The Money Minister

I'm going to get in trouble for this one. I'm sure of it. Are financial roles within a Christian marriage preordained by scripture, or is there more to the story? What does the Bible say?Let's shatter some long-held misconceptions together as we explore the intersection of faith and finances on the Money Minister podcast. Your host, Catherine Van Der Laan, financial coach and aspiring minister, guides you through the often-misunderstood Proverbs 31 and what it truly suggests about the economic partnership in a marriage. Prepare to be inspired by the example of the wife of noble character and how she exemplifies financial acumen, regardless of gender expectations. We tackle the tough questions head-on, offering insights that promise more harmony in your financial and marital life.This episode is not just about debunking myths; it's a call to foster communication, teamwork, and the discovery of financial truths that align with both scripture and personal well-being. We examine the lives of biblical couples like Aquila and Priscilla and their harmonious approach contrasted against the cautionary tale of Ananias and Sapphira. It's time to move past fear-based motivations in managing money within marriage and, instead, embrace the strength found in unity. Join us as we chart a path towards financial wisdom that does more than just align with scripture – it reinforces the bonds of marriage and deepens your connection with God.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Can you still give to others even when you're drowning in debt? In this touching episode, we share the story of a woman who found herself struggling with debt and job prospects. Through our coaching sessions, we embarked on a journey to explore the heart of giving for Christians, using the widow's offering in the Bible as a model for us to follow... all while getting her completely out of debt. We delve deeper into the challenges of giving when burdened by debt, discussing the distinction between giving out of love and giving out of obligation. We also emphasize the importance of financial discipline and trusting in God's plan, even in the most difficult financial situations. Listen in as we uncover how to prioritize giving, both in time and money, and how God will call you to greater faith, love, and service as you draw closer to Him.In our conversation, we also touch on the topic of tithing and explore how, in the New Testament, there is no biblical command to tithe but rather to give out of love and within your means. Join us as we navigate the complexities of giving when in debt, and learn how to trust and rely on God's guidance and provision in even the toughest of circumstances.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Ever felt overwhelmed or unequipped to share your faith with your colleagues at work? Fear not! We're here to guide you through the challenging topic of being a Christian in a secular workplace, and leading others to Christ without getting fired. As your hosts, Catherine Van Der Laan and Erica Fluckus, we're on a mission to empower Christians in the workplace to break free from fear and embrace their calling to be a light in their office.Together, we'll explore practical steps to take bold steps of faith in the workplace, from praying for your colleagues to meeting them where they are and following God's guidance. Drawing on Jesus' example of loving those He encountered and building relationships with them, we'll discuss how you can be an effective witness in your office, regardless of your occupation. So, join us in this inspiring conversation and discover the joy of living out your faith at work, all while staying employed!Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Do you ever struggle with asking for a raise, especially as a Christian? You're not alone! We're diving into the challenges Christians face when advocating for themselves in the workplace and how the story of Joseph demonstrates that faith, integrity, and work ethic can lead to success. Prepare to be inspired by Joseph's steadfast commitment to God while discovering practical steps for asking for a raise, including finding your KPOs or KPIs, rating yourself on those, and researching the next role.In this enlightening episode, we also discuss the difference between asking for a raise and a market adjustment, as well as when to approach your boss about it.  Performance reviews can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate initiative and discuss recognition, so make sure you're prepared! Most importantly, we shed light on the significance of prayer and stepping out in faith when seeking a raise. Remember that it's not about buying a Maserati, but rather asking for resources to help, serve, and be present. So, tune in and learn how to embrace your worth as a child of God and effectively ask for a raise!Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Is it wrong for a Christian to be rich? This thought-provoking question drives our conversation in this episode as we, Catherine Van Der Laan and Erica Fluckus, explore the two opposing opinions held within the church. We discuss how God talks about money in the Bible and share the inspiring story of one of Catherine's multimillionaire clients who uses his wealth to serve God and give Him glory. Join us as we examine the biblical figure of Abraham, a wealthy Christian, and how his example relates to this question.In our exploration, we also delve into Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well and the importance of using money to serve the Lord. We consider the temptations of the devil, the significance of obedience, and how our hearts should be focused on God rather than money. Listen in as we reflect on the armor that God has given us to resist temptation and protect us from the devil's schemes in this insightful conversation on the relationship between Christianity and wealth.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Have you ever wondered how to manage your finances in a way that aligns with your Christian faith? Join us, Catherine Van Der Laan and Erica Fluckus, as we share life-changing insights on money management and giving from a Christian perspective. We'll explore how following God's plan for our finances can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.In this eye-opening episode, we discuss the importance of planning, budgeting, and trusting God's direction for our financial journey. We share the story of a client who, with our guidance, discovered clarity and purpose in her financial life, embracing God's promises for her. Discover why planning and budgeting are crucial for freeing ourselves to give generously and live joyfully, and how to prioritize tithing in our lives without testing God's trust. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable wisdom on navigating the world of finances as a Christian!Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Are you aligned with God's plan for your finances? Join Erica Fluckus and Catherine Van Der Laan as we unpack the importance of understanding God's intentions for our money and share our personal experiences of divine guidance in our financial choices.Discover the life-changing story of Joseph, who, despite being thrown into circumstances beyond his control, remained faithful and followed God's plan. We also explore the 'mansion exercise' to align our hearts with God's desires and dive into the passions He has placed within us. As we examine the significance of having a plan when it comes to managing God's wealth, we'll discuss how pastors prepare their sermons and how to remain receptive to God's plans for us.Finally, we'll share powerful lessons on giving and obedience, emphasizing the need to trust God and follow His guidance, even when we don't understand the reasoning behind it. We'll discuss how God uses our circumstances to reveal His plans and share an incredible testimony of a five-figure gift request that was met with God's surprising abundance. Tune in and open your heart to uncovering God's plan for your finances and learning how to align your actions with His desires.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Are you struggling to reconcile your relationship with money and your faith? You're not alone. In today's episode, Erica Fluckus, a life coach, career coach, and coordinator with a nonprofit, as well as a dedicated Christian and seminary graduate, and Catherine Van Der Laan, financial coach and minister-in-training, talk through what it means to navigate money and faith decisions. Together, we explore the intersection between money and faith, diving into what God says about managing money and how Jesus came to save us from our sinful relationships.We discuss how money is a reflection of our hearts and a tool of worship, examining the importance of tithing and giving to others in need while keeping our hearts fully devoted to God. We also consider the connection between money and the Christian heart and the spiritual impact of money trauma. By sharing practical ways to create a healthy relationship with money and faith, we aim to help you navigate this challenging topic and align your financial decisions with God's word.Join us for this enlightening conversation as we uncover the true meaning of money in the eyes of God and how we can best manage it according to His will. Through examining over 2,000 verses in the Bible directly related to money (in the podcast, not in this one episode!), we hope to provide valuable insights and guidance to help you on your journey toward a healthier, more faithful relationship with your finances. So tune in, and let's grow together in understanding God's perspective on money and its role in our lives.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

