The Faithful Steward

In our last podcast, we addressed the stewardship conversation with two segments of our congregations: those in financial crisis (Lane 1) and those who are making ends meet but not making real financial progress (Lane 2). We identified their needs for stability and clarity and discussed how we might disciple them toward those goals. The stewardship conversation with folks in Lane 3 looks very different than the other two conversations, and it can be a bit daunting. Often as pastors and leaders, we fall into one of two patterns around engaging our Lane 3 believers with the stewardship conversation: We avoid the conversation because we believe Lane 3 folks already know more about handling finances than we do; or We pursue the conversation with the goal of increasing giving to the church. Both of these approaches fall short of discipling our Lane 3 members and rob them of the opportunity to learn from God's Word and grow in their stewardship. Many of these folks may actually have the gift of giving but are not deploying that gift because they haven't been discipled in stewardship. So potential kingdom impact isn't realized and we leave our Lane 3 people without a vision for the joy that God may have in store for them. Podcast host James Lenhoff shows us the importance of these conversations with Lane 3 believers and guides us in casting vision for personal discipleship and kingdom impact. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel. This will be our last episode for a while. We are taking a break and don't know when we will return.

Leading the stewardship conversation in church can be difficult. It can come across as self-serving ("the church just wants me to give more"). Or we can miss the mark by focusing on one financial condition ("I'm not in debt, so this doesn't apply to me"). Biblical principles apply across all financial conditions. Principles of God's ownership, and values like generosity, gratitude, and contentment are relevant regardless of income and wealth. Big ideas - like being a faithful steward, a diligent earner, a prudent spender, a generous giver, a wise saver, and a cautious debtor - connect with our entire congregations. But these big ideas look very different in various financial situations. Our stewardship conversations must address the entire congregation, not just a segment in a certain financial state. Some believers are in financial crisis. Struggling to pay bills each month, they accumulate more and more debt over time. They need hope and a plan to get to a place of stability. They likely need to make some big decisions and changes for a period of time to stabilize their cash flow. Others are in a place of making ends meet month to month. They think they're doing OK because they're paying all the bills, but they're not making real progress. They're not growing their net worth with the resources God has provided. They're treating their money as their own, not as trustees of Another's assets. They need to get clear on stewardship principles and how to apply them in their situation. Podcast host James Lenhoff provides guidance on speaking to believers in these two different financial conditions. Emphasizing a grace-filled, practical approach based on Biblical wisdom, James shows us how to disciple these believers in the area of finances. Next episode will tackle the conversation with a third segment of the congregation - those who have more than enough. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Fear of missing out. Fear of rejection, of not fitting in. Fear of not having enough. These and other worries drive much of our behavior. Marketers and media know this. So they play on our fears to manipulate our decisions or pique our interest. And we find ourselves driven by the things that other people tell us we need to be afraid of. This can lead to bad stewardship decisions. We fear loss, so we invest too conservatively and miss out on opportunities to multiply rfdesources. We fear not having enough, so we overwork and oversave - at the expense of relationships with others and with God. Scripture tells us that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." There's a freedom that faith brings - freedom from fear and uncertainty. This is also the freedom that stewardship brings; if everything belongs to God and he is our provider, then we don't have to worry about the future. Podcast host James Lenhoff explores the contrast between faith and fear and outlines a 3-step process for dealing with our fears in a way that ultimately leads to joy. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

In our last episode, we talked about preparing for retirement. We highlighted the importance of planning beyond the finances and balancing pleasure with purpose. But what happens when we get there? Suddenly, the career is over and the demands of the job are gone - as is the paycheck! How do we handle this important time of transition? Three major areas of focus are finances, health, and lifestyle - and they're all connected. The key at the beginning is to understand our position and plan well enough to enter retirement with confidence. As we develop that understanding, we enable ourselves to pursue our retirement priorities without constant worry about money. Mental and emotional preparation is also important. The transition into retirement brings with it significant changes in lifestyle and often changes in our most important relationships, especially with our spouse if we're married. This is a time for open and honest communication, flexibility and intentionality, and lots of grace! There's a good chance that our retirement won't meet all of our idealized expectations; this calls for an ongoing attitude of contentment and thankfulness - two key characteristics of the Biblical steward. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us think through some important questions in all these areas and outlines an approach to retirement that helps us make the most of our "fourth quarter". To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Most of us who haven't reached retirement yet are looking forward to getting there. But how much have we thought about what retirement actually looks like? If all we're thinking about is what we're retiring from, we're not ready to maximize what we're retiring to. Many people find after some time that the "permanent Saturday" they were dreaming about doesn't bring fulfillment. It lacks purpose and meaning. The Teacher warns us about the meaninglessness of pursuing nothing but pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). At the same time, many of us are consumed with planning for retirement financially but not prayerfully considering how to prepare for it purposefully. As it turns out, the financial planning is actually the easier part. Planning for meaning and purpose is harder, especially if we've built our identity around our careers. Podcast host James Lenhoff leads us to think through balancing purpose and pleasure as we begin to plan for retirement. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Is the pursuit of financial freedom a good thing or a bad thing? It depends on your definition. The world's definition and the Biblical definition are very different. In the eyes of the world, financial freedom means being free to spend on whatever we want without worrying. This tends to take one of two forms: either spending recklessly (like the Prodigal Son) or accumulating obsessively to get to the point where we can take life easy (like the Rich Fool in Luke 12). The problem is that both of these definitions are actually slavery. In the first case, the one who thinks he is free is really only digging a deeper financial hole. In the second case, the one who focuses on the accumulation of wealth actually enslaves himself to money. Neither of these people is free to serve God. The Bible defines financial freedom differently. Christians see financial freedom in terms of stewardship - an attitude that everything comes from God and belongs to him. This is what enables believers to live without worry (Matthew 6:25-33). And it's what protects them from falling into the trap of pursuing wealth (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff shows us how to pursue true financial freedom. To learn more, check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Each quarter, we discuss the key financial rhythm of a quarterly stewardship check-in. This is where we look at where we are financially versus where we planned to be and identify areas where adjustments might need to be made. Quarterly check-ins are an important rhythm because they give us a longer view than monthly Spending Plan reviews and help us to understand trends. And the mid-year check-in is important because there's still time in the year to make the adjustments we need to make if we can identify them. Check out our mid-year podcast episode from last year for details. But often we find that quarter after quarter, year after year, we seem to encounter the same scenarios and never actually make progress in our stewardship goals. Perhaps we overspend on summer vacation and build up some credit card debt as a result. Maybe we allow our lifestyle to creep up year after year to meet increased income levels. Perhaps we find the same challenges with retiring debt or building up savings; maybe year after year we say we want to be more generous but we just don't get there. Identifying these patterns is an important exercise in growing in our stewardship. Once we've identified them, it's possible to figure out what it would take to get "unstuck". Podcast host James Lenhoff leads us to prayerfully think through these larger patterns and identify some potential trade-offs that might help us pursue faithful stewardship. To learn more, check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

