The Crown Stewardship Podcast

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Ron Simmons, author of Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon: 15 Ways to Take Charge and Create a Path to Success. From his humble beginnings in the rural South to finding success as an entrepreneur, finance executive, and three-term member of the Texas House of Representatives, Simmons discusses the triumphs and challenges of his life to provide a wealth of applicable insights. We know you will love this episode!

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Matt Bell from Sound Mind Investing. Matt examines investing with a biblical approach, and how it differs from what the world has to say about investing. This episode covers a wide variety of topics, including retirement, what to look for in a financial adviser, and how to teach children biblical investing. Whether you are a seasoned investor, or brand new to the investment world, this episode will provide much needed clarity in today's tumultuous financial landscape. Check out the 7 Key Principles for Christian Investing from Sound Mind Investing and download their free resource HERE.

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Clarissa Moll, author of Beyond the Darkness, to discuss grief. Clarissa understands loss all too well. Her life changed forever in 2019 when her husband, Rob, died unexpectedly while hiking―leaving her with four children to raise alone. Clarissa shares her personal experience and struggles with loss, as well as honest, practical wisdom that will gently guide you toward flourishing amidst your own loss. You'll hear how Rob and Clarissa's priority of getting their financial house in order helped Clarissa practically as she dealt with unimaginable circumstances. We know you'll be encouraged by this heartfelt and uplifting episode! 

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Vince Birley, CEO of Vident Financial, a Principles-Based Investment firm. Vince gives a market update in simple terms that clarifies where we are currently and where we are headed, while answering your questions about inflation, recession, and investment strategies. He emphasizes the importance of having financial principles that guides your financial decisions, and to avoid changing those principles with inevitable market fluctuations. This episode is packed with information, wisdom, and (perhaps surprisingly) hope!

This week on the Crown Podcast, Handre De Jongh discusses stewardship in a way that may not normally come to mind. Stewardship goes beyond budgets and giving - we also have a duty to steward the intangible gifts God has given us, like our career and personality. Crown's Career Direct program helps people to do just that - to understand the unique gifts God created in each of us so that we are able to thrive in our career. This episode will help you look at the way God made you, and empower you to embrace your calling.

This week on the Crown Podcast, we continue our three-part mini-series from some live teaching called The 7 steps to Financial Freedom. This episode makes clear what our financial priorities should look like - without making you feel guilty if these have not been your priorities in the past! Chuck Bentley explains the importance of savings, which should be only second to giving. After you have become a Giver and a Saver, then your focus will move to paying off debt. Chuck shares practical examples and encouraging stories to help you feel confident as you take on these roles. If these priorities feel foreign to you, this episode will clarify biblical principles and priorities and empower you to find financial freedom!

This week on the Crown Podcast, we continue our three-part mini-series from some live teaching called The 7 Steps to Financial Freedom. Chuck begins by recounting the story of how he and his wife, Ann, finally got on the same page financially. Once they agreed to agree with God, not only did their finances improve - but so did their marriage. Chuck then continues into sharing what should be our highest financial priority: giving. When Chuck and Ann made the decision to put God first in their finances, their priorities shifted as they began to focus on laying up treasures in Heaven. We know you'll enjoy these relatable and encouraging stories!

This week on the Crown Podcast, we are taking a break from our normal format to share a three-part mini-series from some live teaching called 7 Steps to Financial Freedom. Chuck Bentley tells some hilarious and heart-warming stories that illustrate the impact God's financial principles have in our lives. This series will cover some of the most fundamental financial lessons that are crucial to our growth as faithful stewards. Follow along for all three parts of this practical and encouraging series.

