march 2013

noteworthy survey RESULTS NCMEF contracted with Guhroot

Design to conduct a follow-up

survey to one conducted in 2010.

The 2012 survey was viewed 403

times with 146 starts and 114

completed. The following

information is gleaned from Guhroot

Design’s report to us regarding the

results of its survey.

The 114 respondents consisted of

41.6% pastors (47), 8.8% pastors’

wives (10) and 49.6% church leaders

(57). In this mix of those who

responded, 37.29% were ages 25-44,

51.7% were ages 45-64 and 11%

were ages 65-84.

OF THE 47 PASTORS WHO REPONDED:

1. REGARDING RESIDENCES

A. 76.47% Own their own homes (36)

B. 15.69% Live in a parsonage (7)

C. 7.84% Rent (4)

2. REGARDING HEALTH INSURANCE

A. 18% Wife works and provides

health insurance (8)

B. 36% wife works and does not

provide health insurance (17)

C. 46% Wife does not work out of the

home (22)

3. REGARDING SOCIAL SECURITY

A. 76.47% Enrolled in Social Security

(36)

B. 23.53% Not enrolled in Social

Security (11)

4. REGARDING THE MISSIONARY

CHURCH PENSION PLAN

A. 72.55% Enrolled in MC Pension Plan

(34)

B. 27.45% Not enrolled in MC Pension

Plan (13)

THE ENTIRE GROUP OF 114

RESPONDENTS WERE ASKED TO STATE

WHETHER OR NOT THEY AGREED WITH

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:

1. CHURCH LEADERS ARE

KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE PASTOR’S

PERSONAL FINANCIAL SITUATION:

A. 48.24% Strongly Agree (55)

B. 51.75% Disagree / not sure (59)

2. THE PASTOR’S PERSONAL FINANCIAL

SITUATION IMPACTS THE QUALITY OF

OUR CHURCH MINISTRY:

A. 51.76% Strongly agree (59)

B. 48.25% Disagree / not sure (55)

3. TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU BELIEVE

THESE ISSUES CAUSE THE PASTOR(S)

OF YOUR CHURCH FINANCIAL

STRESS?

A. HEALTH CARE

66.67% Strongly agree / agree (76)

33.3% Disagree / not sure (38)

B. RETIREMENT ISSUES

58% Strongly agree / agree (66)

42% Disagree / not sure (48)

C. UPGRADING VEHICLES

55% Strongly agree / agree (63)

45% Disagree / not sure (51)

D. SALARY ISSUES

46.4% Strongly agree / agree (53)

53% Disagree / not sure (60)

E. EDUCATION DEBT

35.1% Strongly agree / agree (40)

64.9% Disagree / not sure (74)

F. LACK OF FINANCIAL PLANNING

19.6% Strongly agree / agree (22)

80% Disagree / not sure (92)

This is not only interesting information.

It is very helpful information for all of

us as we look ahead and plan for the

future ministry of NCMEF. Let’s pray

together for the guidance of the Holy

Spirit regarding this very needed

work! �

INSIDE: pg:

Director’s Notes 2

NCMEF Video Project 3

Finan Trouble cont. 4

Financial Troubles? 3

ncmefncmef revrev����helphelp

director’s NOTES The members of the NCMEF Board are deeply committed to see this ministry fulfill the challenge for which it was brought into being. We are very grateful to the host of individuals in the Missionary Church, North Central District who have pledged and given so sacrificially to this ministry. And to And to And to And to all of the local churches all of the local churches all of the local churches all of the local churches of the district which of the district which of the district which of the district which have generously have generously have generously have generously contributed so well to contributed so well to contributed so well to contributed so well to this workthis workthis workthis work - we say a we say a we say a we say a heartfelt heartfelt heartfelt heartfelt “Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!” Numbers can be quite static. However, I want to share with you

some numbers which are very encouraging to us–and I believe will be to you as well.

During 2012, NCMEF was able to extend 14 grants to 10 pastors and assistant pastors to help them reduce the principle costs of their College Education loans. Each of these grant recipients received financial counseling from a Certified Financial Planner, the costs covered by NCMEF. We are grateful that of these pastors, through their own payments together with their NCMEF grants, were able to

completely pay off their educational loans.

We were also able to assist 14 retired pastors with 15 grants to help with their supplemental

insurance premium payments. And 7 other pastors received help with the costs of various emergency crises which other insurances did not cover. Additionally, NCMEF covered the costs necessary for 7 ministerial students at

Bethel College who completed the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace course. This now totals 53 senior, assistant and retired pastors who have benefitted from the 123 grants extended either on a one time basis, or on a renewed basis, as well as 10 Bethel College ministerial students since NCMEF began its work.

