Do you struggle with finances?
Have you wondered if you made a wise move regarding career choice or current employment?
If so, it might be helpful to join the Job & Finance Coaching group hosted by First Baptist Church Plantersville, Mississippi.
Church member and retired accountant John Burt approached Tim King, senior pastor of FBC, with the idea of doing a finance class, to be offered through home groups that provide ways to reach the community and connect with people outside a Sunday morning worship service.
Church leaders’ prayer and hope is that through building relationships, people will see the need for Christ and become part of the church.
King has a career development background, including resume writing, recruiting and coaching, which are now part of the outreach effort, and he said the start-up process has been exciting.
Both Burt and King agree that when people are at peace regarding their finances, managing wisely and in an occupation they know suits their gifting and passion, stress and worry are significantly reduced.
Both topics relate to people regardless of age or ethnic background.
Marketing
The home group is available to people in the county within a five to 10-mile radius, including Tupelo, Shannon, Middleton, Saltillo and Verona.
Coaching is advertised through the local association office, social media platforms and more.
“Even our mayor and councilmen are excited about this and are behind the idea,” King declared.
Marketing numbers from the various platforms show that people are seeing the ad, which confirms an interest and need.
The idea is still new in the community, and, while there has been a slow start in getting people to attend the home group, there also is excitement.
How it began
The Job & Finance Coaching home group started April 21 and meets every Monday. The first half of the class covers finances, while the second half focuses on job information.
Enrollment began with two people, but the coaching program is continual and designed so an individual can begin immediately. When a newcomer joins, they start at the beginning while another may be on lesson four.
On the financial side, Burt uses Dave Ramsey’s books, “Financial Peace University” and “Total Money Makeover,” and financial materials from the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. Both men use assessments to provide guidance.
On the job coaching side, King noted he has more than 10 years of career counseling with corporate and non-profit entities, including serving as program director for Veteran’s Court, a year-long program for offenders who do not want a mark on their permanent record.
Coaching is comprised of an eight-week plan, with four weeks spent on resources, resume and interview tips, and four weeks on follow-up with job searching.
Counseling and coaching
King said he has witnessed how biblical counseling can help with issues related to finances, jobs, marriages, parenting and other relationships.
These can affect “our spiritual and physical health,” he asserted. “Through the Scriptures, we can show them God’s way of handling finances and that Jesus is their hope.
“Individuals must put these areas at God’s feet for things to get better.”
King said he looks forward to seeing clients “cross the finish line” regarding finances, jobs and God’s Kingdom.
For more information contact King at 116tking@gmail.com or register at https://forms.gle/RUT9RS6SFyqtPz1X9.
