“We learned that everything is God’s belonging as a Christian” – Logan and Morgan
Many individuals and couples find themselves at a crossroads with their finances, often struggling to align their monetary habits with their spiritual values. For Logan & Morgan Murphy and Maurice & Deborah Henry, turning to Crown Financial Ministries and their Budget Coaches proved transformative.
Logan and Morgan (pictured above) were in a stable financial situation but lacked a clear plan that reflected their faith-based values. With the guidance of their Budget Coach, they developed a structured financial plan centered around spending, saving, and giving as per their Christian beliefs. “We learned that everything is God’s belonging as a Christian,” shared the Murphys. They now budget diligently for regular giving, experiencing not just financial improvement but also spiritual alignment with their beliefs.
On the other hand, Maurice and Deborah Henry faced ongoing challenges with their spending habits, often finding themselves perplexed about where their money was going. Their turning point came when they decided to seek help after hearing about Crown on Way FM. With the support of their coach, Carmine Ferraro, the Henrys began to track their spending and adhere to a strict budget for the first time. Deborah noted, “For the first time, we are tracking where our money is going and sticking to a budget.” This has not only helped them manage their finances better but also brought their financial decisions in line with biblical principles.
Both couples have seen significant changes in their financial stewardship, proving the power of targeted financial coaching combined with a commitment to faith-based principles. Whether improving an already stable financial situation or overcoming chronic spending issues, the guidance from Crown coaches like J. Rice and Carmine Ferraro has been invaluable in helping individuals and families establish healthy, spiritually aligned financial practices.
Crown is thrilled to announce the ongoing success of our online training sessions, designed to enhance the expertise of our partners and foster global networking opportunities. Our latest series, “Bible on Money,” launched on May 7th, led by Curtis Anderson, Senior Director of US Urban Development. This series comprises five engaging Zoom sessions, and the curriculum offers an insightful exploration of biblical teachings on financial stewardship, focusing on the relationship between money, our hearts, and possessions.
The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 20 participants from diverse backgrounds, representing 12 different countries including Burkina Faso, DRC, Haiti, Egypt, Mongolia, Namibia, Nigeria, Romania, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia, and the US. This cross-cultural participation enriches the learning experience, providing a unique platform for dialogue and understanding.
Feedback from attendees has been encouraging. One participant expressed his appreciation, stating, “Thank you so much again for this wonderful initiative. I will keep the recordings and will use them to enrich our presentations as it comes along.” The participant also highlighted the relevance of discussions on honesty and integrity, emphasizing the transformative impact of such teachings.
This series not only aims to educate but also to inspire action and reflection among our partners, ensuring they are well-equipped to apply these teachings in their respective contexts. We are proud to be a part of this journey and are committed to continuing our efforts in providing valuable learning experiences that resonate across borders.
In March, we hosted our inaugural in-person Restoration Path training following the launch of our new program last October. Welcoming a diverse cohort of leaders representing various churches, ministries, and community-focused initiatives, including urban environments, pregnancy & youth centers, Young Life Men’s groups, and Native American reservations, among others, was incredibly gratifying.
Our primary objective was to empower these leaders with the tools and knowledge to effectively implement our Restoration Path program within their respective ministries. This program serves as a catalyst for individuals in need, aiding them in discovering their true identity and purpose, and unlocking their potential to make a positive impact.
During the training, two delegates from Native American reservations in Montana recognized the program’s potential to profoundly impact their communities. Inspired by this realization, they are eager to integrate the program into their organization’s framework. Furthermore, they have committed to hosting the next training session for leaders from partner organizations within the reservations in May. We are so excited to see the future impact of this program!
Reggie Rossignol’s journey of financial transformation is a testament to the power of guidance and support. In a world where conversations about money can be daunting, Reggie found solace and empowerment through the assistance of a Crown Budget Coach. She felt isolated in her struggles with money management, unable to find someone she could confide in. However, through the Crown Budget Coach program, Reggie discovered not only practical solutions but also a newfound sense of hope and understanding about money’s role in her life. This testimony encapsulates her journey toward financial freedom and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
“I appreciate having someone that I can talk to about money issues and advice. I do not have anyone in my personal life that I can talk to about these things, or as deeply as I need to. I do work at a financial institution, have an amazing team, and I know any one of them would have helped me. However, sometimes I need to go over things a few times before I understand them. Being “too personal” can also impact things in a way we didn’t expect. I didn’t want to “take too much” from my peers.
