We seek to create a culture of generosity built on the Bible by equipping believers to live as surrendered stewards and generous disciples. We do this through sharing our personal stories and participating in our ministry strategies through Mission 1:8, our one fund that supports every ministry on campus and several partner ministries.
Guy Shafer, Associate Executive Pastor, oversees the Stewardship Ministry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of stewardship. The ministry team’s primary goal is to teach the church about the biblical principles of stewardship. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it.” Shafer says, “It’s important to recognize that the resources in our lives, no matter how hard we labor or carefully spent, we are utterly dependent on God’s grace. God’s gracious blessings were given not to be hoarded but to be shared.” As a result, the mission of our ministry is to honor the Lord with every blessing He bestows upon us and actively support His work through our church.
The Stewardship Ministry focuses on three primary areas:
Discipleship and Equipping
Through seminars, courses, and events, we provide opportunities for our members to grow in their understanding of stewardship and generosity. These sessions help equip individuals with practical tools and resources to manage their finances, make wise financial decisions, and cultivate a lifestyle of generous giving.
Personal Financial Coaching and Guidance
We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique. The Stewardship Ministry offers personal financial coaching and guidance to assist individuals in achieving financial freedom, developing budgets, reducing debt, and setting long-term financial goals.
Estate Planning and Legacy Giving
We believe that stewardship extends beyond our lifetimes. The Stewardship Ministry provides assistance and guidance in estate planning and legacy giving, enabling our members to leave a lasting impact on future generations and support the ongoing work of First Baptist Dallas.
Through this ministry, we aim to deepen our obedience to the Lord, develop a heart for stewardship and generosity, and equip our members to honor God with every aspect of their lives. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we strive to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.
Guy Shafer
Associate Executive Pastor
Guy Shafer is an integrator for our ministries and operations, helping the church accomplish its mission strategically and effectively. He is also the champion and leader of the Stewardship Ministry at First Dallas. Guy has served in full-time ministry for more than 40 years. Married in 1985, he and Mary have two children and seven grandchildren, all living in the DFW area.
Sherryn Cates
Director of Finance and Accounting
Sherryn serves with infectious enthusiasm, implementing and maintaining best business practices as part of First Dallas’s commitment to excellent stewardship. Sherryn and her husband, Ross, have a son, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.