Guidestone releases SECURE 2.0 to help churches and pastors navigate retirement funding
By CHRISTI SMITH
DALLAS (BP) — GuideStone announced the launch of its online resource, GuideStone.org/SecureAct2, assisting churches and ministry-related organizations and their employees with navigating changes to 403(b) retirement plans in accordance with the SECURE 2.0 Act (SECURE 2.0). This resource will be updated as new guidance is issued by the IRS to assist organizations in complying with the provisions of SECURE 2.0 over the coming years.
SECURE 2.0 was signed into law on December 29, 2022, with the purpose of improving Americans’ retirement opportunities by reducing barriers that stand in the way of individuals being able to save. SECURE 2.0 provisions include changes such as raising the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to 73 this year, allowing for Roth employer contributions, increasing the current catch-up contribution limit and permitting student loan matching contributions and emergency savings accounts within individuals’ retirement plans. Timelines for these and other provisions are available at GuideStone.org/SecureAct2.
“Churches and ministries can trust GuideStone to implement these new rules for 403(b) retirement plans,” said Christy Teeter, Chief Retirement Officer. “Our mission with this educational site is for ministries and their employees to have confidence in making timely, well-informed decisions so that they can focus on the ministry to which they have been called.”
GuideStone evaluates the SECURE 2.0 Act provisions with retirement expertise and a biblical perspective on how ministry partners and their employees can navigate these legislative changes to strengthen their retirement preparedness and steward their money and resources in order to finish well.
“At GuideStone, we are committed to helping build financial security and resilience for those who serve the Lord. That includes helping you understand and make the most of your retirement plan as it relates to this new legislation,” said Hance Dilbeck, GuideStone President.
Lifeway wins top award from Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association
By LIFEWAY STAFF
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (BP) – Lifeway Christian Resources and B&H Español were named Publisher of the Year by the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) at its annual awards ceremony held April 20, 2023, in Miami, Florida. The SEPA Awards recognize the highest quality and excellence in the publishing, sales and marketing of Christian literature in Spanish.
This is the fifth time Lifeway—the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles—has been named Spanish Publisher of the Year.
Lifeway also received the award for Bible of the Year for “The Thematic Study Bible” (Biblia Temática de Estudio), edited by renowned pastor, Miguel Núñez. “The Thematic Study Bible,” published June 2022, features a collaboration of theologians and pastors from various Spanish-speaking countries.
“We are extremely grateful to God not only for the privilege of serving Him through a Bible like this but also for this recognition that testifies to a great work,” said Emanuel Elizondo, editor-in-chief. “Our desire is to continue glorifying God through resources of depth and quality.”
In addition to these top honors, Lifeway received book of the year awards in the gift and small book categories for the respective titles, “A Year in the Psalms” (Un Año en Los Salmos) and “How do I Order My Life?” (¿Cómo Ordeno Mi Vida?). Lifeway was also named as having the best social media presence of all evangelical Spanish publishers.
“It is extremely satisfying to receive these industry recognitions, which are a parameter of excellence for our work,” said Giancarlo Montemayor, vice president of global publishing. “We are grateful to God for giving us a solid and committed team for His kingdom.”
Resourcing the Spanish-speaking world with faithful literature continues to be a priority for Lifeway. In addition to supporting an ever-growing catalog of Spanish books and Bibles, Lifeway and B&H Español host LifewayEquipa.com, an online, video-driven training platform for Spanish-speaking Christians. Lifeway has more than 40 new Spanish releases slated throughout the remainder of 2023, including the “RVR 1960 Holy Land Illustrated Bible” (Biblia Ilustrada de la Tierra Santa) and “Peter the Galilean” (Pedro el Galileo) by César Vidal.
“Being recognized by our business partners as Publisher of the Year, among other awards, fills us with great satisfaction,” said César Custodio, director of sales and marketing for Spanish resources. “Our goal is to provide great service and support to our business and ministry partners so they can fulfill their mission. This recognition affirms our commitment to continue seeking excellence in everything we do.”
More information about B&H Español can be found at bhespanol.com. The full 2023 Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association award presentation can be viewed on SEPA’s YouTube channel.