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Bob Lotich, founder of Seedtime.com. Bob joins us to discuss his newest book, Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact. Bob's book helps readers to earn and manage their money so they can give it away with joy. Bob's money philosophy extends way beyond wealth creation or debt elimination - generosity is one of his key financial goals (Bob gave away $1,000,000 before he was 40!). This uplifting episode will inspire you to trust God with your finances and encourage you to respond in faith to anything that He is calling you.   You can check out Bob's new book at https://seedtime.com/smrl/.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Brian Peterson, founder of Faces of Mankind. Brian grew up knowing he wanted to be an artist, and started his career as a car designer. But when he came to faith as an adult, he started using his God-given creative gifts to paint portraits of his homeless neighbors in order to show to them and those who see the paintings, that God values each one of them - and from that Faces of Santa Ana was born. Since then, Faces of Santa Ana has expanded to become Faces of Mankind. Brian has now become a mural artist with prominent walls featured all over the Southern California region. You will be inspired and encouraged as you hear powerful stories of how following God's leading has brought him to where he is today and excited for more of what God has in store for Brian! 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Grant Webster and Chuck Bentley discuss Chuck's new book “Economic Evidence for God?”. Chuck introduces the main themes of the book and the evidential impact of God's principles on economies around the world. This episode will open your eyes to evidence of God in ways you may have never previously considered! You do not want to miss this fascinating and enlightening episode. You can purchase a copy of Chuck's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Economic-Evidence-Uncovering-Invisible-Economy/dp/1564273555 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome special guest Craig Deall. Craig is the CEO of Foundations for Farming, based in Zimbabwe. You'll hear the Foundations for Farming principles: on time, at a high standard, without waste, and with joy. Craig shares how these are not just principles for farming - but every walk of life. You'll also hear Craig's incredible testimony of forgiveness - and how he is now using teaching these farming techniques as an entry point into sharing the gospel. Craig's story is such a powerful reminder that God can use anything and anyone to make a huge impact in the Kingdom!

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome special guest Jerry Bowyer. In a world that seems increasingly divided, confusing, and down-right bleak, Jerry offers his encouraging expertise to a variety of current affairs. This episode is packed with everything from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, cryptocurrency, gold, interest rates, inflation, and more, all while examining these issues through the lens of a Biblical worldview. The good news is, all the world's issues don't feel quite so grim when we have an eternal mindset and trust our sovereign God. 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Justin Jeter, co-Founder of PurposeMatch.com. Handre DeJongh and Justin talk about a topic they are both passionate about purpose. Finding your purpose can feel like an enormous, intangible goal, but Justin breaks down purpose into practical steps with a clear process. They discuss the difference between what the world may consider when thinking about purpose in contrast to what a God-given purpose looks like. If you have ever asked yourself the question, “Why am I here?” (and we know you have!), you will not want to miss this episode. 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Neile Simon, with Christian Credit Counselors. Neile and the team at CCC help people with debt management and avoid bankruptcy and debt settlement scams. Neile joins us to talk about credit scores: what they are, why they are important, and what to do if yours is less than ideal. Neile offers practical advice and guidance, and you'll be encouraged by hearing her passion for helping people thrive financially.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Nick Vujicic, founder, and CEO of Life Without Limbs. Nick tells his inspiring story of being born without arms or legs to becoming one of the world's most sought-after speakers and evangelists in the world. Nick's enthusiasm to spread the Gospel is infectious. If you have ever felt like you are missing your purpose, you will not want to miss this episode that will encourage and inspire you - and make you laugh!

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Curtis Anderson, Vice President of Discipleship at Bonton Farms in Dallas, Texas. Bonton Farms started out as a garden in a small lot, and has grown to two fully functioning farms, a Farmer's Market, a Café and Coffee House. They not only grow food, but are working alongside residents to transform the community. Curtis tells the story of how God brought him into this role, and how they help people - not just to find a job - but to become employable and to enjoy work. We know you'll enjoy listening to this episode filled with stories of hope and healing!

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Henry Kaestner, with Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor. Henry shares the origin story of his organization and how God has transformed all aspects of his life - career, family, and health. You'll also hear about Henry's near-death experience and how God used it as a way to share his faith. You won't want to miss this edifying episode!

