Crushing Debt, Living Jubilee

What would it look like to take ancient scripture seriously in a modern financial system? Tom and Amber sit down with Pastor John Jackman of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC, to explore one of the most innovative financial ministries in the country. Inspired by the biblical practice of Jubilee, Trinity Moravian has raised small amounts of money to purchase millions of dollars of medical debt on the secondary market – and then forgive it outright. What began with $5,000 wiping out $1.1 million in debt has now grown into a movement that’s inspired over 100 churches and even influenced state-level conversations about medical debt relief. Pastor John shares how theology, community organizing, and practical economics came together in this work – and why symbolic rituals like debt-burning ceremonies matter. It’s a hopeful reminder that generosity, when paired with imagination, can ripple far beyond a single congregation. About Pastor John Jackman: Pastor John Jackman is the pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem – the church behind the Debt Jubilee Project, an innovative and impactful financial ministry that buys medical debt on the secondary market and abolishes it. Additional Resources: Undue Medical Debt, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt. For more episodes and info, visit Money, Meet Meaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices