Budget Counseling Ministry

Budget Counseling Ministry


The Mission of the Woodinville Alliance Budget Coaching Ministry (WACBCM) is to help liberate God’s people from financial sin by providing freedom through practical money advice and a working budget.  The budget will be a sound plan that will allow members of Woodinville Alliance to provide well for their families, pay off debt, save money for emergencies and future life goals, and give regularly, sacrificially and cheerfully to the church and others in need.

Why do we have this ministry?
  1. We believe that we are called to glorify God with all we have, say, and do.  That means being a good steward with all of our God-given resources—time, talent and treasure (Matt. ).
  2. We believe that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew ).  This means that if we’re worried about never having enough money, then it is hard to keep our focus on God and not the $5 left in our checking account.
  3. We believe that financial sin runs rampant in our society and that the church body is not exempt from that (James 4:1-3; 1 Timothy 6:9-10).  We know that God can set us free from that sin if we stop loving money and instead choose to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5).
  4. We believe that a good financial plan can help us provide for our families and keep us out of future financial trouble (1 Timothy 5:8).
  5. We believe that we all are called to be generous with those around us and to share with others who are in need, and that this glorifies God (Romans 12:13; 2 Cor. 8:13-15, ).
  6. We believe that we all are called to give to the church body regularly, sacrificially and cheerfully (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Proverbs ; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
  7. We believe that with a pure heart, a little financial guidance and a working budget, all children of God can become good stewards.
What will we do for you?
We will provide practical money advice and a working budget so that ultimately you will be:
  • Taking a big step towards your personal financial freedom;
  • Giving regularly/sacrificially/cheerfully;
  • Out of debt;
  • Prepared financially for an emergency, lost job, etc.;
  • Setting and saving for financial goals for your/your family’s future (i.e., buying a house, sending kids to college, providing for needs in the community, etc.); and
  • Glorifying God by being a good steward of the treasure He has given you.
What won’t we do for you?
 
Although we will provide financial advice and allow you to ask questions about almost any financial issue, we are not here to provide:
  • Investment advice beyond some basics;
  • Ongoing financial accountability;
  • Help with your taxes;
  • Legal advice;
  • Marriage counseling; or
  • Referrals to other businesses.
This is a humble and honest effort to meet you where you are and help you get on the right track.
 
Confidentiality/Liability
 
We promise to keep all of your personal and financial information confidential.  To that end, every budget coach has signed a confidentiality covenant and will be held accountable by ministry leadership.  Although we’re asking you to bring statements for your bills, we will not need any sensitive information such as your social security number or account numbers.
 
All of the budget coaches in this ministry are volunteering their time to serve the members of Woodinville Alliance Church .  Although they will provide you sound advice and wise counsel about your finances, it is your decision whether or not to take their advice.  As a result, you cannot hold any of the budget coaches, the ministry, or Woodinville Alliance Church liable for any actions you take after your budget coaching session.
 
Process
  1. Set up a time to meet with the budget coach to whom you’ve been referred.
  2. Fill out the questionnaire and financial snapshot on the confidential Client Information Form (be honest!). 
  3. Meet with your budget coach.  During that meeting they/you will:
  • Pray;
  • Go over the specific financial issues you are dealing with or have questions about;
  • Confront sin where appropriate;
  • Create a working budget;
  • Set goals with dates to be financially healthy; and
  • Get excited about being free from slavery to debt!!

Accountability

 
After we’ve met with you we expect you to take what you’ve learned and run with it!  We recommend that you seek out at least one or two people to share your financial struggles and plan with, so that they can help keep you accountable to your budget and the goals you’ve committed to for your future.  In addition, it would be great to talk with your community group about what you’ve learned and share your excitement to be free from debt.
 
Links
 
 
Email:financialhelp@wachurch.us