In today’s volatile market environment, church leaders and finance committees face a critical challenge: how to faithfully steward long-term financial resources while navigating short-term uncertainty. Market swings, inflation concerns, and global instability can create anxiety, but they also present an opportunity to reaffirm a disciplined, long-term investment strategy grounded in both financial wisdom and theological conviction.

The reality is that volatility is not new—it is a normal part of investing. Even well-diversified portfolios experience fluctuations as markets respond to economic cycles. Investment leaders consistently emphasize that returns will “rise and fall with the value of the investments held,” reminding us that short-term variability is expected and should not drive long-term decision-making.

For church finance committees, the key is to remain focused on mission, not momentary market movement. Long-term investment strategies are designed to grow assets over time, supporting future ministry, expanding outreach, and creating sustainable income streams through endowments.

This is where the strength of disciplined, professionally managed funds becomes evident. The Methodist Foundation’s Long Term Fund has demonstrated solid performance, with returns of 11.6% over one year and 9.7% over three years. Similarly, the Methodist Foundation Wespath Long Term Fund has delivered 12.0% over one year and 9.2% over three years. These results reflect the power of diversified, long-term investing strategies that are built to weather market cycles while pursuing growth.

Such performance underscores an important principle: time in the market matters more than timing the market. Churches that remain invested through periods of volatility are positioned to benefit from recovery and long-term appreciation. Attempting to move in and out of the market based on short-term concerns often leads to missed opportunities and diminished returns.

Beyond performance, long-term funds serve a deeper purpose in the life of the church. They enable congregations to think generationally. Endowments funded through long-term investments provide ongoing income that can support missions, scholarships, staffing, and community outreach for decades to come. In this way, financial stewardship becomes a form of legacy ministry—impacting not only today’s congregation but future generations as well.

At the same time, prudent financial management requires balance. While long-term investments focus on growth, churches also need liquidity and stability for operational needs. The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi addresses this through its Short Term Fund, which offers a stable rate of 5.35% on the daily balance, recently affirmed by its Investment Committee. This fund provides full liquidity, no fees, and consistent returns, making it an ideal solution for reserves, operating funds, and near-term ministry needs.

Together, these strategies—long-term growth and short-term stability—form a comprehensive approach to church financial management. Finance committees should consider allocating resources across both types of funds, aligning investment horizons with ministry timelines.

Leadership also plays a crucial role in communicating this vision to the congregation. Transparency, education, and a clear articulation of purpose help build trust and encourage generosity. When members understand that their giving is not only meeting immediate needs but also building a foundation for future ministry, it deepens engagement and commitment.

Ultimately, managing church investments in a volatile market is not about avoiding risk entirely—it is about stewarding resources wisely in light of God’s mission. By embracing long-term growth strategies, leveraging stable short-term options, and maintaining a disciplined perspective, church leaders can navigate uncertainty with confidence.

In doing so, they position their churches not just to endure market volatility, but to thrive—creating lasting impact and expanding ministry opportunities for generations to come.

The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi is grateful for your partnership and always enjoys discussing these principles with you and your Finance Committee.  Please reach out to Todd Marion (todd@methodistfm.org) or Michelle Veazey (michelle@methodistfm.org) or call us at 601-948-8845.  We would be honored to come and visit with you and your church.

In the Wesleyan tradition, financial management is never merely about numbers—it is about discipleship. John Wesley’s well-known guidance, “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can,” offers a framework that aligns closely with the principles found in the Saving Grace series. At its core, Saving Grace teaches that money is not an end in itself but a tool entrusted to us by God for faithful living. Developing a personal spending plan is one of the most practical and transformative ways to live out this calling.

Session one of Saving Grace, “All Manner of Good,” reminds us through James 1:17 (ESV) that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” This truth reframes our understanding of income: what we “earn” is ultimately a gift from God. In Wesleyan theology, we are not owners but stewards. Psalm 24:1 reinforces this perspective: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” A personal spending plan, then, is not simply about controlling money—it is about aligning our financial decisions with God’s purposes.

