| Financial Stewardship Classes & Resources |
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Bad Economy but Great God. Learn to handle money in a godly way. Gain the blessings and reduce the stress; it’s something we all desire. NEXT SESSION: Fall 2013! Contact us to learn more about a very practical 3-month focus group for those who want the freedom that God offers. All are encouraged to attend this no-obligation overview, which is required for those who might decide to join up. Questions? Contact Doug Socha: dougsocha@yahoo.com, 909-659-4790 Boris Duran: |
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What is Crown Financial Ministries? Larry Burkette and Howard Dayton each ran a successful Christian financial ministry during the 80’s and 90’s. They eventually joined forces to form Crown Financial Ministries. It provides a wide variety of resources to teach the family of God to steward God’s resources God’s way. They also have a national radio show. See www.crown.org for more info. The Bible has over 2350 verses about handling money and possessions. It’s a potential (and potent) idol. Our attitudes about money, and how we handle it, greatly affect our relationship with God and others. That’s why God spoke of it more than any other single subject. And these days when a believer is hamstrung by debt and stress about money, that person is effectively neutralized from so much of what they could otherwise do for the Kingdom; physically, monetarily, emotionally, and spiritually. The whole body suffers, locally and globally. What is the “Biblical Financial Study”? This is the cornerstone of Crown’s ministry, where real transformation takes place. It’s a 3 month small group study which has a high commitment requirement. So that its members get the most out if it, Crown limits the group size to only 5 “family units” (singles or couples), plus its 2 co-leaders (or co-leader couples, each from different households). Group runs 2 hours, once each week, plus about 2 hours of homework per week. Those who don’t do the assigned homework before the next meeting cannot speak in group, though they’re still encouraged to attend and listen. (We’re there to process what we’ve studied, not to trade our ignorance). Sounds like a lot of work. Why bother? People who go through the group experience a true “paradigm shift”, a new way of looking at God, control, provision, decisions, money, stewardship, life, and the future. This doesn’t happen with a cursory reading of the scriptures or listening to lectures. There’s grappling and application. This is powerful and can release people for Kingdom work. Therefore we become targets of Satan. So each member commits to pray for each and every other member, specifically by name and by concern, every day. It is warfare for the futures of ourselves, our households, and our church. Also, the practical financial changes that are taught will not likely last without the paradigm shift and heart change to keep them on track. It’s an investment for long term peace. What’s in it for the participants? Here’s what we’ve heard and experienced: Strengthened Marriages: During every group at least 1 marriage that was having strife (about money or other things) is improved, gaining greater closeness, communication, common purpose and direction, and greater peace and happiness. They tell us this enthusiastically. Reduced debt: It doesn’t happen overnight, but there’s always improvement on this. Contingency fund and increased savings: Members put this into place, then they’re not knocked down by the next thing around them that breaks. Long term plan: Do the right things in the right order. It works out best that way and leads to greater financial freedom over the years. Understanding Our part and God’s part: God clearly explains to us our part (how to be a good and wise steward of HIS possessions). If we do that, then God promises to do HIS part, which is to meet all our needs His way. Greater contentment with what God provides. Less grasping. More satisfaction. Greater honesty and integrity. Greater Peace: All of the above contributes to less worry and stress, and more enjoyment and peace. More generous giving: It’s really true. Greater security and abundance, AND increased giving for Kingdom causes. More connection and partnership with Christ, and gladness while doing it. Strengthened friendships and community: We go deep in these groups, and develop great relationships. And we have a lot of fun doing it. Plus we have some social times to relax and play together. Hunger for more: Almost everyone who goes through these groups says they want to do it again in a couple years, for a refresher, mid-course corrections, greater depth with God, and the enjoyment of the fellowship. Who can benefit from this? * Married couples; Improves their relationship. * Single parents; Reduces their stress in life. * College students who want to start out right for their financial health and future. * Those who deal with finances regularly, and those who don’t (but probably ought to). * Anyone who is feeling burdened under financial pressure. * Anyone who just wants to learn to handle money God’s way, even if they’re not struggling right now. So please spread the word. Tell the folks you associate with in you ministries about this great resource available to them. The next group starts soon.. Feel free to have anyone call or email me or Boris. Doug Socha Crown ministries co-leader at Newsong. 909-394-1845 (home) 909-659-4790 (mobile) DougSocha@yahoo.com (And co-leader Boris Duran, 909-592-2716, bandkpub@yahoo.com) |
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