***News Release***
Investors Find Peace of Mind Through Biblically Responsible Stewardship
Even in a Turbulent Economy, Those Who Trust God with their Resources Can Experience a ‘Peace That Passes All Understanding’
PHILADELPHIA—A new survey from LifeWay Research has found that about eight in 10 Protestant pastors (79 percent) say the total offerings at their church this year are at or above last year’s levels, including 42 percent who say this year is ahead of last year.
Could it be a stronger economy making people feel more confident to give? Or is it that those who trust God with their wealth have a sense of peace about their financial future.
Most likely, says nationally syndicated host and biblically responsible investing authority Dan Celia, it’s a little bit of both.
“All our resources are God’s in the first place,” Celia says. “So if we steward our money with the ultimate goal to honor Him, there should never be any worry or anxiety, even when the markets seem out of control, because those who serve God with their finances know He is in control. Biblically responsible investors have overall peace that their money is being stewarded wisely, especially if they are working with a committed Christian financial planner and understand that they are honoring God with their investments.
“Every day, people tell me how grateful they are and how blessed they are to have peace of mind that their money is invested in areas that are not grieving the heart of God,” Celia added. “For the first time in many of their lives, they are not worried about money. They know that God will honor their commitment. And for financial advisers, biblically responsible investors are the best clients to have. They are at peace; they’re not going to call every time the market goes down or become ecstatic when the market goes up. After 30 years of dealing with clients, I can say that these are the best clients an adviser can have.”
The executive director of LifeWay also added that the survey results could be attributed to what most economists refer to as “full employment” coupled with wage growth. The study also found that most pastors (77 percent) say their churches are meeting their budgets thus far this year.
Through his daily three-hour program, writing and daily interactions, Celia, who leads Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries (FISM, www.FinancialIssues.org), has helped people of faith honor God with their finances and be free from a fear of money. “Financial Issues” is heard on more than 650 radio stations nationwide and reaches millions of households through several TV networks.
Read more about Celia, FISM and “Financial Issues” or visit the FISM website, its Facebook page, on YouTube at Financial Issues with Dan Celia or on Twitter @financialissues; download the FISM app here.
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