You are perfectly positioned to lead someone to Jesus. God's working already. He's wooing your coworkers. He's trying to reconcile every single person to Himself.One of the TOP questions I hear from Christians is, "HOW do I witness in the workplace without getting fired?"Listen to this episode to find out how.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

How do you ask for a promotion and a raise as a Christian?This is what I do. I help people get better jobs, raises, and promotions and I work primarily with Christians.Christians CAN ask for what they're worth. You can be humble and ask for a raise. You can be a giver, like Christ, and know your worth.You can advocate for yourself AND still represent Christ well. Let's talk through how you can get a better job and still represent Christ well.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

I’ve met a lot of Christians over the years. My husband’s a Chi Alpha Campus Missionary, so we travel around to different churches, speaking and praying and helping Christians and pre-Christians wherever we go. I’ve also been weirdly interested in money and everyone’s relationship with money for decades. Yeah, I’m really fun at parties. Haha.Anyway, I’ve noticed that many Christians don't think about saving money for retirement because they believe that they will be provided for in their old age. However, this is not what the Bible says. In fact, Scripture is clear that we are to plan for the future and to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. So, what does the Bible say about saving for the future? Let's get into it.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Welcome back to The Money Minister. We're starting a new season to talk through things many Christians face when working through money decisions. This episode is about goal setting, serving God, and asking God to set your goals. That's a hard topic for anyone! How do we let God set our goals, especially our money goals?How do you make sure your goals aren't just that... YOUR goals and NOT God's goals?How do you live a life that God wants you to live?Let's answer all those questions and more in this episode of The Money Minister.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

In today’s scripture, we see three stories: the beginning of Noah’s story, when God was furious with the wickedness of the people of the world. They had a LOT of hardship - lots of work. To remind you, God cursed humanity and caused them to work really, terribly hard for what they needed. We still have to work hard for what we need, but not always the kind of backbreaking hard work they had to do. They were looking for relief and even named Noah “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which Yahweh has cursed.” They were looking for comfort, but God withdrew - which we see he’s planning to do in Noah’s time - and then he floods the whole earth.See, they didn’t turn to God in their hardship. They turned to anything that would make them feel better at the time. God called it wickedness. We’ll see that when we read the scripture. That sounds familiar to me. Does it sound familiar to you? In Matthew, we’re seeing the beginning of the most important ministry on earth, starting with Weird John the Baptist. In this passage, we see John calling for repentance and a heart change - sound familiar? - and warning that Jesus, the Christ, is coming with a winnowing fork. He’s coming to separate the righteous and repentant from the wicked of heart.John is preparing people for a choice in a hard time. You see, where we are in Matthew, John’s baptizing people and Jesus is coming. His ministry starts right then. God ordains him from the sky. And John’s helping people make a choice before they have to make a choice when it gets hard in their lives. Psalm 3 wraps it right up. Psalm 3 is written by King David when his son Absalom tries to usurp the throne. He’s in a hard time. He’s fleeing, running for his life, and doesn’t know what will happen. But he DOES know the choice that he’s going to make. He BELIEVES in God, in God’s promises to him, and God’s character. He’s made a choice already - to turn to God when things get hard. He’s made a choice to rely on God for his life, his future, his family’s future, and everything he needs to live. King David, the man after God’s own heart, shows us the choice we need to make here.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Today's reading is Genesis 2:18-4:16, Matthew 2:1-18, and Psalm 2. These readings are remarkably similar. God sees good, loves it, and blesses good. God sees evil, hates it, and rejects evil.We see curses, atrocities, and salvation. But isn't that the whole story of the bible?In Genesis, we’re continuing to see this perfect place God’s created. Don’t you want more? Because this perfection was ruined, God now ties hard work to being able to eat. Then we see Cain and Abel. God expects us to give Him our best. It’s what he’s due. Abel gave God his best - the first and the fat was considered the best. Cain just gave him some fruit as an afterthought. We also learn here that God can cause our work to be fruitless or fruitful. In this passage, we see a few characteristics of God and people. We see that God provides for his people and those who seek Him and His will. He’ll help us. We also see, like Cain, that Herod is willing to kill when he feels threatened or jilted. He killed all the male children who were 2 and under. Both Herod and Cain reacted selfishly and without humility when they didn’t get the response they wanted. And neither of them got what they wanted from their evil.In Psalm 2, we see all of these passages come together. God gets angry with evil and curses it. There's no good that comes from murder or other evil. Instead, be wise and "give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him."God wants your heart. He wants you to look beyond yourself and look toward Jesus, the Son. He wants you to GIVE HIM the best, the first, sincerely and honestly. He wants it because that's HOW you give him your heart.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