Creating a spending plan begins with awareness. This involves tracking income and expenses honestly and thoroughly. Wesley encouraged Methodists to practice disciplined self-examination, and this principle applies to finances as well. Where is your money going? Does it reflect your values, your faith, and your commitments? A spending plan helps answer these questions with clarity.

The next step is intentional allocation. In Wesleyan thought, financial priorities are shaped by love of God and neighbor. This means giving is not an afterthought—it is a first response. 1 Timothy 6:17–18 (ESV) calls believers “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” A faithful spending plan reflects this by prioritizing generosity, then addressing essential needs, saving responsibly, and managing debt wisely.

Saving also plays an important role in Wesleyan stewardship. While Wesley warned against hoarding wealth, he affirmed saving as a means of avoiding waste and preparing to meet future needs. A well-crafted spending plan includes setting aside resources for emergencies and long-term goals, enabling stability and reducing financial anxiety. This, in turn, frees us to be more generous and responsive to God’s call.

Equally important is the discipline of contentment. A spending plan grounded in faith resists the pull of consumerism and cultivates gratitude. It helps individuals distinguish between needs and wants, making room for a simpler, more purposeful life. In this way, financial planning becomes a spiritual practice—one that shapes the heart as much as the wallet.

Ultimately, a personal spending plan is not about restriction but about freedom—the freedom to live intentionally, give generously, and trust God fully. By integrating these teachings and principles from God’s Word, individuals can transform their financial habits into acts of worship and stewardship.

Reflection Questions

1. When you examine your current spending habits, what do they reveal about your priorities, values, and trust in God’s provision? Where might God be inviting you to realign your financial life?
2. How can you intentionally structure your spending plan so that generosity becomes a first priority rather than a leftover? What specific changes would that require?
3. In what ways does your financial behavior reflect contentment or discontentment? How might adopting a Wesleyan perspective on stewardship reshape your approach to saving, spending, and giving?

Wesleyan church leaders are entrusted with a sacred responsibility: to steward resources that ultimately belong to God for the sake of His mission. In seasons of market volatility—when headlines are unsettling, portfolios fluctuate, and uncertainty feels close at hand—it becomes even more important to anchor our decisions not in fear, but in faithful, long-term vision.

We are living in a time where financial markets shift rapidly. Inflation concerns, interest rate changes, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty all contribute to short-term swings in market value. These fluctuations can tempt leaders to react quickly—pulling back, moving to cash, or attempting to “time the market.” While such responses may feel prudent in the moment, they often undermine the very goals we seek to accomplish for long-term ministry impact.

As stewards of God’s resources, we are called to something deeper than reaction—we are called to wisdom.

A Wesleyan understanding of Biblical stewardship recognizes that God is the owner of all things, and we are trustees. This perspective changes how we approach investing. We are not merely protecting assets; we are cultivating them for future Kingdom work. Endowments, reserve funds, and long-term investments exist not just for today’s needs, but for tomorrow’s ministry—funding mission, supporting clergy, resourcing outreach, and ensuring that the church remains a vibrant witness in its community for generations to come.

This is why a long-term view is essential.

Historically, financial markets have demonstrated a consistent pattern: short-term volatility, but long-term growth. While any given year—or even several years—may include downturns, the broader trajectory of diversified market investments has been upward over decades. This long-term growth is what enables church funds to outpace inflation, preserve purchasing power, and expand their capacity for ministry.

When we focus too heavily on short-term fluctuations, we risk missing this larger picture. Selling investments during downturns locks in losses. Sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “right time” often results in missing the market’s recovery—periods that can be both rapid and significant. In contrast, a disciplined, long-term approach allows us to participate in the full arc of market growth.

Emotional investing is one of the greatest threats to faithful stewardship. Fear during downturns and overconfidence during peaks can lead to decisions that are inconsistent with sound financial principles. As leaders, we must resist the urge to react emotionally and instead remain grounded in a thoughtful, well-constructed investment strategy aligned with our mission and time horizon.

