The Role of a Christian Financial Counselor with Dr. Art Rainer
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14
The words of that verse apply to all areas of Christian life, including financial stewardship. According to God's financial principles, good counsel is important for managing His money wisely. Dr. Art Rainer joins us today to talk about it.
Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is a regular contributor here at Faith & Finance and the author of Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.
What Does a Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) Do?
Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFCs) are trained to help individuals and couples with immediate financial challenges. Using biblical principles, they guide people in key areas such as:
- Budgeting effectively
- Eliminating debt
- Breaking free from paycheck-to-paycheck living
- Saving for future expenses
- Living generously
Their goal is to equip you with practical tools and spiritual insights so that you can manage your money in accordance with God’s design.
Rigorous Training for a Biblical Approach
Becoming a CertCFC involves a comprehensive training program covering topics like:
- Biblical stewardship
- Debt elimination strategies
- Saving and budgeting principles
To earn the designation, candidates must pass a 100-question, two-hour examination. This rigorous process ensures they’re well-prepared to provide high-quality guidance that is both practical and biblically sound.
Counselor vs. Advisor: What’s the Difference?
One common question is the difference between financial counselors and financial advisors. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Financial Advisors: Focus on long-term planning, including investments, retirement, and tax strategies.
- Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFCs): Address immediate financial concerns, helping clients overcome challenges like debt and budgeting.
If you’re looking for help with every day financial issues, a CertCFC is the right fit.
A Calling to Help Others
If you’re passionate about biblical financial stewardship, becoming a Certified Christian Financial Counselor might be your next step. CertCFCs serve in various capacities, including:
- Running a private financial counseling practice
- Serving in their local church
- Combining both approaches to reach more people
There is a significant need for more counselors to help individuals align their finances with God’s principles.
What to Expect When Working with a CertCFC
When you meet with a Certified Christian Financial Counselor, you’ll find a supportive, empathetic partner who listens to your story and provides practical, biblically-based solutions. Typical sessions last about an hour and include:
- A review of your financial challenges
- Encouragement and guidance grounded in Scripture
- Actionable steps to move forward
You’ll leave with real tools and a renewed sense of hope for managing your money God’s way.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re looking for financial guidance or feel called to help others as a counselor, the Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) program offers the tools and training you need. For more information, visit ChristianFinancialHealth.com.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- We’ve recently discussed what we will do for our health care and need something covering pre-existing conditions. Do you guys have any recommendations on what we could go through or anything we can look into?
- I've recently invested in goldbacks and see more states joining. What are your thoughts on those, and is it a good idea to invest right now?
- I inherited a house with my sister worth $300-350,000. I lost my job, so I wouldn't qualify for a loan to buy out my sister's portion. I have unemployment and a 401(k) I could convert to an IRA. I'll be getting Social Security in February. Should I try to buy out my sister or just sell the house?
Resources Mentioned:
- The Institute for Christian Financial Health
- Healthcare.gov
- Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)
- Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.