession since WWII. While each has had its share of pain this one might indeed be the worst. The lesson of history, something perhaps old Joe did not check, is that these things work themselves out. It is how our economy works. It has worked out in the past and it will work out now.

The fundamentals of our economy are sound and will endure through this shock. McCain got blistered for saying that but remember Democrat Barney Frank said it two days later and it was ok. The truth is they were correct. We will experience decline, but our strength will allow us to whether this storm.

Sure the economy could collapse if EVERYTHING went wrong, and a meteor could fall on your head before you finish reading this. What point does it serve to say what Biden has said? It certainly does not give people confidence to go out with the two remaining days of shopping and pump money into the economy. They tend to take the cash and hide it under the mattress. Why would old Joe say what he said? His blundering shoot first think later statements are one reason why I did not vote for the Obama ticket. Give me Sarah Palin any day! Don’t look now Barack but there is a loose canon rolling around your deck!

Could I be wrong? Sure, but there are tons of economists that are agreeing with me and relatively few that are voicing what Biden is saying despite his claim that many economist agree with him. I find no good reason to create fear and panic in people. This simply reinforces to me that our job as Christian leaders is to give people hope and direction. By following biblical principles you and your people can recession proof their lives. That sounds like a good title for a book.

Ok, that was a shameless promotion for my new book, Recession Proof Your Offerings.” You can go to our website and get a free copy.

I am thinking of sending a copy to old Joe!

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

Jesus said we have not because we asked not. He said that if we ask we shall receive. Some where down through the ages we have forgotten this advice when it comes to asking for dollars. Consider these facts…

Less than 10% of all churches in America market for planned gifts. As a result whereas religion ranks first as Americans favorite charity, it ranks fourth when it comes to bequests.

I remember once meeting a pastor for lunch who when I greeted him with a how are you he responded by saying, “I am mad!” Why? “I just found out that my denominations mission board got a one million dollar request from a member of my church who has not given us a dime for anything!” As our lunch date progressed I discovered that one reason why the church never got any money from this donor was they never had asked him to donate. I looked at this southern pastor and said, “You just discovered that other people are fishing in your pond and pulling out your fish. You need to get your lure in the water!”

Could that be happening to you? In the next decade the greatest transfer of wealth will occur and most churches will be shocked and angry when their donors give money not to them but to other charities. The time to plan for the future is now. What are you doing about establishing a planned giving program at your church? If the answer is nothing then don’t be surprised if in a couple of years you find out someone else has fished your pond.

Before you discount this post thinking that you do not pastor a church that has wealthy people think again. You have couples in your church that bought they homes 50 years ago for $10K and they are now worth well over $100K even in our deflated real estate climate. That home donated to the church can be a source of future revenue for you. Think no one in your church has a life insurance policy? Anyone can earmark a portion of that policy to your ministry. You just have to ask!

If you do not already you should have a planned giving program in place at your church. I found through my search of the internet a great article on another blog that gives some great facts about planned giving. Why not spend just a few more minutes browsing the internet and look up the article. The link is listed below my name.

Remember, Jesus said, “Ask and ye shall receive!” Start asking today!

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

Planned Giving - If you don’t plan it, you won’t get it

The Fed is doing all they can to keep us out of a deeper recession. As such they have lowered the prime to its lowest rate in years. So now is the time to take a look at the current rate you have and see if re-financing is right for you. While rates are still all over the board depending upon the bank, the health of the church’s finances and which way the wind is blowing on a given day, you might be able to secure a rate several points lower than your present rate. With a loan in the millions even a one point reductions can save you thousands of dollars a a month. Saving that money might mean keeping a particular ministry going or keeping the staff you have.

Here are some things to consider…

Don’t fall prey to single source lending. Competition is good for business and its good for you. Unless the local bank president is your chairman you would do well to shop your loan around. Line up several banks not just the current bank you have your checking account with. It isn’t personal its business and your goal is to save your ministry money.

Do your home work. While money is available it is harder to come by as a result of all the recent defaults and scandals. So, think about putting together a package for the banks that shows your strength and why you are a good risk for their business. You might assemble a group of lay leaders with business expertise to help in this. My advice is not to go to the bank with hat in hand begging for a loan. Go presenting your strengths. After all you are the client and it is the bank that should want your business. So, make yourself look attractive.

Show stability. What banks will look for are strong financials. You should be showing how your giving has grown and remained strong despite the recent down turn. Show growth and stability and you will find plenty of takers for your business and get a better rate. If you can not show a strong financial picture then your rate will be significantly higher. This is why we have been recommending to our clients that they close out the giving year as strong as possible. Everyone knows giving is down. What do you think your banker will think if he sees your giving has continued strong?

Cash reserves are huge. I use to think churches with huge cash reserves were not doing anything for the Kingdom. While that might be a reason, now banks are looking for churches to have a large cash reserve. The more money you have in an account the better your chances for securing a loan.

Don’t give up! You will find that it is taking longer and you will have to jump through more hoops to get a loan. Do not get discouraged and give up. It will be worth the efforts to save the thousands of dollars yearly that can be put back into ministry.

You can go to our website and click on the button that says, “Free Financial Analysis,” to find out what your loan ability is. We have had several clients use this source and ultimately save thousands of dollars a year on their loans. It never hurts to investigate. Be a wise steward by not paying thousands of dollars needlessly when a lower rate might be available.

If we can help with this process please contact us.

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

79%of those asked in a USA Today poll fear the nation is in for a depression.

60% of those polled said that the current economic crisis was the worst of their lifetime.

Half of those asked think it will be three years before the economy recovers.

This is what you are up against week after week as you address your people. While history speaks differently the old saying, “Perception is the cruelist form of reality,” comes to mind. The current mood is a result of the continual negative press and politicians who painted a dire picture to get elected and have done nothing to help the current situation. This has created one of the worst lack of consumer confidence levels in years. This mood and attitude will affect your donations unless you act quickly.

What should we as Christian leaders do? Here are some thoughts…

Educate yourself! Don’t just listen to the drive by media. Read, study, research. While I am by no means an economist I have made it my passion these last few months to study and research what has happened and what is happening. You can find good reliable sources of information to guide you through this time. You can not help your people if you do not have a handle on what truly is going on.

Have the right attitude yourself. If you are fearful your fears will be transferred downline. Now is our greatest opportunity since 9/11. We desperately need leaders. Put your trust in God and lead your people to put their trust in Him as well. Attitude determines action!

Develop a plan. I know you think it is self serving when guys like me ask you to get my book or to engage with us. However I have found that nearly every pastor and leader I have talked to do not have a plan to weather this recession. My new book, “Recession Proof Your Offerings,” was written for just this purpose. Its free to! If you don’t want to get my book or engage our help find someway to develop a plan of action that will get you through this time.

Preach hope. We can not deny that this is a time of recession. What we can do is preach words of hope and direction. We can lead our people through this time. I have filled these posts repeatedly with real examples of what other leaders are doing. Check the logs for ideas that you could implement to give your people hope.

Act now not later. Every day you fail to address this situation makes you look as if you either don’t care or you are out of touch. While you are silent your people are being bombarded with the world’s message. These days will tell just what kind of leader you are and will set the course for your ministry for many years to come. Will you seize this opportunity God has given us or will you fall prey to the fears of the masses?

Now is our time as leaders to rise up and show Americans the hope we have. Rise up oh men of God!

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

PS. If you want a free copy of my book, “Recession Proof Your Life,” go to our website and click on the button that says, Free Book. Our web address is www.TheCharisGroup.org