Scripture calls us to wisdom, patience, and trust—qualities that are especially important in times like these. Just as a farmer does not uproot crops at the first sign of a storm, we do not abandon long-term investment strategies in response to temporary market conditions. Instead, we remain steady, trusting that faithful cultivation over time yields fruit.

A long-term investment approach also aligns with our missional calling. When we prioritize growth and market value over time, we increase the resources available for ministry. This means more scholarships, more outreach, more support for congregations, and a greater capacity to respond to the needs of our communities. By maintaining a long-term perspective, we are not just managing money—we are multiplying impact.

This does not mean ignoring risk or avoiding prudent oversight. It means building a diversified portfolio, setting clear objectives, and regularly reviewing performance—always with an eye toward long-term outcomes rather than short-term noise.

In volatile times, steady hands and faithful vision matter most. As trustees of God’s resources, we are called to look beyond the immediate moment and invest with confidence in the future God is still shaping. The markets may rise and fall, but our mission remains constant—and our stewardship must reflect that enduring purpose.

Thank you for your faithful trust and partnership with the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi.  We are honored to be the shepherd of your church’s funds.  Please reach out to us with any questions, concerns or thoughts as we all navigate today.  We always enjoy an opportunity to come visit or talk on the phone.  You can reach us at 601-948-8845, via email at todd@methodistfm.org or our website at www.methodistfm.org

In Wesleyan theology, as reflected in Saving Grace (Abingdon Press), the Gospel does more than secure our eternity—it reshapes our daily lives, including how we view and use money. Our financial decisions become an expression of discipleship. The question before us is simple but profound: Are we living as foolish owners, or faithful trustees?

Jesus offers a sobering warning in Luke 12:

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones…’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you… So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
—Luke 12:15–21 (ESV)

The rich man in this parable was not condemned for being productive or successful. His folly was deeper—he believed the resources were his, for his purposes, and for his security. His language reveals it: my crops, my barns, my goods. This is the worldview of ownership, where money becomes a source of identity, control, and false assurance.

This mirrors the broader cultural narrative. The world tells us that money is ours to earn, ours to spend, and ultimately, ours to define our success. Accumulation becomes the goal, and self-sufficiency the measure of security. Yet Jesus calls this way of thinking foolish—not because wealth itself is evil, but because misplaced trust is.

In contrast, the biblical vision is one of stewardship. Scripture consistently teaches that God is the true owner of all things: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). We are not owners—we are trustees. A trustee manages resources on behalf of another, with accountability and purpose.

To live as a trustee is to recognize that every dollar entrusted to us carries a divine assignment. It shifts the question from “What do I want to do with my money?” to “What does God want me to do with His?” This perspective frees us from the anxiety of ownership and invites us into the joy of participation in God’s work. A Biblical view of stewardship transforms not only our hearts but also our habits—aligning our financial lives with God’s kingdom purposes.

Practically, this stewardship touches five key areas of our financial lives:

• Earning – Honoring God through diligence and integrity in our work
• Giving – Reflecting God’s generosity as a first priority, not an afterthought
• Saving – Exercising wisdom and planning for future needs
• Debt – Avoiding bondage and pursuing freedom
• Spending – Making intentional choices that align with our values

At the center of these is the discipline of a spending plan. A spending plan is not about restriction—it is about alignment. It ensures that we direct the money entrusted to us, rather than being directed by impulse, culture, or circumstance. When we assign purpose to every dollar, we move from reaction to intention, from anxiety to stewardship.

A simple approach begins with clarity: understand your income, prioritize giving, allocate for essentials, plan for saving, and set boundaries for discretionary spending. The goal is not perfection, but faithfulness—bringing order to our finances so they reflect God’s priorities.

In the end, the difference between foolishness and faithfulness is not measured by how much we have, but by how we see it. Are we owners building bigger barns, or trustees building God’s kingdom?