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Neile Simon, with Christian Credit Counselors. Neile and the team at CCC help people with debt management, avoid bankruptcy, debt settlement scams, and quick fixes that ruin credit. While most people feel uneasy when talking about debt, Neile exudes joy because of her passion for helping people find relief through CCC's debt management program. Neile talks about how the current economy has impacted many people in the way they are paying off or taking on debt. If you have felt overwhelmed by debt, you'll feel encouraged and hopeful by listening to this episode.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Dale Losch, President of CrossWorld and author of Giving Outside the Box. If you have ever cringed the moment a pastor started talking about tithing, don't worry - Dale's approach to giving is grace-based and joy-filled. You'll be inspired as you hear stories of God's faithfulness as Dale's family has made giving a lifestyle, and what it looks like to make it a priority to store treasures in Heaven. The world tells us we can never have enough money, but listening to Dale will encourage and inspire you to trust God more, by giving more. Dale Losch serves as president of Crossworld, a missions organization whose goal is to send disciple-makers from all professions, to launch disciple-making communities in the world's least-reached marketplaces. Dale draws on his formal education, his decades of pastoral and cross-cultural ministry, and his real-life experience as a husband, father, and friend. Dale is the author of A Better Way: Make Disciples Wherever Life Happens, and Giving Outside the Box. One of the things Dale enjoys most in life, besides spending time with his wife, his kids, and their twelve (and counting) grandchildren, is sharing biblical truth with everyday relevance so that people can discover life as it is meant to be.   “God loves to bless generous givers. He loves generosity not because He wants to make us poor - but because He wants to make us rich in a way we are never going to lose.”   Podcast Highlights: Dale tells how being raised in a home where giving was a priority shaped the way he lives.  For each year of marriage, Dale and his wife decided to give more and more to God, and each year they have seen God's providence. Dale tells stories of how he has seen real examples of God's provision, trusting God to meet their needs, both big and small.  There is a wrong place to accumulate wealth, He wants us to “lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven.” What does it look like when we use money the way God intends? And what do eternal treasures actually look like?   We hope you find this conversation informative and inspiring. Please join us each episode and please share the podcast with anyone you feel it might encourage.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome John Clemens. John has been in the radio industry for over 50 years, which is how he and Chuck originally met and became friends. John tells Chuck why he became involved in the Christian radio industry and how he views his work as service to the Lord. John also opens up and tells us about his pancreatic cancer, but how he still wakes up each day with joy to serve God. This episode is sure to encourage you as you listen to two close friends share learned life-lessons and eternal truths. This podcast that begins with talking about radio and baseball, will end with you reaching for the tissues. Don't say we didn't warn you! John Clemens works as the Christian News Editor for the USA Radio Network, where he covers stories of the day that are important to Christian radio listeners. He also produces Audio Releases with his wife Diana Kay that air on about 80-110 stations. He has been involved in broadcasting for the last 50 years, working in TV, radio, and sports announcing. For the past 15 years, he has also worked part-time with the Frisco RoughRiders. Podcast Highlights:   How radio and broadcasting has changed over the course of John's 53 year long career. He also gives advice for those who desire to work in the broadcasting industry.  You'll hear a story about how John handled a financial issue when he wasn't paid by one of his clients - and why viewing his work as service to the Lord changes everything.   John has terminal pancreatic cancer, but he continues each day working for the Lord, and does so with joy. This will leave you feeling inspired to finish well in your own life, lived in service to God's Kingdom.   We hope you find this conversation informative and inspiring. Please join us each episode and please share the podcast with anyone you feel it might encourage.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Elias Janetis, founder of Squeeze. After founding and building a very successful healthcare technology company, he is now focused on helping consumers squeeze the most out of their paychecks by launching the company, aptly named Squeeze. You'll hear the inspiring origin story of the company by first seeking God's instruction and leading. Not only is Squeeze's service a helpful tool to use in your stewardship journey, but Elias's story will encourage you as you seek God's guidance in every step of your life. 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Russ Stevens, author of “Say No! To College Debt”. Russ encourages people to go to college without acquiring debt by using Biblical principles. Russ and Chuck Bentley discuss how to measure success, ways of funding education that don't involve loans, and what you can do if you have already taken on student debt. If you think it is impossible to graduate from college without debt, this episode will encourage and surprise you! 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Patrick Johnson, founder of GenerousChurch. Chuck and Patrick discuss the topic they both have made their personal calling and professional mission: Generosity! Patrick works to help churches develop a culture of generosity, all around the world. Patrick will encourage you to change the way you view generosity - from an act of giving to a way of living. This episode will leave you feeling encouraged, inspired, and excited to grow closer to God by becoming joyfully generous.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome David McAlvany to discuss a topic that is elusive to so many of us: Inflation. David is able to take this complicated subject and explain it in a way that will leave you feeling more confident in your own understanding. Chuck and David discuss current economic issues and their predictions for what lies ahead. But don't worry, you'll leave with encouragement about the future and how to prepare your finances and mind for whatever may come, knowing that God's economy is eternal. 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Crown Budget Coaches, David and Marilyn Butler. They have been serving in ministry together for over 30 years, which initially began out of financial hardship in their own lives. While the Butlers were going through a difficult financial situation, they were introduced to God's stewardship principles through a book written by Larry Burkett. Through it all, they learned that God was preparing them for the ministry of Budget Coaching. As Budget Coaches, David and Marilyn have helped hundreds of families and individuals - locally, nationally and internationally - to become faithful stewards.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Dr. Jim Denison of Denison Forum for a captivating discussion on how to respond biblically and redemptively to the vital issues of our day. This fast-paced episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice on how to respond and engage with the world in which we live, including money, taxes, and loving our neighbor.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Crown team members Ryan Paul and Katie Logan will bring you some much needed encouragement by discussing the promises of God. After what has been difficult last year for so many of us, these promises are even more meaningful. In this episode we share helpful practices and Biblical truths to help you walk through the next year with renewed faith. Ultimately, when you are rooted in God's promises, no matter what circumstances you may be facing, you will stand strong in your faith.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Handre De Jongh and Calvin Dillinger talk about Spring Cleaning for your finances. It's that time of year when people get the urge to clean out unused and unwanted things from their home. But as we are going through the unused items from our homes, we want to take it a step further by doing a “Spiritual Inventory” and shifting the way we view these possessions in light of our role as stewards.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Neile Simon, with Christian Credit Counselors. Neile and the team at CCC help people with debt management, avoid bankruptcy, debt settlement scams, and quick fixes that ruin credit. In this episode, you'll hear how to create margin in your finances - and some ways to avoid. With so many options for creating margin, it can be difficult to discern which will be a permanent solution, and which will be a “band-aid” fix for the real problem. If you have considered refinancing your home, taking money out of your 401k, transferring debt, or debt consolidation to create margin in your finances - we weigh the pros and cons of each of these possibilities.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Handre De Jongh shares how to create a spending plan - coming from someone who hates the word “budget”! You'll hear how developing a plan transformed Handre's family's personal finances - from being stuck to making real financial progress. This episode will give you practical steps to create your own spending plan, and give hope to those that dread this process!