This course and the Debt Management program helped me feel like there was a solution that could actually help me. It gave me privacy, hope, and an ally. I was also able to hear concepts and messages that I haven’t heard before about money; about the way God views it and wants us to manage it.
I feel like the savings lessons were the most impactful. I’ve never really thought about savings because I was always working toward debt or things to fix. So, it was always an afterthought. Though, I can see where if I had saved more earlier on, I wouldn’t have gotten in debt with a credit card, or loan. Now, I am breaking the cycle.
I also categorized my spending in my online banking app at the same time. I know that will make the biggest difference—looking at my money every day, accounting for it, and trying to stay within the lines. I also plan on being more intentional about saving and I cut my credit card, which was SO scary. I just kept reminding myself that debt is scary too.”
Reggie continues, “I’ve known for years I need to get better about money. I have notes in old Bible studies about it. I hate it but it’s true. Yet some of my beliefs made me feel like it was a sin to think about money, especially too much, so I never learned how to get better with it. As a result, I just maintained debt. I’d like to think I am “turning from that sin” now. And as we say in recovery from any other addiction or wound, we must first admit we’re powerless to change ourselves. My heart and mind are in alignment with God now. Hopefully, I am being cleansed and renewed into the steward He created me [us] to be.”
Reggie’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone navigating financial challenges. Through vulnerability and dedication, she embraced the opportunity for change and embarked on a path toward becoming a faithful steward. Her willingness to pursue a path of stewardship reflects a profound shift in mindset—one that aligns with God’s plan for her life and paves the way for a future marked by financial freedom and abundance.
“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.” (Psalm 139:11–12)
It’s awe-inspiring to witness the transformative power of God in the most unexpected places, like the Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview, Florida. Despite the darkness that often shrouds such environments, stories of God’s profound impact on individuals’ lives shine through. John Reaves, a valued partner, collaborates with the Emerald Coast Life Center (ECLC) and Joy Fellowship Ministries to run a recovery program within the jail.
Ella Mae Koliyah went through the Restoration Path Facilitator training with the desire to help others, but found she was in just as much need of restoration as those she hoped to serve. Listen to Ella Mae’s beautiful testimony of how Restoration Path helped her own journey of healing. To learn more about Restoration Path, click here.
Joel and Morgan shared that their most profound takeaway from Crown’s Budget Coaching© program was anchored in the reminder that God was the true owner, and they were mere stewards. With this perspective, they found new freedom and purpose in their financial decisions.
In a world where finances can strain even the strongest of bonds, Joel and Morgan found themselves at a crossroads. The weight of mismanaged budgets, overspending, and misunderstood conversations had cast a shadow on their relationship. As they stood on the threshold of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of Crown’s Budget Coaching program.
Morgan’s apprehension was palpable. The thought of exposing their financial struggles to a coach triggered feelings of shame and guilt. She was the primary caretaker of their budget, and her sense of responsibility made it hard not to blame herself. “I was nervous that our Crown coach would look at our budget and have terrible feedback for us,” Morgan shared. Yet, the courage to embrace change was stronger than her fear.
Enter Richard, their Crown coach, who would prove to be a beacon of encouragement and understanding. Morgan’s worries dissolved as Richard created a safe space for them to share their challenges openly. His gentle guidance paved the way for the couple to confront their financial reality head-on.
Joel had also grown weary of financial strife. Frustration had become the backdrop of their conversations. Seeking a solution, he enrolled in Crown’s program, hoping for a bridge to understanding. What he found was far more transformative than he could have imagined.
The program normalized open financial discussions, coaxing them out of their corners and into a partnership rooted in shared goals. Richard’s warmth and strategic insights breathed life into their attempts to communicate better. Though their journey was far from complete, Joel felt a renewed sense of unity with Morgan.
During the course, a fundamental truth from scripture echoed: “God owns everything.” For Morgan, this was a revelation that changed her perspective. It was a reminder that their finances were entrusted to them by a gracious God, who walked alongside them through the stress and worry. The weight lifted, replaced by a sense of divine partnership.
Joel’s experience mirrored Morgan’s realization. He found comfort in knowing that they were not alone in this journey. Wise counsel surrounded them, a reminder that God’s presence extended to every aspect of their lives, including their finances.
With newfound understanding and faith, they reshaped their budget. No longer guided by assumptions, they crafted a plan rooted in their actual financial situation. Their focus shifted towards saving and seeking creative avenues for generating income, guided by the principles shared in Crown’s resources.