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways do my financial habits reflect ownership rather than stewardship?
2. How might my decisions change if I truly viewed all my resources as entrusted by God?
3. What is one step I can take this week to better align my earning, giving, saving, debt, or spending with God’s purposes?

One of the most important reminders I share with groups often is the importance of talkingabout the important topics – especially money. Faithful stewardship and generosity are not side conversations in the life of the church—they are central to discipleship. In fact, apart from the gospel of Jesus Christ itself, money, possessions, generosity, and stewardship are among the most frequently discussed topics in all of Scripture. Jesus spoke about money not because it was trivial, but because it is deeply connected to our hearts, our trust, and our witness.

For Wesleyan churches, this creates both a responsibility and an opportunity. Finance committees are not merely tasked with balancing budgets and reviewing reports; they are stewards of a larger vision. The question before us is not simply “How do we fund the church?” but “How do we form a congregation that understands generosity as a joyful response to God’s grace?”

That kind of formation does not happen through a single sermon, a once-a-year pledge card, or a budget presentation in the fall. It happens when stewardship becomes part of the ongoing narrative of the congregation throughout the year. Like other important areas in the life of the church, an intentional plan around generosity and stewardship will ensure the narrative is happening throughout the year in our churches.

Why a Plan Matters

Without an intentional plan, stewardship conversations tend to be reactive—showing up only when giving is down or expenses are rising. With a plan, generosity becomes proactive, pastoral, and spiritually grounded. A year-round stewardship plan allows the church to teach, celebrate, invite, and testify to God’s faithfulness in ways that feel natural rather than transactional. Finance committees can play a key role by partnering with pastors, teachers and laity to weave stewardship into the life of the church across multiple touchpoints.

Practical Ways to Build Stewardship into Church Life

Email and Written Newsletters

Rather than focusing only on numbers, newsletters can regularly highlight stories: a ministry made possible through generosity, a mission partner supported, or a testimony of faithful giving. A short “Stewardship Moment” once a month can remind readers that giving fuels mission, not maintenance. These stories highlight the impact of our giving.

Social Media Communication

Social platforms are powerful storytelling tools. Brief posts can celebrate volunteers, share Scripture related to generosity, or spotlight community impact. A simple post such as, “Because of your generosity, this happened…” keeps stewardship visible without pressure.

Bulletins and Worship Materials

Bulletins can include rotating Scripture verses on stewardship, brief prayers of thanksgiving for offerings, or short explanations of how giving supports ministry. These small cues reinforce that generosity is an act of worship.

Sunday School and Small-Group Curriculum

Stewardship education should not be limited to adults during budget season. Incorporating age-appropriate lessons on money, contentment, and generosity into Sunday School and small groups helps form disciples at every stage of life. Wesleyan theology offers a rich framework for teaching money as a tool for holiness and love of neighbor.

Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Generosity is not only financial. Connecting giving to hands-on service—food ministries, mission trips, local partnerships—helps congregants see stewardship as a holistic way of life. Service often becomes the bridge that opens hearts to financial generosity.

Sermon Preparation and the Church Calendar

Finance committees can support pastors by encouraging stewardship themes to align with the church year—gratitude during Thanksgiving, simplicity during Lent, mission during Pentecost. When preaching on stewardship is planned thoughtfully and biblically, it becomes formative rather than uncomfortable.

Moving from Anxiety to Faithful Confidence

Talking about money in church can feel risky, but avoiding the conversation is far riskier. Scripture reminds us again and again that “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” We are not owners; we are stewards. When congregations understand this truth, generosity becomes an expression of trust rather than obligation. With a clear, prayerful, year-round plan for stewardship education, churches can move from anxiety about funding to confidence in God’s provision. As generosity becomes part of the shared story of the congregation, the mission and ministry of the church—and the flourishing of the surrounding community—can be faithfully and sustainably funded.

