Story Published:
Aug 16, 2007 at 4:18 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Aug 16, 2007 at 4:18 PM EDT
When you think of your personal finances, you may not think the church can help.
Since 1980, the number of personal bankruptcies has grown from 300,000 to more than 1.5 million. And Georgia has one of the highest rates in the country.
But some local churches are helping people dig themselves out of financial troubles – and are using the scripture as the starting point.
People at Beulah Grove Baptist Church in Augusta are studying to become Christian Financial Counselors. With more and more people struggling to make ends meet, they're turning to places like the church.
"We are just beginning to see the fruit of what we would call success stories. People who are now debt-free, people who have minimized debt to an extremely manageable level," said Sandra DeVoe, Christian Financial Counselor.
They're doing it with the guidance of Crown Financial Ministries, a faith-based plan that draws from the Bible and provides one-on-one counseling.
"How to manage your money is pure scripture. These are the whys, the whats. How does God tell you to manage your money?" said DeVoe.
Beulah Grove has been offering the program since Pastor Sam Davis gave it the OK seven years ago. Among it's success stories -- Norman Frank. He found himself in debt and considering bankruptcy.
"For me it was not extravagant spending. It was... I had a small lawn service and I bought equipment, made repairs, made payroll," Frank said.
It took Frank four years to get out of debt, but he credits the program with helping him stay the course.
"Whether you get frustrated, whether there is fear, anxiety, depression, there is a passage of scripture that will deal with those emotions."
Now, Frank teaches and counsels others. And he uses his past and the Bible to help them draw inspiration.
"They'll say how did you know I was feeling this way? And I'll say been there, done that, got the T-shirt,” says Frank.
Crown Financial Ministries claims there are more than 2,300 Bible verses that deal with money issues. Several area churches offer programs like this.
