To read a quick recap of some of the latest stories that were also shared in a recent Pastor Connections email (subscribe here) from TAB Media Group, see below.

1. When it comes to church finances, trust is everything. Every dollar given in tithes, offerings, or designated gifts is an act of worship, and our churches have the responsibility to handle those resources with integrity.

2. If you live outside of Jackson, Tennessee, you are likely unfamiliar with the name Ann Marie Kelley. Those of us who call this community home, however, recognize her as a bit of a local hero. Here’s why.

3. While challenges remain, the Southern Baptist Convention is on a “healthier trajectory,” Jeff Iorg noted during the recent SBC Executive Committee’s meeting in Nashville.

EDITOR’S NOTE — These stories were compiled by The Baptist Paper.

As Islamic finance marks its 50th anniversary since the founding of first Islamic commercial bank in 1975, the industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and expansion. In 2024, global Islamic finance assets reached US$5.98 trillion, reflecting a 21% year-on-year growth. This year’s edition of the Islamic Finance Development Report (IFDI) highlights this.

The Islamic Finance Development Report 2025 evaluates the global performance of the Islamic finance industry throughout 2024, highlighting its transformation over the past five decades—from a niche offering to a mainstream financial system in many countries and regions. The report’s analysis is driven by data from 140 countries, measured across five key dimensions: Financial Performance, Governance, Knowledge, Sustainability, and Awareness.

The report is launched in partnership with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of Private Sector (ICD) of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

Access the full report to find out more about:

• A look at the Islamic finance industry’s development over the past 50 years
• Up-to-date statistics on the global Islamic finance industry and its projected growth
• Most-developed countries in Islamic finance according to IFDI 2025
• Exclusive interviews and executive articles by leading Islamic finance professionals
• Main markets and trends impacting the Islamic finance industry