2026: The Year of Analysis

I’ve officially called 2026 BCM/D’s “Year of Analysis.” That may not sound exciting, but it’s important. What we’re doing this year will have a significant impact on BCM/D’s future.

Looking back, 2025 was our “Year of Systems.” Our BCM/D staff worked tirelessly to replace our core financial reporting and processing systems, payroll system, and our database—the backbone and repository of our church information. That was a major undertaking. Staff across the organization had to learn those new processes and they adapted well.

The improvements have already made daily work more efficient. That is good. But the goals are much deeper and, when properly executed, more impactful.

I believe an organization cannot meet its goals without good foundational systems. State-of-the-art systems installed in the past no longer provided the needed efficiency. When staff must work longer to complete routine tasks, there is little time left for strategic thinking and creativity.

Effective strategy and creativity are essential if BCM/D is to move forward impactfully.

Now that we have accomplished these system transitions, we can better assess our overall organization.

We have the data. We have the systems. We have the team. That’s why I’ve dubbed 2026 the “Year of Analysis.”

Jesus said in Luke 14:28 (ESV), “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” I love the emphasis here on strategic planning and analysis.

The Bible also says in Proverbs 18:15 (NLT) “Intelligent people are always ready to learn.  Their ears are open for knowledge.” The gathering of information, spurred on by curiosity and the desire to learn, is vital for success.

Careful planning and a willingness to learn are marks of wisdom.

Below are some of the areas we will be assessing:

• We will further strengthen relationships with local associations, sharing meaningful information so churches experience deeper engagement within BCM/D partnerships.
• We will evaluate the effectiveness of our Big 5 events: Revive Women’s Conference, Refueled Men’s Conference, CLC Church Leaders Conference, SLC Student Leadership Conference, and The Gathering.
• We will build on the success of our most recent Pastors’ Conference so every pastor in BCM/D knows they are seen, valued, and cared for.
• We will continue strengthening disaster relief readiness and response while continuing to pour into relationships with state conventions across the Northeast.
• We will push harder into compassion ministry efforts (Missional Impact), partnering with affiliated churches to serve the poor, hurting, abused, and disabled.

• We will aggressively push into darkness with renewed evangelism efforts that go beyond grant funding to include training, equipping, and hands-on support for churches.

• We will initiate focused senior ministry efforts, equipping and encouraging churches to engage the strength, wisdom, and experience of older adults.

Improved systems provide clarity. Data sharpens direction. Analysis strengthens effectiveness.

But we must remember something essential.

Jesus did not take on human flesh and endure the cross for better systems or better events. He came to save people.

Equipping and resourcing churches to share Jesus and make disciples must always remain the priority.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) records Jesus’ final words before His ascension: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

These are action words. Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach.

Our systems, data, events, and training are tools. We use them to equip and resource our churches to fulfill the Great Commission.

There is so much opportunity before us.

Let’s love and serve together, bearing witness to Jesus so that more people come to Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Tom Stolle serves as BCM/D Executive Director and CFO

(Feature photo by Sharon Mager)