The Money Minister has decided to start a new, long season. We're going through the Bible to see what it says about money!In the next 365 episodes, we'll see what God really says about money. It's the #2 topic in the Bible, just after God himself. He wants you to relate to the world well and the world is run on money. So let's get into it.In today’s passage, we see our God. We see him show up in all his glory and power and we see him show up as a helpless infant. More than that, we see what God intended for humanity and set up for us in the Garden of Eden. We see the routine he established - working for 6 days and resting on the 7th. We see how he gave humanity everything they needed to live AND one rule. In Genesis, 1 and 2:1-17, we see God’s power as he creates the whole universe, then God’s attention to detail as he shows us an amazing place with everything we need, down to streams of water, which symbolize life. In Matthew chapter 1, we see God’s bigger plan and how He shows up in it, sometimes in a big way and sometimes in a small way. In Psalm 1, we see those streams of water again, symbolizing life and fruit, all that we need in God.Let's get into it.___________________________________If you'd like to learn more about Group Financial Coaching, please visit https://www.saverstreet.com/groupfinancialcoaching. Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

God gives us money for two reasons:To take care of ourselves  and our familiesTo take care of othersThat might sound simple, but it's not always understood. Taking care of yourself and your family means staying out of debt (or getting out of debt), saving for future needs, paying your bills now, including taxes, and not stressing about money.Taking care of others means giving when someone has a need. Providing for others' needs, like food, clothing, housing, heat, etc. is something we're absolutely called to do as Christians.Let's get into it. Also, if you have questions or would like to give me some feedback, feel free to email me at catherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.com.And if you'd like to join us in financial coaching, let's chat. I don't lecture in coaching like I do in this podcast. Go to saverstreet.com and book a complimentary consultation. Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Finding God's plan for your life and your finances isn't easy. You need to grow, listen, pray, pray more, and then take a step in faith. In this episode, I talk through how God showed me my career path, my ministry path, and my family's path to make money.God cares deeply about how you relate to money and to your career. He cares because he wants your heart. He wants your WHOLE heart.Listen more to find out how to find God's plan for your life.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

God's blessings come to those whose hearts are aligned with God's heart.God wants to give you the desires of your heart. He wants to bless you. He wants to provide you with all you need.Most Christians try to make Christianity less of a step-by-step process... but I've always loved processes. Don't worry, this is still somewhat mystical. Haha.Anyway, the first step toward stewarding God's money well - the talents He gives you - is aligning your heart with God's heart. Doing what God wants you to do. Desiring what God desires. Listen to this episode to learn why and HOW to align your heart with God's heart. Link to Biblical Money Principles for Christians: https://go.saverstreet.com/biblical-money-principles-for-christians-oBook a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

Giving and God’s actual prescription for giving is a hot-button issue for Christians. There’s a lot of back and forth and a LOT of controversy. And that makes a TON of sense to me. Money’s not easy to talk about. We all know that money is emotional by now. Every decision you make with your money needs to feel like the right thing to do. We use money to soothe our hurt feelings or sadness. We use money as a sense of worth or to gauge how #hashtag# blessed we are. Money - and what we’re supposed to do with it - cannot be a more controversial issue. I’m sure your blood is rising right now just wondering what I’m about to tell you to do with your hard-earned money. Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street

God gives blessings of wealth. He is happy to provide for his children. He also warns us a LOT about money, because having money can draw us away from God. So he warns us to help us put money in its place.We have to wrestle with a tension in our lives: between accepting God's blessing of wealth and not giving in to the temptation of relying on that wealth as our security or obsessing over it.God gives us money to bless others. God enables us to glorify him and love our neighbors. Let's get over our fear of wealth or the fear of money as Christians, so we can accept God's blessings and bring the gospel to the world.Book a free coaching session: https://www.saverstreet.com/free-consultationsaverstreet.comcatherine.vanderlaan@saverstreet.comFB: @SaverStreetIG: @saver.street