This episode concludes our 3-part series on the Enneagram and Stewardship by looking at the "gut" grouping - the three Enneagram types motivated by anger. These three types include: The Challenger or Activist (type 8), who focuses anger outward.  These are the big personalities, who tend to take over a conversation and dominate a room. They're not constantly expressing anger, but when they do, it's loud and domineering. The Peacemaker (type 9), who tends to mask anger by focusing on harmony. These are the people who readily see others' points of view but struggle to express their own ideas. They would rather live with situations that frustrate them than risk conflict in dealing with them. The Reformer or Perfectionist (type 1), who turns anger inward. Reformers tend toward judgmentalism, and often they are most judgmental of themselves. They want things to be exactly right and will tend to control decision-making. From a stewardship perspective, each of these types struggles with collaboration. The 8s and the 1s will both tend to try to dominate decision-making, while the 9s withdraw and keep their thoughts and ideas to themselves. In a marriage, this can make for one-sided decision making and can lead to blind spots. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us understand this triad of Enneagram types, highlighting the stewardship implications and showing us what it looks like to move toward health for each type. For more information on the Enneagram, see enneagraminstitute.com. To learn more, check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Last time, we began our 3-part series on the Enneagram and Stewardship by looking at the "heart" grouping - the three Enneagram types motivated by shame. This episode, we're looking at the "head" grouping - the three types that are motivated primarily by fear: The Investigator (type 5) deals with fear by focusing inward, withdrawing from people. This person tends to come across as an introvert, preferring to process emotions internally rather than externally. The Loyalist (type 6) deals with fear through planning and control. This person cares deeply about relationships, but more from an aspect of protecting and providing for them than enjoying them. The Enthusiast (type 7) deals with fear externally. Shunning introspection, this person is often the extravert, enjoying people and new experiences and chasing after the next shiny object. From a stewardship perspective, each of these types grapples with the idea of ownership vs. stewardship. The fear motivator leads people to seek security. Each of these types does that in a different way, but all can move toward health by recognizing that God is in control and that we are stewards of his possessions. He is the one taking care of us, and as we rest in him, he replaces fear with peace and enables each of these types to move toward health in their own way. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us understand this triad of Enneagram types, emphasizing the stewardship implications and showing us what it looks like to move toward health for each type. (If you're wondering, James is a 7!) For more information on the Enneagram, see enneagraminstitute.com. To learn more, check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

This episode begins a 3-part series on the Enneagram, a popular personality profile tool. The Enneagram identifies nine different personality types in three groupings and we'll tackle one grouping each episode. What's different about the Enneagram from most other personality tests is that it acknowledges that within each personality type, there are healthy and unhealthy traits. People of any personality type are on a spectrum from unhealthy to healthy, and the explanations identify ways to move more toward the healthy end of the spectrum for each type. We'll look at what these personality types tend to mean for stewardship, and how to move toward healthier stewardship within each personality type. This week's grouping is characterized by responses to shame and focuses on the heart. We all have a certain amount of shame and we respond to it in different ways; but for people in this grouping, the response to shame is a driver in their lives. We'll look at the three "shame-driven" personality types: The Helper (type 2), who deals with shame through external relationships; The Achiever (type 3), who deals with shame by masking it with success; The Individualist (type 4), who deals with shame by insisting on uniqueness. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us understand this triad of Enneagram types, emphasizing the stewardship implications and showing us what it looks like to move toward health for each type. For more information on the Enneagram, see enneagraminstitute.com. To learn more, check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Midlife crisis. We've heard about it, seen it caricatured on TV. If we haven't experienced it yet, it's likely we will. So how do we understand it and how do we approach it with wisdom in terms of stewardship? The biggest symptom of the midlife crisis is a major life change that doesn't seem consistent with how life has been lived up to that point. The conservative, successful career man buys the red sports car; or he leaves his wife; or he changes careers. The super mom who has devoted her life to her family suddenly leaves. The one who has lived a fairly ostentatious lifestyle suddenly dials it back. The pressures of this stage of life are many. Often, we're in our peak earning years, which usually means more time on the job and less time for family. At the same time, we're balancing the financial needs of kids going to college and possibly aging parents, along with considering our own retirement. It's easy to feel trapped. Add on top of that regrets over past decisions and fears about the future, and the midlife time becomes a pressure cooker ready to explode. Podcast host James Lenhoff brings wisdom from years of advising individuals, couples, and families in the midlife years to the conversation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding where our pressures are coming from and having a solid grasp on family priorities during this pivotal time. This provides the context for wise financial decision in the midlife years. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

The stewardship conversation in a church congregation is difficult. People are in different situations and that means different conversations are needed. For people in Lane 3 - those that are doing well financially and building net worth - it can be difficult to even engage them in the conversation. They may feel like they don't need stewardship teaching because they're doing well. If stewardship were only about making money and building net worth, they'd be right. But it's about much more than that. When we understand that God owns everything and has entrusted into our care resources to use for his purposes, the importance of the conversation becomes clear. Lane 3 folks face their own unique challenges and opportunities. Often, living in Lane 3 means making some sacrifices - sacrifices of family time for career advancement, sacrifices of all pleasures for the sake of accumulation. An unbalanced lifestyle like that can lead folks to wrap their identities up in possessions, career, etc. Another reason it's difficult to talk to Lane 3 folks is that they assume we're talking to them because we want them to give to a certain campaign or increase their overall giving to the church. We make it about our vision for the impact they could have rather than the vision that God is giving them for that impact. Podcast host James Lenhoff guides church leaders with some important tips about the stewardship conversation in Lane 3. And if you're a Lane 3 person, this podcast will give you some things to think about! To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

