Who Do We Associate For? Series - BMA Financial

Financial Solutions for God’s Faithful Servants

By Dr. Steve Crawley, Executive Director • BMA Financial Services
Executive Editor’s Note: As part of this year’s theme, Your Connection to the Mission, the Baptist Trumpet is excited to feature this series in the first few issues of the year. These stories will highlight how churches in the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA), working together, have impacted lives around the world for eternity. From pastors encouraged by BMA Financial to students transformed at Central Baptist College and individuals reached through missionary efforts from the state, national and international work of missions, these narratives celebrate the life-changing power of our shared mission. This series serves as a reminder of the incredible difference you and your church make when connected to the mission of advancing God’s kingdom. Together, we are making a global and eternal impact. Stay informed about what God is doing, be inspired by the lives changed through the ministries of the BMA and get involved as you stay connected to the mission through the Baptist Trumpet.

BMA Financial, an agency of the Baptist Missionary Association of America (BMAA), exists to help God’s people, manage God’s money, God’s way. The agency strives to accomplish this mission by offering financial education resources, retirement plans, insurance evaluation and financial counseling to pastors, missionaries and employees of BMA entities.

Pastor Adam Thomas of Wyatt Baptist Church faced a dilemma many men have encountered over the past few years. Post-COVID inflationary pressures and the inherent costs of raising a large family with children spanning from college age to elementary school created a level of financial anxiety. As a pastor deeply committed to his calling, Adam found himself grappling with how to navigate those mounting pressures wisely while remaining focused on his ministry.

In addressing this matter, he contacted BMA Financial to discuss his situation. He stated that his experience exceeded his expectations.

“They were incredibly enthusiastic about helping me out,” Adam shared. “They explained what financial information I needed to gather, and when we finally met, it was a meeting I wish I’d had years ago.”

Several things stood out to him during the process. First, BMA Financial understood the unique challenges faced by those in the ministry. “While they have great knowledge of the financial world, they also understand what it’s like to be a pastor trying to live out a calling while providing for a family.”

Second, they helped alleviate Adam’s fears. Searching online for retirement advice had left him feeling like he needed to be a millionaire to survive. “I encourage you not to do that because it can make you feel like you’re going to starve,” he said. Instead, BMA Financial helped him see that his situation was not as dire as he feared.

Finally, they provided honest, constructive guidance. “They challenged me and showed me areas of financial weakness that I needed to strengthen in the years ahead.”

Adam now feels empowered and hopeful. “I am so glad I met with them. I would encourage you to do the same. Perhaps you are in a similar situation and just want to know where you stand financially so you can get back to focusing on ministry and serving your people.”

This story is a reminder of “Who We Associate For.” It is about people like Pastor Adam Thomas — those faithful servants in our churches striving to live out their calling while simultaneously leading their families and navigating the challenges of life.

As we look to the future, BMA Financial has a goal of becoming a financial discipleship ministry, not just a retirement program. Certainly, retirement is important for the “there and then,” and we want to help our constituents plan well for the future. However, it is also important that we offer resources to assist those we serve, such as Bro. Adam, in the in the challenges of the “here and now.” For whom do we associate? At BMA Financial, our agency associates with other BMA entities so we may serve those who serve our Sovereign Lord!

If we can assist you or your church, please get in touch with us by visiting bmafinancial.org or calling 1-844-262-8637.