Smart & Powerful Giving Options with Barnabas Foundation – by Steve Baker

At the Fellowship of Christian Farmers annual conference the last week of July, Barnabas Foundation Steve Baker (planning attorney) shared how Biblical stewardship plans can transform the way we give, providing for families while also advancing God’s Kingdom.

Since 1976, Barnabas Foundation has helped generous Christians transfer their wealth in ways that honor God, reduce taxes, and extend the impact of their giving well beyond their lifetimes. Partnering with ministries such as the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, Barnabas Foundation provides free planning services and guidance to donors who want to give wisely and strategically.

Why Barnabas Foundation?

Barnabas exists to help Christians steward resources entrusted by God. Their team assists with:

Giving Beyond Cash

While many people are used to giving from a checkbook, Barnabas helps donors discover smarter ways to give. For example, donating appreciated stock or real estate not only avoids capital gains taxes but also allows for a larger charitable gift. Farmers and business owners can also benefit from gifting commodities or business assets in ways that maximize Kingdom impact while minimizing tax burdens.

Gifts That Pay Income

Through tools such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts, donors can make a gift today, receive ongoing income for life, and bless ministries in the future. These arrangements are IRS-approved and provide a “win-win” opportunity for givers and ministries alike.

Gifts in a Will or Trust

Often, the largest gift a person makes is through their estate. Barnabas helps individuals incorporate charitable gifts into wills or trusts—sometimes treating charity as an additional “child” in the distribution plan. These legacy gifts not only model stewardship to loved ones but also ensure that resources are used for God’s glory well into the future.

Partnership with Fellowship of Christian Farmers

Through its partnership with Barnabas Foundation, Fellowship of Christian Farmers is able to offer these valuable services at no cost to its supporters. Donors may give directly to FCFI, or through Barnabas, with the option of supporting multiple ministries while simplifying the process.

As Steve emphasized, stewardship is not just about financial efficiency—it is about faithfully managing what belongs to God and leaving a legacy that reflects Kingdom values.

If you’d like to learn more about creative, tax-wise giving solutions, or explore how to include ministry in your estate plan, visit https://barnabasfoundation.org/ or https://www.fcfi.org/ (then select donate). Speaking to the Barnabas experts on estate planning is free, confidential and you can get advice free of obligation to give to Fellowship of Christian Farmers.