Besides the grants, NCMEF hosted a Church Finance Seminar, a Medicare Seminar, a Pastors Tax Seminar and two Friends of NCMEF gatherings and covered the costs for the CFP consultations for 4 pastors during 2012. We will greatly appreciate your continued prayer support and financial giving that this work may continue to be pleasing to God!

Page 1 rev����help Fall 2011 Page 2 rev����help mar 2013

If you would like to

contribute to the

endowment

ministry of NCMEF,

checks may be

mailed to:

NCMEF

3301 Benham Ave.

Elkhart, IN 46517

Assistance Given to Date # Grants Total $

Retired Pastors Grants 50 $62,710.68

Education Debt Grants 45 $159,870.80

Benevolence Grants 15 $38,764.11

Other Proactive Helps 13 $1600.00

$262,945. TOTAL TO DATE as of 12/31/2012

We will greatly appreciate your

continued prayer support and

financial giving that this work may continue to be

pleasing to God!

NCMEF is excited to share the news that media-artist, Joe Baughman (Ft. Wayne, IN) is hard at work on a short promotional DVD to help introduce churches to the ministry of NCMEF. The anticipated release of this DVD video is Spring of 2013.

Joe is an energetic contemporary writer, musician, and video-graphic guru who produces a variety of videos, animations and documentaries. This renaissance media-man’s work can be described as: fun; sweet; quirky; poignant; and introspective.

Joe is at times a director, cinematographer, camera operator, editor, sound recordist, and more. Baughman hails from the Missionary Church North Central District and is the son of

Pastor Brian and Tina Baughman (Koontz Lake Missionary Church, Walkerton, IN).

Each time Baughman completes or gets assigned a huge project, he celebrates the occasion with a hearty dance session.

Joe Baughman’s work can be seen on: http://josephbaughman.com

in the works: NCMEF VIDEO PROJECT

If you are having trouble paying your debts, it is important to take action sooner rather than later. Doing nothing leads to much larger problems in the future, whether it's a bad credit record or bankruptcy resulting in the loss of assets and even your home. If you're in financial trouble here are some steps to take to avoid financial ruin in the future. If you've accumulated a large amount of debt and are having difficulty paying your bills each month, now is the time to take action--before the bill collectors start calling.

1. Review each debt. Make sure that the debt creditors claim you owe is really what you owe and that the amount is correct. If you dispute a

debt, first contact the creditor directly to resolve your questions. If you still have questions about the debt, contact your state or local consumer protection office or, in cases of serious creditor abuse, your state Attorney General.

2. Contact your creditors. Let your creditors know you are having difficulty making your payments. Tell them why you are having trouble-perhaps it is because you recently lost your job or have unexpected medical bills. Try to work out an acceptable payment schedule with your creditors. Most are willing to work with you and will appreciate your honesty and forthrightness.

continued on page 4

financial troubles? 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SITUATION

PASTORS: NCMEF has

made available FREE

Certified Financial

Planning

consultations for

credentialed pastors

of the MCNCD. A

Limited number of

appointments will be

given out on a 1st

come, 1st served

basis. For more info

contact:

Amy@mcncd.org

In order to maintain the most updated and accurate mailing list we are asking for your help: Please send us any changes in address OR corrections in the spelling of your name, or any other information which you would like us to know. NCMEF does not share information or sell mailing lists with any business or organization. Thank you in advance for your response!

mar 2013 rev����help Page 3

financial troubles? 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SITUATION

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continued from page 3

3. Budget your expenses. Create a spending plan that allows you to reduce your debts. Itemize your necessary expenses (such as housing and health care) and optional expenses (such as entertainment and vacation travel). Stick to the plan.

4. Try to reduce your expenses. Cut out any unnecessary spending such as eating out and purchasing expensive entertainment. Consider taking public transportation or using a car sharing service rather than owning a car. Clip coupons, purchase generic products at the supermarket and avoid impulse purchases. Above all, stop incurring new debt. Leave your credit cards at home. Pay for all purchases in cash or use a debit card instead of a credit card.

5. Pay down and consolidate your debts. Withdrawing savings from low-interest accounts to settle high-rate loans or credit card debt

usually makes sense. In addition, there are a number of ways to pay off high-interest loans, such as credit cards, by getting a refinancing or consolidation loan, such as a second mortgage.

You can regain financial health if you act responsibly. But don't wait until bankruptcy court is your only option. If you're having financial troubles, don't hesitate to call us. We can help you get back on your feet.

Borrowed with permission from Witmer Wood Tax Consultants, LLC. For the full article, including helpful tips, go to: http://www.witmerwoodtax.com/newsletter.php?date=022013

rev rev��������help help amy@mcncd.org 3301 Benham Ave

Elkhart, IN 46517