The Faithful Steward
Good Sense host James Lenhoff shares Biblical wisdom and practical insights to help listeners pursue financial freedom as part of Christian discipleship. Transform your finances and transform your life!
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71: Financial Freedom Includes Responsibility
08/06/2025
71: Financial Freedom Includes Responsibility
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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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70: Midpoint Stewardship Check-in
07/23/2025
70: Midpoint Stewardship Check-in
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 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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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69: The Enneagram and Stewardship: Types 8-9-1
07/09/2025
69: The Enneagram and Stewardship: Types 8-9-1
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 . To learn more, check out Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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68: Enneagram and Stewardship: Types 5-6-7
06/18/2025
68: Enneagram and Stewardship: Types 5-6-7
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 . To learn more, check out Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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67: Enneagram and Stewardship: Types 2-3-4
06/04/2025
67: Enneagram and Stewardship: Types 2-3-4
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 . To learn more, check out Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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66: Money and Midlife
05/21/2025
66: Money and Midlife
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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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65: Stewardship in Lane 3-Legacy
05/07/2025
65: Stewardship in Lane 3-Legacy
The stewardship conversation in a church congregation is difficult. People are in 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. 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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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64: Either/Or: Making Trade-offs
04/16/2025
64: Either/Or: Making Trade-offs
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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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63: Stewardship in Lanes 1&2: Stability, Clarity
04/02/2025
63: Stewardship in Lanes 1&2: Stability, Clarity
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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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62: Am I On Track Financially?
03/19/2025
62: Am I On Track Financially?
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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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61: Why Is Money Hard?
03/05/2025
61: Why Is Money Hard?
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 Contact James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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60: Why Do We Buy?
02/19/2025
60: Why Do We Buy?
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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59: Comparing Personal Financial Systems
02/05/2025
59: Comparing Personal Financial Systems
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 referred to in the podcast. To learn more check out Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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58: The Accumulation Trap
01/15/2025
58: The Accumulation Trap
"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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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57: Stewardship in the New Year
01/01/2025
57: Stewardship in the New Year
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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56: Stewardship Annual Review
12/18/2024
56: Stewardship Annual Review
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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55: Money & Marriage: When It’s Hard
12/04/2024
55: Money & Marriage: When It’s Hard
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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54: Stewarding the Holidays
11/20/2024
54: Stewarding the Holidays
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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53: Stewardship of Time
11/06/2024
53: Stewardship of Time
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our .
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52: The Cost of Generosity
10/16/2024
52: The Cost of Generosity
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our .
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51: Fall Financial Check-in
10/02/2024
51: Fall Financial Check-in
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our .
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50: How to Talk About Money, pt. 2
09/18/2024
50: How to Talk About Money, pt. 2
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 And see the blog articles below for more information about financial coaching. To learn more check out Email James at: You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our .
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49: How to Talk About Money, pt. 1
09/04/2024
49: How to Talk About Money, pt. 1
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our .
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48: Our Year In Review
08/21/2024
48: Our Year In Review
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our .
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47: Four Financial Rhythms
08/07/2024
47: Four Financial Rhythms
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 Email James at: You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our .
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46: Courage to Change
07/31/2024
46: Courage to Change
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 Email James at:
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45: Diligent Earning vs. Quiet Quitting
07/24/2024
45: Diligent Earning vs. Quiet Quitting
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 Email James at:
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44: 3 Components of Financial Success
07/17/2024
44: 3 Components of Financial Success
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 Email James at:
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43: Can Money Buy Happiness?
07/10/2024
43: Can Money Buy Happiness?
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 Email James at:
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42: The Dangers of Being a HENRY
07/03/2024
42: The Dangers of Being a HENRY
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 Email James at:
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