We can only spend a dollar one time. But there are so many things we want to do with it! In our culture, we're not used to "either/or" - we want "both/and". And to get that, we make all kinds of unwise financial decisions. When we realize that we have to make some adjustments, we tend to start with the assumption that our bills are all non-negotiables. But are they really? Some of our bills - even the fixed expenses - are actually discretionary; we can choose whether we want to continue them. And some of our variable expenses - like groceries and clothes - are not discretionary; we have to have them, though we might have opportunities for savings or even for postponement of some expenses in order to straighten out our cash flow. Sometimes, making a spending plan work is a simple matter of a few minor adjustments. But some of us find ourselves in a position where small tweaks aren't going to get us where we need to be. Instead, we need major life changes - like a different job or a less expensive house or car. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us work through what kinds of changes we need to make in order to make life work financially. "Either/or" doesn't have to mean that we forgo all enjoyment. It means we make choices according to what we value most. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

People are in different situations financially. That's why one-size-fits all conversations or teachings about finance so often miss the mark. If you're struggling under a load of consumer debt, encouragement to save for retirement isn't going to mean much. On the other hand, if you're debt-free, then cajoling about getting out of debt won't apply. As we consider the path toward financial freedom, we need to start with understanding where we are. And as we lead those who are on that path, we need to begin with an understanding of their current situation. These different situations can be summed up broadly into three "lanes". People in the first lane are in trouble and they know it - they're having trouble making ends meet and are struggling under a load of debt. They need to get to a place of stability, but minor tweaks in spending may not get them there. Often, they'll need to make some significant life changes to get where they need to be financially. People in the second lane are often also in trouble but they don't know it. They're getting their bills paid, making required payments on their credit cards, and are in a generally stable place. But not a growing place. They're not making progress toward financial freedom because they're not prioritizing building net worth. Often, their understanding of their financial picture is limited to monthly cash flow, so they're not prepared for the unexpected and they're certainly not prepared for the later years. Podcast host James Lenhoff addresses people in both of these lanes - not with guilt or shaming, but with grace and hope. In this episode of The Faithful Steward, James helps set tone and direction for people who need stability and clarity in their financial picture. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

As spring arrives, nature shakes off the slumber of winter. And it's a good time for us to shake off any unproductive habits we may have built up in our stewardship. Spring is a great time for a deeper dive into our stewardship habits, goals, and progress. Enough time has elapsed since the beginning of the year that we have data to help us understand whether we're on track with the goals we set for the year. And enough time remains to make any course corrections we might need to make. This is a time to ask some key questions, like: If we put holiday spending on credit cards, have we made the progress that we wanted to in paying that off? If we created some saving goals, are we on track to meet those goals? (If we're not a quarter of the way there, we need to update either our practices or our goals.) And it's a great time to review and update our plans: If we get a tax refund, what will we do with that? If we've planned summer vacations, are we on track to have savings to pay for them? Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us think through these and other key questions as part of a first-quarter review of our stewardship. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Money is hard. Most of us would accept that as an axiom. There's never enough; we worry if we're handling it well; we have to make difficult spending decisions and income decisions. Balancing a checkbook and balancing a spending plan - both seem beyond us. It's true that money is hard - but not for the reasons we typically think. The math isn't that difficult - and even if it were, we have calculators and software programs to do the math for us. The concepts aren't esoteric. So why is money hard? It turns out that money is hard because of what's behind it - our motivations, our insecurities, our envy and discontentment. It's hard because we're looking to money to do what only God can do - provide joy, security, and peace. Maybe this is one of the reasons that Jesus told us we have to choose between serving God and serving money (Matthew 6:24). Podcast host James Lenhoff takes us through some of the reasons why we really have trouble with money and shows us the road forward to put money in its place and God in his rightful place. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Contact James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Buyer's remorse. We've all experienced it. We bought that thing but it didn't meet our expectations. And we may even still be paying for it. We don't remember why we bought it, but we wish we hadn't. Buyer's remorse results from unintentional spending. And we may not like the feeling of buyer's remorse, but it can be a valuable tool if we'll allow ourselves to learn from it. The key is not wallowing in guilt over spending decisions we regret, but being curious enough to ask ourselves good questions to understand the triggers for unintentional spending and avoid those triggers in the future. Analyzing the reasons we spend - both internal and external - can help us avoid buyer's remorse in the future. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us think through some key questions we can ask ourselves to make our spending more intentional. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Faithful stewards know where their money goes. They can account for their spending, and they understand how they are utilizing God's resources. But, of course, that doesn't happen by itself. The question is, how do we actually track our spending? While a manual system, such as a spreadsheet, is a good starting point for anyone who hasn't been tracking their finances, it's not ideal over the long run. Manual systems take a while to set up and don't offer guidance for categorization. They don't provide any reporting (unless you create it yourself) and they can be hard to adjust over time (adding categories, etc.). And, perhaps most concerning, they require all transactions to be entered and tracked manually. So, many people use an automated system - software, a website, or an app that helps with the repetitive tasks, automates transaction entry, and provides some tracking and reporting capabilities. But there are a lot of these systems out there - how do we choose? Here are a few key considerations: Is the system easy enough to use that I will use it consistently over a long time? Does the system allow me to track my spending in ways that make sense to me? Can the system help me beyond basic budgeting, such as tracking investments and net worth? Does the system enable automatic transaction downloads and categorization? Podcast host James Lenhoff reviews several popular financial systems in light of these and other questions to help you decide which system is right for you. For further information about different personal financial systems, see the PC Magazine article referred to in the podcast. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.  

