Isn't That Rich Podcast

The phrase Financial Stewardship gets thrown around quite a bit in our society, but what does it mean exactly? The truth is it can mean something a little different to everyone. To an organization, financial stewardship might mean protecting the long-term assets of that organization in a moral and ethical way. To an individual, it may mean making purchasing decisions that align with your values such as living within your means, staying out of debt, and perhaps even donating to charity. Since Farmers State Bank is a Christian bank, we wanted to take a closer look at what the bible says about being a good financial steward, so we asked the best resource we could possibly think of; our own pastor!

On this episode we sat down with Pastor Jason McKinnies of Purpose House Church to talk about what it looks like to be a good financial steward! From holding space for his church members to take courses on financial freedom, to building a multi-million dollar church completely debt free, we learned so much about living a life of financial stewardship and we know you will to.

Pastor Jason McKinnies, married to Melissa, is a father of two daughters. In 2009, he transitioned from the corporate world to pastoring the Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin. Born in South Bend, Indiana, Jason grew up in the trucking industry and worked various jobs from a young age. His corporate experience includes roles at Associates Bank Corp, Freightliner, Volvo, and Centos Corporation, where he gained extensive knowledge in policies, procedures, and financial management.

Lessons from the Corporate World

At Centos, Jason learned principles of honesty and integrity, which he now applies to his pastoral work. His time there also transformed his understanding of personal finance, helping him improve his credit and manage money more effectively. This experience inspired him to teach financial literacy within his church to help others avoid common financial mistakes.

Financial Literacy and Stewardship

Jason emphasizes the importance of preparing for end-of-life decisions, noting that handling these matters in advance can significantly ease the burden on family members. He integrates this approach into his roles at the bank, insurance agency, and church, highlighting the critical intersection of spiritual, financial, and protective measures in people's lives.

He advocates for proactive discussions about end-of-life planning, encouraging individuals to organize their affairs to prevent familial disputes and ensure smooth transitions. Jason shares a personal practice of sending detailed "just in case" emails to his daughter before traveling, outlining important information and instructions to avoid confusion.

Addressing Financial Conversations

Jason's pastoral duties frequently involve financial conversations, particularly during major life events such as marriage or death. He underscores the pervasive role of finances in marital issues and family conflicts, urging open and honest discussions about money. Despite the tendency of some spiritual leaders to avoid financial topics due to past abuses, Jason believes in addressing them head-on, as the Bible contains extensive teachings on money management. He notes, "Well, in the Bible, there's 500 verses on prayer. There's 500 verses on faith. There's over 2000 verses that concern money. Wow. Jesus taught 38 parables, 16 of them, uh, money. So if the church is shying away from a conversation, we're actually shying away from a conversation that Jesus didn't shy away from."

Distinguishing Between Money and Giving

Jason discusses the distinction between talking about money and talking about giving, highlighting that many people misunderstand the concept of ownership from a Christian perspective. He emphasizes that recognizing God as the owner of everything changes how we handle our finances. Using a story from Reader's Digest, he illustrates that when we see ourselves as stewards rather than owners, our attitude towards money changes.

Reflecting on his church upbringing, Jason notes that while tithing was taught, broader financial stewardship and the principles behind giving were not. He believes that teaching people to be good financial stewards and understanding the heart behind giving is crucial. Jason advocates for a comprehensive view of giving that goes beyond money to include time, energy, and other resources.

Financial Education Initiatives

At Purpose House (formerly Southern Illinois Worship Center), Jason initiated financial freedom courses, including Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. These courses are unique in that they do not offer scholarships, emphasizing the principle that the first investment should be in oneself. Participants are required to pay for their materials, reinforcing the value of investing in their own financial education.

The church leverages the expertise of its members, including bankers and financial professionals, to teach classes on various financial topics. These classes cover essential subjects such as mortgages, interest rates, and credit management, aiming to prepare individuals for significant financial decisions and alleviate the burden of financial counseling from pastors.

Overcoming Debt and Financial Challenges

When Jason took leadership at Purpose House in 2009, the church faced significant financial challenges, including a $400,000 debt and a dwindling congregation. Despite these hurdles, Jason took the risk of leaving his corporate career to help the church. Under his leadership, the church paid off its debt within three years. Following this achievement, they embarked on ambitious projects, constructing $7.5 million worth of buildings and investing nearly $12 million into their campus, all accomplished debt-free.

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason led Purpose House with foresight and preparation. The church had been investing in technology and other areas since 2013, which proved crucial during the pandemic. Despite the need to close the church, they maintained financial stability and even saw an increase in giving. This allowed them to continue significant construction projects and support their 19 full-time staff members without layoffs or salary reductions.

Addressing Misconceptions About Church Finances

Jason addresses the origins and misconceptions of the "poverty gospel" and the idea that churches shouldn't operate like businesses. He explains that these beliefs stem from a mix of misinterpretations and historical mismanagement of church funds. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in church finances, regularly sending thank-you letters to donors and acknowledging both large and small contributions.

Commitment to Generosity and Community Impact

Jason elaborates on his philosophy of giving and financial stewardship, emphasizing that the church's acts of generosity should come without expectations. He describes the church's efforts to address food insecurity in Southern Illinois, with initiatives like the 16 blessing boxes filled with protein-rich foods to sustain those in need. Jason believes that financial stewardship and generosity are critical aspects of his faith, aiming to ensure that when he stands before God, he can account for his actions and how he used his resources to help others.

Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Ultimately, Jason's goal is to leave a positive impact on the world, ensuring that his life and the church's efforts make the world a better place. He values the community and resources in Southern Illinois, working with organizations like Farmers State Bank to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The interview concludes with a reflection on the importance of relationships and community, echoing the sentiment that true richness comes from meaningful connections and making a positive impact on others' lives.