The CEB Blog - July 2024

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” (Proverbs 27:23, 24) 

We believe that God is in control and will work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). But just because He can take what is bad and make it good does not give us the freedom to be careless stewards. Often in Scripture we are exhorted to take good care of what God has given to us and manage it wisely. Just as the prosperous farmer who assumed he would retire comfortably and built bigger barns was shocked by the brevity of his life (Luke 12:16-21), so we must not presume about the future, but must wisely manage what we have today. 

I am honored to have been reelected by the messengers of ABA churches to serve another year as Editor in Chief at Bogard Press. The responsibility of stewarding our literature ministry weighs heavy. In addition to the 67 curriculum books we publish every quarter, we have 15 Bible Challenge books and 25 VBS books to prepare and get off the press annually, along with an additional 40+ VBS items. We also prepare quarterly literature downloads, adult Bible study resources, maintain digital book versions on Kobo and update our current Bogard Press books and tracts as needed. Add to the list a few very ambitious literature goals such as developing a brand-new Teen Through-the-Bible curriculum to be launched Fall 2025, the creation of a new Children’s Through-the-Bible curriculum and promotional travel, and we have our hands full. 

The literature ministry of the BSSC would not succeed without the ongoing support of God’s people and the devoted diligence of the employees of Bogard Press. We have faced some difficult days, and we know challenges lie ahead, but we want to be diligent stewards of the opportunities God has given us today. Please pray for us as we attempt to wisely manage this ministry in a God-honoring fashion. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Clements 

Editor in Chief 

Bogard Press