"Buy now - pay later!" Yep. But how many ways do we pay when we're caught in the trap of accumulation? Besides the initial price of the item we buy, there's the cost of interest if we put it on credit. There's the price of space to store the item. There's the price of time and energy to take care of the item. And there's the mental price of clutter created by our overaccumulation. Buying stuff isn't wrong. Even buying stuff for our own enjoyment isn't wrong. But often, as we continue to accumulate things, our actual happiness decreases. Jesus combines the "worries of this life" and the "deceitfulness of wealth" as the characteristics of the thorny soil in the Parable of the Sower. Often, marketing deceives us into thinking that more things or newer things will make us happier. But in reality, accumulation can become a significant obstacle to walking with God. Accumulation leads us to think of ourselves as owners rather than as stewards of Someone else's resources. And this leads to worry and discontentment rather than to peace and happiness. Escaping the trap of accumulation is not about getting rid of all our possessions! Rather, it's about thoughtful spending and intentional simplicity. Podcast host James Lenhoff highlights tactics and thought processes to help us spend and accumulate without falling into the accumulation trap. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

If 2025 were to look financially like 2024, would you be OK with that? If your earning,  giving, saving, spending, and debt trended the same in the new year as in last year, would you be in a better position than you are now? If you're hoping to make more progress toward financial freedom in 2025, what would need to change from 2024 to make that happen? Obviously, the starting point for answering these questions is an accurate picture of 2024. If you haven't listened to our last podcast, which guides you through a review of last year, that would be a great starting point. If you have spending records for the year and have evaluated those against your spending plan, even better. This is a time when people make a lot of new year's resolutions about their finances - and most of them fail. They fail because of unrealistic expectations not grounded in reality, for want of a plan to accomplish them, and for lack of the stewardship disciplines to support them. How can we set meaningful, achievable goals for 2025 and establish the habits we need to accomplish them? Podcast host James Lenhoff follows up on our last podcast with tips for establishing and accomplishing meaningful financial goals for 2025 - whether as an individual or as a family. To learn more, check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

The holiday season is a busy time of year. Often, there's not much time left over to slow down and reflect on the year we've just completed. But that reflection is important - in stewardship and in life in general. If we're honest, a season of reflection can help us see where we've accomplished key goals and where we may have missed the mark. It can point out opportunities for new goals in the coming year and maybe highlight some needed course corrections. If we set some goals at the beginning of the year, and if we've tracked our stewardship during the year, then we have a good basis for knowing how we did - and why. But even if we haven't been that intentional, we still have a chance to think about where we would have hoped to be at the end of the year and where we actually are. If 2025 were to look like 2024, would we be OK with that? Or do we hope for more? Reflecting on the past year gives us the best chance to set and track meaningful goals for next year. Join us as host James Lenhoff leads us to think through 2024. Identify some opportunities for gratitude for God's provision, and some areas for prayer in the coming year. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

We've said previously that most of the money problems in marriage aren't really problems over money. They're underlying issues that surface as arguments over finances but really go much deeper. In this episode, we'll look at three foundational causes of disagreements over money. The first of these is a lack of shared vision and agreement over how we approach money. Often, this stems from differing family backgrounds surrounding money and how decisions were made in our family of origin. The second is even deeper - it's a misalignment of priorities. One common reason for this misalignment is that one spouse is a believer and the other is not. Or different understandings of stewardship and ownership relative to money. When spouses are operating under opposing assumptions and priorities, it's hard to agree on numbers. The third cause is mistrust or betrayal of trust, possibly because of things that have been hidden in the past or because of relational dynamics that cause one spouse to avoid discussions over financial decisions. Uncovering these underlying issues is hard work and can take time - but the process can lead to a stronger marriage and to greater faithfulness in stewardship. Join us as host James Lenhoff discusses these issues and offers paths that lead to solutions. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

The holidays are upon us again. And along with the holidays come expectations - our own, and those of others. Those expectations are often built up over years of developing and following traditions - some of which serve us well, and some probably not so much. One reason that the holiday season is so exhausting is that we feel like we're along for the ride. We're driven by traditions and expectations that in some cases we wouldn't choose if we were given the choice. But here's the thing: We are given the choice. If we approach the holidays with intentionality, with a stewardship mindset, we can make the most of the opportunities that come our way. Perhaps we choose to maintain a tradition that's important for family relationships. We need to recast our thinking from "I have to…because…" to "I'm choosing to, because I value this relationship". To steward the holidays well, we need to be intentional about the choices we make. We may need to be willing to disappoint some people in order to fully engage with others. Host James Lenhoff helps us think through some key areas that will benefit from our intentionality and stewardship: Our time and energy Our relationships Our finances and generosity To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Stewarding our finances is a foundational part of discipleship. But so is stewarding our time. Each week, each day, each hour is a gift from God. And he gives us this time for his own glory and for our benefit. But just like marketers  attempt to control how we steward our money, there are those who demand our time. Children's sports or other activities; work, where we're expected to be constantly available; social media clamoring for our attention - these and other influences can drive how we spend our time just like marketers try to drive how we spend our money. The Psalmist wrote, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) Wisdom requires that we steward our time well. But what does that look like? While the details may vary from person to person (and even for one person, may vary over time with circumstances), some key principles can serve us well. Principles like remembering the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11); setting aside time for God daily (Psalm 5:3); intentionally choosing our times to engage and times to disengage (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Time is like money in that it all belongs to God and He gives it to steward well. Podcast host James Lenhoff explores stewardship of time with principles and examples to help us make the most of the time God gives us. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Generosity. For some of us, the term conjures up images of offering plates and pledge envelopes. Of capital campaigns and fund drives. And this is indeed part of generosity, as evidenced in the Biblical capital campaigns for the building of the tabernacle and later of Solomon's temple and its replacement. But is this really the extent of what generosity means? Or is it something more? Not all giving is generous giving. Paul talks about giving cheerfully rather than reluctantly or under compulsion. The Pharisees tithed but their hearts were not generous, as evidenced by their lack of concern for mercy and justice - the more important matters of the law. True generosity costs something. It's not giving out of excess or offering the leftovers at the end of the month. True generosity is a priority in our finances and in our lives. It's giving of the firstfruits. True generosity requires some "instead of" thinking. But generosity also has significant benefits. It draws us closer to God and breaks the hold that money has on us. It results in praise to God and blessing to others. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff discusses the costs - and benefits - of generosity, and encourages church leaders to equip their congregations with Biblical teaching on the subject. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.