Stewardship is not about asking for money. It is about inviting people into a deeper, freer, more joyful way of following Christ. Remember, the Methodist Foundation is here to partner with you to equip, educate and invest. We like to help you equip and educate your congregation on the critical matters of stewardship and generosity. We are able to do this through written materials, seminars, and small group sessions, presentations and group or individual meetings.

As an investment tool, we offer two long-term funds and a short-term fund. Our short-term fund currently pays 5.35% interest on the daily balance with full liquidity, no minimum amount and no fees. Your are able to access your money at any time.

Please reach out to Todd Marion (todd@methodistfm.org) or Michelle Veazey (michelle@methodistfm.org) or call us at 601-948-8845.

Saving Grace is a series which explores money management from a Wesleyan perspective with the goal of teaching God’s children to have a Godly and healthy relationship with money. I encourage you to explore the depth of resources available in this series, however, I want to walk you through an overview of each Session of the book throughout this year.

Session One: All Manner of Good — A Faithful Beginning

In our first session of the Saving Grace curriculum, we begin with a simple but life-shaping truth: everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes.

The apostle James reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17, ESV). This verse anchors our understanding of stewardship. What we possess—our income, homes, retirement accounts, talents, time, influence, and relationships—does not ultimately originate from our own effort. They are gifts flowing from the gracious heart of God.

King David declares in Psalms 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Nothing falls outside the scope of God’s ownership. When we confess this truth, our posture shifts from ownership to stewardship. We move from asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” to “Lord, how would You have me use what already belongs to You?”

The apostle Paul exhorts believers in First Epistle to Timothy 6:17–18 not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches but on God, “who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Notice the balance—God provides richly, and He invites enjoyment. Stewardship is not rooted in guilt or fear. It is grounded in gratitude and trust. Paul continues: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” In other words, our financial lives are meant to overflow into “all manner of good.”
The Methodist tradition captures this beautifully in the words of John Wesley: “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

Wesley did not see financial discipline and spiritual devotion as opposites. Rather, he saw them as companions. We work diligently. We steward wisely. We give generously. The goal is not accumulation for its own sake, but faithful participation in God’s redemptive work in the world.

In a culture that often equates success with consumption, our faith calls us to something deeper. The world tells us money is security. Scripture tells us God is security. The world tells us money is identity. Scripture tells us we are children of God. The world tells us money is power. Scripture tells us generosity is power—because it reflects the very heart of Christ.

When we allow God’s Word to shape our thinking, stewardship becomes an act of worship. Every budget becomes a spiritual document. Every act of generosity becomes a testimony. Every decision about saving, investing, or spending becomes an opportunity to reflect the character of our generous God.

For church leaders especially, this vision is essential. Congregations often learn more from what we model than from what we teach. When leaders approach money prayerfully, transparently, and generously, the church becomes a community where resources are aligned with mission—supporting ministry, caring for the vulnerable, forming disciples, and expanding the Kingdom.

But this journey begins personally. Before policies and programs, there must be hearts transformed by grace. Stewardship is not first about percentages; it is about trust. It is about recognizing that God has entrusted us with resources so that we may participate in His goodness.

As we reflect on this first session, consider these questions prayerfully:

1. How has your view of money been shaped by your faith or culture? Have you absorbed messages that conflict with Scripture? Where has God’s Word corrected or affirmed your assumptions?
2. What does it mean to see money as a gift entrusted by God? How would your daily decisions change if you truly believed you were managing God’s resources rather than your own?
3. Where do you see opportunities for money to be used for good in your life? In your family? In your church? In your community? In ways that reflect Christ’s love?

May this first step in Saving Grace reorient our hearts. May we become people who gain faithfully, save wisely, and give joyfully. And may our stewardship—shaped by Scripture and empowered by faith—bear witness to the abundant generosity of our Lord. Let’s walk a journey towards a deeper understanding of God’s principles on stewardship, money and all He has entrusted to His children together through the year.

(The Saving Grace Series is published by Abingdon Press)