A Message from Our CEO

Dear Friends,

August represents a critical planning time for many churches as they begin shaping their budgets for the year ahead. It’s a strategic moment for reflection, realignment, and setting priorities to ensure mission and ministry are financially supported and sustainable. With that in mind, this edition of Tomorrow delves into timely and practical topics—including clergy compensation, health insurance, estate planning, and budgeting. Each article is crafted to help you make informed financial decisions with faith and foresight.

The article “Clergy Compensation Packages: Negotiating Beyond Salary” highlights the often-overlooked benefits beyond base pay that contribute to a comprehensive compensation package for clergy.  In “Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap,” we explore the difference between these two supplemental health care benefit programs. On the topic of financial planning for your beneficiaries, the article “What Happens to Your Debt When You Die?” offers valuable insights into which debts may be discharged and which obligations may carry over after your passing.

Our lifestyle articles feature current trends in spending and saving. “Cash Stuffing: The Budgeting Trend Everyone Is Talking About” covers an old budgeting method with a new twist. Finally, “Spaving: The Costly Habit of Spending to Save” explores whether marketing tactics that promote spending to save are truly beneficial—or too good to be true.

The themes of budgeting, compensation, and planning resonate deeply with me—especially planning. As summer draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a remarkable journey spanning more than three decades—marked by growth, resilience, and by a shared sense of purpose.

As previously announced, I will be retiring from MMBB as chief executive officer on August 31. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve, to witness your dedication, and to walk alongside you.  I am filled with gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me.

With confidence and respect, I entrust the leadership of MMBB to Rev. Dr. Perry J. Hopper, whose integrity, vision, and commitment have long been evident in his service. Perry has been a steady and trusted presence in our work over the years, and I am confident he will lead MMBB thoughtfully and faithfully into its next chapter.

I often return to the words of 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  It has been a touchstone for me and reminds me that we all have gifts meant to serve others; that service is central to Christian life; that leadership is an act of faithful stewardship; and that God’s grace is expressed in diverse, beautiful forms. 

Leading MMBB has been more than a role—it has been a calling. And for the opportunity to contribute to this remarkable mission, I will always be profoundly thankful. It has been a joy and a blessing that I will carry with me always. May God continue to guide this organization and each of you in all that you do.

In Christ,
Louis P. Barbarin