Fall brings change. Change from a more laid-back, less regimented season to one of more routine. Vacations are over, the kids are back in school, and rhythms of life are being re-established. This is a great time for a financial check-in. Summer expenses like vacations have impacted our spending plan. Maybe a physical move has led to a different financial picture. Looking ahead, back-to-school expenses like clothes and children's activities may pose some additional challenges for our spending plan. Podcast host James Lenhoff leads us through a three-step process for a fall financial check-in: Review the summer and compare it financially to the spending plan. Project expenses for the fall. Make adjustments now! This is a particularly crucial check-in because we all know what's coming - the holiday season. Gifts, travel, events, and other potential expenses. Reviewing our financial status now helps us plan well for the remainder of the year and avoid those last-minute crunches! To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.

In our last episode, we saw the importance of having those congregation-level conversations about money. Of teaching Biblical principles and helping our people understand the concepts of God's ownership and our stewardship. And of separating that conversation from the one we usually have about funding church programs. We need to teach our congregations the "why" and the "what" of stewardship. But when it comes to the "how", a different kind of conversation is required. Because the "how" varies according to a person's individual circumstances - it's not a one-size-fits-all conversation. The person who has no income, for example, gains nothing from a sermon about tithing. The conversation about the "how" of stewardship, especially for those who are struggling financially, happens best in the context of a one-on-one coaching relationship. A relationship between a couple or an individual and a trained financial coach. These conversations can be intense. They're much more personal than a sermon to the congregation. And that's the strength of these discussions - they can be applied to an individual situation. A well-rounded stewardship ministry includes both - the congregation-level conversations through pulpit teaching, and the one-on-one conversations through financial coaching. Join host James Lenhoff as he walks through the coaching relationship, highlighting best practices and potential pitfalls. If you'd like help training financial coaches for your church, check out our Coaches Training curriculum. And see the blog articles below for more information about financial coaching. Equipping Financial Coaches for Your Stewardship Ministry Training Good Sense Coaches Identifying Coaching Clients To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.

If you're a stewardship leader or a teaching pastor, you know that talking about money to the congregation is hard. It's not comfortable - for you or for the congregation. People get defensive when they feel that you're prescribing rules that don't make sense to them in their situation. Part of the problem is that over time, we've conflated the concept of stewardship with giving. Stewardship is about managing resources in a God-honoring way, recognizing that He is the owner. But when we run "stewardship campaigns", we're not teaching people about how to manage money in a God-honoring way. Instead, we're focused on raising money for the church. So people come to equate stewardship with giving to the church. Good stewardship means giving more; poor stewardship means not giving enough. Another part of the problem is that people in our congregations are in all different kinds of financial situations. So inevitably, when we prescribe rules, people respond with "You don't understand my situation." When we dive into the details of giving and tithing and treat these as one-size-fits-all topics, we miss out on opportunities to truly disciple our congregations in real stewardship. Join us as host James Lenhoff encourages and equips pastors and stewardship leaders to teach the "why" and "what" of stewardship. Learn how important stewardship teaching is in the context of overall discipleship and how to approach the topic Biblically with confidence. And come back for our next podcast episode, in which we'll take a look at the one-on-one conversations needed to teach the "how". To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.

August 21, 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of The Faithful Steward. In this year, we've worked to bring topics to help individuals grow in their understanding and practice of stewardship and to help church leaders disciple their congregations in this important area. In this episode, we look at some of the highlights of the year past and anticipate some exciting topics for the year ahead. The year began with a foundational 6-part series on what it means to be a faithful steward. These podcasts are still among our most popular, covering topics such as the Diligent Earner, Prudent Spender, Generous Giver, Wise Saver, and Cautious Debtor. We tied these together into a holistic picture of stewardship and financial freedom. Our 3-part series on Marriage and Money helped couples understand the importance of being one in finances and navigate some of the complexities of bringing together disparate family backgrounds and money motivations. A key learning in this series was that most fights over money aren't really about the numbers - they're about the priorities and motivations behind those numbers. Crafting a set of agreed-on priorities for life and finances is key to couples getting - and staying - on the same page financially. A 5-part series on kids and money highlighted the importance of discipling our children in this area and also touched on some key milestones as they grow older. Financial rhythms was another key recurring topic, as we offered quarterly podcasts on seasonal financial reviews, a 2-part series on looking back over the past year and forward to the year to come, and our most recent episode on four key financial rhythms. Throughout the year, we've highlighted key topics for stewardship leaders, such as the significance of differentiating stewardship from giving and stewardship ministry from benevolence ministry. We emphasized the importance of training the entire congregation in stewardship and provided help for establishing a stewardship coaching ministry. Join host James Lenhoff as he reviews Year 1 of The Faithful Steward and previews some of our inspiring topics for Year 2. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.

We've all had the experience of setting big goals at the beginning of the year and then getting to the end of the year and being disappointed at having fallen short. Maybe the goal was to lose weight. Maybe it was to get out of debt. Or maybe some other really good - but really big - goal. Goals are great for helping us envision the lives we want to have. Without them, we drift. But even with clearly defined goals, it's still possible to drift. Have you ever set a goal like, "I want to pay off X credit card by such-and-such a date"? Maybe the date comes and the card still has a balance. Why? As it turns out, goals are only part of the equation for success. Another key element is habits or rhythms we put in place to help us make progress toward those goals. Setting a goal of losing weight probably won't help without also establishing a rhythm of regular workouts. It's the same with finances. Podcast host James Lenhoff leads us through four key rhythms that will help ensure that we're on track for meeting our goals - or that will help identify when some of those goals may need adjusting. Join us, and establish the practices that will direct your journey to financial freedom and Christian stewardship. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected] You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.  