However, their transformation wasn’t confined to spreadsheets and strategies. Even when faced with overspending, they had learned to adjust and to support each other in the process.
Yet, the most profound lesson was anchored in the reminder that God was the true owner of their resources, and they were mere stewards. With this perspective, they found new purpose in their financial decisions, asking themselves, “How well does my budget represent the owner of the money I’m spending?”
Joel and Morgan’s journey with Crown’s Budget Coaching program had bridged divides and illuminated a path toward a united financial future. Their story is a testament to the power of partnership, the impact of wise counsel, and the transformation that can unfold when God’s stewardship principles are woven into every aspect of people’s lives.
David Wills, President Emeritus at National Christian Foundation, shares his heartfelt insights into his relationship with Crown Founder, Larry Burkett. Larry Burkett embodied an abundance mentality, and in this pivotal moment, David reminds us that it’s the perfect time to be generous and lay up our treasures in heaven. The urgency to spread the gospel has never been more crucial. Don’t miss this inspiring message of wisdom and generosity.
In 2021 a beautiful partnership emerged between Crown and leaders of The Point Youth Center in Pennsylvania. A group of single moms, in desperate need of hope and God’s life-changing principles, became the pilot test group for Crown’s new Restoration Path© program.
During the program these moms overcame tremendous obstacles: many secured jobs, reliable transportation, better accommodations, and were even able to escape dependency on government programs.
But most of all, their hearts were transformed as they understood God’s great love for them, who they are in Christ, and how to live a life aligned with God’s purpose for them. Their newfound confidence and sense of God-given purpose provides the hope of a new reality not only for themselves but for generations to come.
Most people do not understand God’s design for their lives which can lead to many insecurities and questions, especially during pivotal seasons of life. We believe God created each person to fulfill a unique purpose through their work. And we understand the frustration and helplessness of a life spent in the wrong career. That’s why for over 40 years, we’ve made it our mission to help professionals and recent graduates chart a course for work they love. This is also why Montana Bible College decided to use Crown’s Career Direct assessment with their students. Several key leaders shared their experiences with us.
Christa Forsythe, Dean of Women at Montana Bible College reported:
A few years ago, we started to see that some of our MBC graduates indicated in their exit interviews they had no idea what they were going to do next. They really didn’t know how they were uniquely gifted or designed and were leaving without direction. This was concerning. Through those conversations, Dave Hockman connected with Career Direct. Through a partnership with Career Direct and a very generous grant we have been able to offer the Career Direct assessment and counseling to our students. It has been a gift! Just this semester I have had students in my office, who have been struggling with their current jobs. Being able to help them rethink through their Career Direct assessments has helped them understand their frustrations. I have been able to pull out their “money page” [a page from the Detailed Report, covered during the consultation] and help them think through how to interview for a job that would suit their giftedness and be able to communicate that well during their next interview. Recently, I was helping to interview a student for a student Ambassador job and when my boss asked her to describe her strengths. I could see she was stuck and so I leaned over and asked her if she had taken the assessment. She said she had, so I told her to think about her assessment and that “money page.” She immediately began to list off her strengths.
From the group that took the assessments this past spring, we’ve seen quite a few of them change their majors in response to what they learned on their assessment.
It is a gift that our students have this opportunity to see how they are uniquely designed and to pursue careers where they can work in their design. I really think that our students will be better prepared when they graduate because we’ve been able to counsel them with this partnership with Career Direct. I’m so very thankful.
We also received a note from the Dean of Students in regards to how the Career Direct assessment helped in choosing their Resident Assistant team:
We had the “good” problem of many qualified applicants for our student resident assistant open positions last year. The Career Direct Consultant on our staff offered to review the Career Direct summary survey information [from their assessments] with us in the Deans’ office to see if it could help us in any way. It was such a big help. With the quantifiable data disseminated through the survey results, some of the intangible “hunches” and general sense of the strengths of the candidates became concrete and clear. This led us to very confident choices and a well-rounded team of resident assistants with the maturity, skill set, and personality mix to serve our student population with excellence! We intend to employ this data tool each year moving forward.
Over 300,000 people have completed our personalized Career Direct Assessment. The assessment has been validated and tested as an extremely accurate tool designed for identifying someone’s unique Career Type. Additionally, our team of over 2,000 expert coaches has come alongside hundreds of professionals and students with insightful advice to help them find their perfect job fit.
If you feel you could benefit from the help of a Career Direct Consultant, or are interested in becoming a Consultant to help others, please click here.
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