Believers Stewardship Services Inc

Believers Stewardship Services Inc. (BSS) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, specifically categorized under the NTEE classification as a public foundation involved in philanthropy, voluntarism, and grant-making.

History

Believers Stewardship Services has its roots tied to Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa. In the early days, the focus was on trust services, assisting believers with estate planning strategies. The initiative was encouraged by a friend of the college as early as 1978 but was formally established later. Emmaus Trust Services (ETS) was launched in January 1991. However, it wasn't until 2001 that the ministry became a separate charitable entity, forming Believers Stewardship Services Inc.[2]

Mission and Services

The primary mission of BSS is to assist Christians in fulfilling biblical stewardship through financial and estate planning. Over time, the organization expanded its services to include planned giving assistance, helping individuals and organizations support various religious activities. In the early 2000s, BSS began receiving inquiries about financial planning services, which led to the introduction of investment advisory services in 2009. However, these investment services were spun off into Stewards Advisory Services by March 2020[2].

BSS also provides support in compliance and regulatory matters, assisting assemblies and ministries in legal issues such as incorporation, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, reviewing bylaws, updating policies, and ensuring legal compliance[2].

Financial Overview

As a public charity, Believers Stewardship Services Inc. relies heavily on contributions, which form the majority of its revenue. In recent years, the organization has provided significant grants to support religious and related activities. For example, in 2023, BSS provided over $3.4 million in grants[4]. The organization's financial health is robust, with substantial assets and liabilities managed to support its mission[1].

Leadership and Operations

The leadership of BSS includes Robert Sullivan, who took over as President after Dave stepped back in 2015. The organization operates across the continental United States and maintains a small but effective core staff, leveraging the expertise of attorneys, trust officers, and financial professionals[2].

Establishments and Partnerships

In 2017, BSS helped establish a sister organization in Canada named Legacy Ministries Canada, which aims to equip Christians in biblical stewardship and provide charitable giving opportunities[2].

Ratings and Recognition

Believers Stewardship Services Inc. has received a high rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its effective governance and financial management practices[5].