We've probably all been there. Life just isn't working. Our jobs aren't bringing the satisfaction we thought they'd bring. We're not as happy in that big house as we thought we would be (and the expenses are breaking us). Sometimes, we need to make a change - but change isn't always easy. Change can be hard for any number of reasons: Fear of the unknown: We're not happy, but we're safe where we are. Sunk costs: We've invested too much in our career, or house (or whatever) and don't feel like we have the freedom to change. Expectations of others: We're concerned about what others will think if we make that career change or sell that house. And so we stay "stuck". We tell ourselves that we don't have a choice, but in reality we do have choices. There are alternative paths, each with its own consequences - but there's always a choice. Of course, not all choices will lead us where we were hoping to go - and so again, we stay stuck. When it comes to stewardship, the major financial decisions we make - career, house, etc. - are more than just financial. They're impactful, not just for us but for our families and others. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff helps us think clearly about choices and having the courage to change. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

We've all had those days at work when we're not at our best. Maybe we're tired, or facing problems at home. Maybe we're even a little burned out. But for some, especially during and since the pandemic, these days have become the norm. The pandemic gave rise to the term "Quiet Quitting", where people show up at their job but don't really add much value. They do just enough to avoid getting fired, but their minds and hearts are far away from work. As believers, we're called to work diligently and bring honor to God with our work. While the world thinks of work as trading time for money, the believer understands that work should be trading value for money. God designed work before the Fall. And the Fall has had some consequences - work is no longer always fruitful or rewarding. Sometimes it's just toil. But God still calls us to honor him in our work. Podcast host James Lenhoff explores the rationale behind quiet quitting and shows how the believer is called to a higher standard of work. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Do you ever feel guilty when you think of financial success? When you plan for how much you need to save for the future, rather than immediately giving it all away? When you look to take that next step in your career into more responsibility, more authority, and more income? As believers, we can fall into one of two traps when it comes to thinking about money. We can treat it as though it's inherently evil, something to be avoided as much as possible. Or we can assume that it's our birthright as "kids of the King". And God does call some people to lives of poverty, while blessing others with great riches. But God puts most of us somewhere between these two extremes. Scripture exhorts us to diligent earning, generous giving, wise saving, prudent spending, and treating debt with caution. And much of that can look like the same wisdom that some in the world have. The difference is not in the process or in the numbers themselves, but in the purpose. While the world accumulates and spends wealth for its own pleasure and purposes, believers manage their resources as stewards of God's provision. Podcast host James Lenhoff shares three critical components of financial success that help keep us on track with God-honoring purpose: Boundaries, Balance, and Accountability. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Can money buy happiness? We all know how we're supposed to answer that question. "No, of course not. Money can't buy happiness." And yet we've all experienced those moments of joy and happiness from something we've wanted for a long time and finally bought, or that family experience that we paid for and that created lasting memories. And many of us have encountered the difference between the anxiety of not having enough and the contentment of knowing that our income covers our expenses. Proverbs shows us the wisdom of balance: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Proverbs 30:8-9) Scripture warns us of the deceitfulness of wealth and gives us plenty of examples of those who have been drawn away from God by the allure of money and what it can buy. But it also gives us examples of wealth used for God's honor and lives lived in fullness and contentment as a result. How do we avoid the former and achieve the latter? Join us as host James Lenhoff discusses the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on what money can - and can't - do. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Most of us equate being rich with a high income. If we're earning well into the six figures, we're rich. But cash flow is not the measure of wealth. Wealth is measured in net worth - the difference between what we own and what we owe. And for many high earners, that difference can actually lead to a negative net worth. A HENRY is a High Earner who's Not Rich Yet. A HENRY has the potential of being wealthy due to a high income. But that won't happen automatically.  Realizing that potential takes vision, discipline, and a sense of priorities. The doctor fresh out of medical school, with tens of thousands of dollars (or more!) in school loans, is a good example of a HENRY. And there's danger here. A HENRY often feels rich and acts rich - spending to chase a lifestyle that might suit their income, but that doesn't reflect their actual net worth. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff speaks to the dangers facing HENRYs and outlines some key choices to help HENRYs build a lifestyle of stewardship. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Summer. Long days, vacations, warm weather, slower pace. Opportunities to relax, spend time with family, take a break from hectic seasons. And a great chance to check in on our stewardship. If we've been tracking our spending against a plan, then this is the perfect time for a checkpoint. Are we over-spending in some areas? Under-spending in others? Have we saved what we said we would save and are we making the progress we need to on debt retirement? Is our generosity where we planned for it to be? With half the year behind us, we have enough information to know whether we're on track or need to make some adjustments. And we have enough time left in the year to make those adjustments. Did we save enough for our summer vacation? If not, will we adjust the vacation, or will we adjust spending in the second half of the year to account for the shortfall? This is a great time to have those family conversations and decide priorities. If we're under-saved for vacation, do we want to reduce our Christmas spending so that we have the money for summer? Having the conversation now helps get everyone on the same page and can prevent emotional meltdowns later. Asking the right questions can help us identify the places where we need to make adjustments. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff leads us through some key questions to ask for our summer stewardship checkpoint. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Inheritance. For many of us, this represents the largest single sum of money that will come our way. And as a result, it represents the largest opportunity for faithful stewardship - or for wasteful mismanagement. Whether earned or received as a gift, all the resources in our possession ultimately belong to God. So God calls us to manage those resources for His glory, as well as for our ultimate benefit. But with inheritance, many things get in the way. The emotion of a relationship lost, the memories (positive and not-so-positive) that the loss brings up. Maybe it's guilt over receiving something we didn't deserve. Or maybe it's resentment that we didn't receive what we thought we would. Family dynamics often complicate the situation even further. Podcast host James Lenhoff shows us the importance of understanding and processing the emotions that come with inheritance, taking a step back and refraining from hasty decisions, and maintaining a heart of gratitude. Balancing stewardship principles, a desire to honor the deceased, and our God-given personal and family priorities takes prayer and wisdom.   To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Statistics show that the situation of adult children living with their parents is on the rise. This was true before Covid, was heightened further during the pandemic, and continues to be the trend. There are lots of reasons for this - economic, social, and others. But the question is, as parents, how do we handle this situation? Parents who are dealing with their own aging parents can find themselves caught in a squeeze between two generations depending on them. This can create financial, marital, and family problems - and it often does. How do we respond when our empty nest becomes a revolving door? The first key is communication. Communication on both sides - parents and kids - about how the family feels about a child moving back in. How do the parents feel? How does the kid feel? Acknowledging those emotions is the first step toward building understanding and teamwork to help the child re-launch successfully. Another key communication component is expectations. When the adult child is now a guest in the parents' house, the expectations should be different than when the child was young. Financial, relational, and household expectations need to be outlined clearly. One aspect of this is understanding and agreeing on what circumstances are needed in order for the child to re-launch, and determining a plan for getting there. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff helps navigate these tricky waters with sound advice for both the relational and financial implications of adult children moving back in with their parents. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Education loans are the largest financial obstacle facing many recent graduates today. School debt begins to come due at a time when most people will make the least money in their careers, impacting their ability to start a family or make other key decisions. Most graduates got here because of assumptions that were made as they thought about what they would do after graduating high school. Perhaps their parents pressured them into a college or career choice. Maybe they got swept up in the emotion of visiting a beautiful campus or in the reputation of a specific school. Decisions around college don't affect only the students. Many parents, feeling pressure to provide a college education for their children, sacrifice their own futures in the process - eventually becoming dependent on their children because they didn't properly prepare for retirement. How can we inject wisdom into the decision-making process regarding college? Podcast host James Lenhoff highlights the importance of starting these conversations early, eliminating unspoken assumptions, evaluating options, and counting the cost. With open, honest communication and prayerful planning, we can help our kids discern a path to a meaningful career without the burden of overwhelming debt. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

