Mission:Dignity® - Providing Care to SBC Retirees

On June 28, Southern Baptists will have a unique opportunity to support retired pastors, church workers and their widows on a special day of giving known as Mission:Dignity Sunday.

“Mission:Dignity is one of the most tangible ways that Southern Baptists care for those who have faithfully served others,” says GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck. “These retired SBC workers answered God’s call without concern for personal gain, and Mission:Dignity Sunday gives churches and individual groups a chance to honor that faithfulness and ensure they are treated with dignity and care.”

100% of the donations will go directly to the 2,600 Mission:Dignity recipients currently living on low incomes. Recipients like 81-year-old widow Sally Moore.

Sally and Dickie Moore shared 60 years of marriage, faithfully serving in ministry while raising four children. After decades of service that led Dickie to pastor churches and serve all over the globe, the practical realities of aging and financial planning finally came into focus. Unable to fully prepare for retirement, the Moores exhausted their savings. Providentially, a local Associational Missionary introduced them to Mission:Dignity and helped them apply for assistance.

“Mission:Dignity is just one way God has supplied our [my] needs, but I praise him when that monthly amount comes in!” says Sally, “I am able to pay my bills, tithe and even give to several mission causes I love to support.”

Around the same time that the Moores connected with Mission:Dignity, Dickie was diagnosed with dementia. He continued preaching for a few years before passing away in 2023.

“God is the reason for my strength,” continues Sally. “He has given me many friends who have stood by me in tough times. Those who have given their lives to serve God and his Church are very blessed to have this service, which continues to provide extra income when they retire.”

“It’s always a joy to see the generosity of my Southern Baptist family each year on Mission:Dignity Sunday,” adds Mission:Dignity Director Aaron Meraz. “Your support helps our recipients live out their declining years with the dignity and care they deserve.”

Founded in 1918, GuideStone’s mission is to enhance the financial security and resilience of those who serve the Lord. Churches, Sunday school classes and other groups can learn more, download materials or give directly to Mission:Dignity by visiting MDSunday.org.