We've seen some of the keys to teaching our kids about money: Letting them see our mistakes Giving them experience with money of their own Communicating and modeling stewardship principles When our children hit major milestones - like college, moving out, and marriage - the effort we've taken to disciple them in stewardship really begins to pay off. But how do we approach these milestones? How can we continue to create in our children an increasing sense of confidence and independence while helping them to make wise decisions at these critical junctures? At these milestones, our children will begin making some very consequential financial decisions: taking out educational loans (and the question of how to approach college); living on their own and paying their own bills; integrating their life with a special someone who may not have had the same financial training and background. Decisions made in this stage will impact the remainder of their lives. These watershed moments can be times of huge relational and financial stress; or they can be times of real relational growth, as we begin to relate to our children as adults (or they can be a bit of both!). One key to success is clear communication about expectations. What do they expect - and what do we expect - when it comes to paying for college? When it comes to their transitioning out of our home? When it comes to supporting their wedding and early marriage years? In this final installment of our 3-part series on teaching kids about money, host James Lenhoff discusses these landmark events and decisions and provides tips on navigating meaningful conversations with our children. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

What does it look like to actually teach our kids about money? The biggest key is giving them responsibility for managing their own money - and starting early. When parents tell their kids, "We're not buying that - it's a useless toy that will break as soon as you get it home," kids only learn that their parents make all the decisions. But when kids make those decisions with their own money (an allowance), they experience first-hand the disappointment of having wasted that money - and that's a lesson that lasts. And it's important for kids to learn these lessons by making five-dollar mistakes, rather than making $5,000 mistakes as they get older. It's like learning to walk. Kids learn to walk by falling - not by parents lecturing them on the theories of walking. And when a toddler falls, it's a fall of six inches - so it doesn't matter much. But if we keep our children in wheelchairs until they're teenagers and then give them an opportunity to walk for the first time, a fall will hurt much more. The same is true with finances. In this episode of The Faithful Steward, James Lenhoff shows us the importance of enabling our kids to learn financial responsibility and stewardship through their own experiences. James shares practical examples of how to give our children increasing levels of freedom and responsibility in this important area. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Sometimes, the most important things to teach our kids are also the hardest. This is often true when it comes to teaching our kids about money. Maybe we've made some mistakes and don't feel qualified to lead our kids financially. Maybe our parents didn't teach us about money, so we're not sure how to go about it. Or maybe we just think "it's none of their business how we manage our money." The thing is, our kids are learning about money. They're learning from marketers, from their friends, from culture in general. And none of these sources are teaching stewardship principles. Instead, they're promoting materialism, greed, and a sense of entitlement. If we want our children to become faithful stewards of God's resources, it's up to us to model and teach that. Jesus teaches us that we have to choose between serving God and serving money. That sounds simple, but it's not always easy. And if it's not easy for us, it won't be easy for our kids. In this first installment of our three-part series on teaching kids about money, host James Lenhoff shows us the importance of teaching and modeling stewardship principles, exposing them to those who have less, and sharing our own mistakes (even as we make them!) as key elements of discipling our kids in this critical area. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Overspending. We've all done it. We've spent money we didn't have on things we didn't need but that made us feel better in the moment. Or we've lacked intentionality in our finances and ended up spending more than we make just because we weren't paying attention. But is it possible to go too far the other way? To "underspend"? In a word, Yes! It is possible to underspend. Underspending may not cause the immediately obvious problems that overspending does, but it can have several negative impacts. Underspending can lead to lack of faith, as we rely on money rather than God for our provision and security. It can lead to lack of generosity, as in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) The restrictive environment of underspending can cause us to "binge spend" wastefully - much like yo-yo dieting. Underspending often leads to lack of joy, which impacts both our relationship with God and the way we reflect on God to others. Podcast host James Lenhoff outlines the dangers of underspending and argues for a balanced, intentional approach that emphasizes stewardship over ownership, generosity over hoarding, and a sense of abundance over a sense of scarcity. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

It happens. The unexpected medical expense. The sudden car breakdown. That appliance finally wearing out. These kinds of unpleasant surprises happen to all of us. And, if we're honest, we often look back on how we responded and think, "If only…"  Why do we tend to make bad decisions in the midst of financial crisis? These sorts of crises involve more than just our bank accounts and credit cards. They involve our emotions. And so we tend to respond emotionally rather than rationally when crisis hits. Unfortunately, those decisions often lead us into further financial trouble. Podcast host James Lenhoff explains that our brains are wired in such a way that our emotional reactions occur much more quickly than our rational thought. This leads us to respond to crisis in ways that address the emotion but may worsen our financial situation. Join us for a discussion on how to rein in those emotions long enough to enable our rational thought processes to take over. If you're a church leader who interacts with people in crisis, you'll learn some important principles for helping without hurting! To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Last week in episode 31, we admitted that financially, we often do things we don't really want to, and neglect things we want to do. But that isn't the end of the problem. We keep acting this way, bringing the patterns of our past into the future. How can we break free? First, we need to recognize that the past doesn't determine the future. As Michael Hyatt says, there's a big difference between "I didn't" and "I can't". One is a statement of fact; the other is a limiting belief. Why do we hold these limiting beliefs? One reason is that we don't analyze the actual decisions we made. We simply wallow in the guilt over them, without understanding what led to those decisions. As a result, we don't equip ourselves to make different decisions in the future. Another reason is that often these decisions are made without intentionality. They're made based on emotion, and those emotions are based on thoughts that we can't even remember now. So we fall into the same traps over and over again. How do we break that cycle? The key is stewardship fundamentals, the "blocking and tackling" of managing well the resources that God has put in our possession. It's tracking our earning and spending, understanding our net worth over time, and planning where the money will go. Podcast host James Lenhoff helps us think through why we keep making the same mistakes (or overcorrect and make the opposite ones!) and how to get our stewardship back on track. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Paul lamented that he didn't do the things he wanted to, and did the things he didn't want to (Romans 7). For many of us, that sums up our financial lives. We want to make good decisions, to use our resources in ways that honor God and achieve important purposes. But we don't. Why? The truth is that most of our decisions don't start with numbers in a spending plan. Those numbers are just the outworking of our realities and our priorities (including both priorities we recognize and those we don't). Most of our decisions are made emotionally, and those emotions are based on our thought life. We think, "I should have this, because my neighbor has it, or because my family expects it." This thought creates a feeling of inadequacy, which we medicate by buying whatever it is that we think we deserve. Much of the time, our thoughts and the emotions associated with them are based on outside factors - the efforts of marketers, our experiences growing up, our own money motivations. If we can recognize the thoughts and resulting emotions that drive much of our financial decision-making, we can begin to take control of them. We can measure them up against Scripture and ask, "Does this reflect what God thinks about me or about His resources?" As we try to think like God does, we naturally become more faithful stewards of what He provides. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff helps us think through these key components of our financial decision-making and shows us the importance of bringing these thoughts into captivity for Christ. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Last week in episode 29, we highlighted the importance of responding to financial setbacks from a spiritual perspective - allowing God to stretch and grow us from the difficulties we encounter. Recalling that God is the owner of all the resources he has put in our care, and persevering in our walks with Him. This week, we look at the next step - responding in practical ways to the very practical challenges that these setbacks present. What are some keys to recovery and getting back on track financially? The first step is to understand our situation thoroughly. If we lost income, how much did we actually lose? If we took on debt, how much did we take on and what does that mean for monthly payments and cash flow? Once we understand the financial reality, the next step is to address what that means for our Spending Plan. If we used up our Emergency Fund, what adjustments will be needed elsewhere to free up the money to build that fund back up? If we took on additional debt, how long do we want to take to pay that debt off and what adjustments are needed to make that happen? Third, we need to know when we've recovered and plan to get back to the financial and life priorities God has given us. If we make spending adjustments to build back up the emergency fund or to pay off new debt, when do we project for that to be completed? And how will we re-adjust so that "emergency mode" doesn't become the new normal? Host James Lenhoff leads us through a thoughtful consideration of the practical side of responding to financial setbacks. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

It happens to everyone - the disappointment of a financial setback. Maybe it's a medical emergency. Perhaps it's an unexpected repair bill. Maybe it's a decision that didn't work out. We all face financial setbacks. The question isn't "if"; it's "when". When those setbacks occur, we may be tempted to take one of two paths. Maybe we catastrophize the setback. We give up, thinking that every time we begin to make progress, something bad happens. So we stop trying. Or maybe we take the opposite path, gritting our teeth and digging in, laboring hard to get back to where we were and to prepare better for any other potential setback. Both of these responses make it all about us. Maybe it's all about our feelings of disappointment, regret, and even despair. Or maybe it's all about our determination and fortitude. There's a place for allowing ourselves to feel the disappointment. And there's a place for rolling up our sleeves and digging in. But there's a more important place for slowing down, stepping outside of ourselves, and asking God, "What do you want for me in this situation?" Join us as host James Lenhoff helps us think through the spiritual side of handling financial setbacks. The setbacks will come. Will they crush us? Will they harden us? Or will we allow God to use them to stretch and grow us? To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Stewardship - like discipleship in general - has some common characteristics across believers. Traits like recognition of God's ownership, gratitude, perseverance, discipline, and a spirit of abundance. And it will embody some common attitudes toward money, like diligent earning, prudent spending, generous giving, wise saving, and caution with debt. But beyond characteristics like these, stewardship (like discipleship) will look different for different believers. It will look different based on financial conditions, seasons of life, gifts and aptitudes, and other key factors. Like discipleship in general, stewardship is not a cookie-cutter experience. A key to good stewardship is not to compare ourselves with others but to consistently ask God, "How can I best manage what you have given me" - including finances, possessions, relationships, talents, etc. We fall into a trap when we compare our stewardship with others and say, "If only I could…". This trap keeps us from fully appreciating and stewarding what God has given us. Similarly, stewardship is not about prescribing how others should manage what God has given them. Their talents, treasures, and lives are in God's hands, not ours; and each one is accountable to the Master for what He has given us, not what He has given others. Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff outlines some key foundational principles of stewardship, lists some common patterns for faithful stewards, and urges us to be faithful, intentional stewards in the unique places that God has put us. Related Articles Three Indicators of Faithful Stewardship The 3 Big Ideas of Christian Stewardship Stewardship for God's Glory Serve God? Or Serve Money? To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]

Spring brings newness of life and fills our minds with possibilities. We rejoice in spending more time outdoors. Maybe we get a spring break. We anticipate a summer vacation. Spring is also a great time to reflect on our practice of stewardship. If we set goals at the beginning of the year, enough time has gone by that we can get an idea of whether we're on track. And if we're a bit off track, enough time remains in the year to make the needed course corrections. This isn't about beating ourselves up - it's about understanding where we are in terms of stewardship and comparing that with where we wanted to be at this point. If we're not where we wanted to be, then it's about examining our stewardship and understanding the reasons why. The place to begin is with prayer - expressing gratitude to God for His provision, confessing any areas where we haven't been faithful, asking for wisdom in decisions we will face (both those we know about and those we don't!), and committing our ways to Him. If your finances could use a bit of a spring cleaning, join us as host James Lenhoff leads us through some key questions and decisions in this episode of The Faithful Steward. To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org Email James at: [email protected]