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Chuck Bentley talks to Calvin Dillinger about investing and how to be a wise steward in turbulent times. You'll hear what needs to be done prior to becoming an investor, and how to use Biblical principles to guide your investing decisions. Chuck shares his thoughts on where our economy is headed and how to make sense of current market trends. Chuck answers a wide variety of questions you may have on the stock market, real estate, a coming recession, cryptocurrency and more. 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, you'll hear about a subject that is painful but relevant to so many: DEBT. Handre De Jongh discusses not only his personal struggles and triumphs in dealing with debt, but also practical tips and applicable strategies in working through any debt you may have. You will also learn that behind our debt, there often lies an even greater problem - and it has nothing to do with money. Whether you are overwhelmed by debt, or feel you have a good handle on your finances, this episode will encourage you in your journey as a faithful steward.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Chuck Bentley and Katie Logan discuss Destination 1 of Crown's Money Map, and why it is so important to start with generosity. Chuck talks about the origins of the Crown Money map, his and Ann's journey of giving 2.6% of their income to where they are today, and why regardless of what step you may be on -  giving is a key way we can demonstrate our trust in Him.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we cover one of Crown's foundational principles of stewardship: God's Part and Our Part. Handre De Jongh and Ryan Paul discuss how to transfer our mindset from what we believe belongs to us, to knowing it all belongs to God.  When we are able to transform our view of money - it relieves a tremendous burden from us, knowing God is in control and He is our provider.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we continue our series on macro-economic trends called Gray Swans, with special guest Jerry Bowyer. In this episode, Chuck Bentley and Jerry Bowyer discuss the ideas presented in Jerry's new book, The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. specifically focusing on socialism. Jerry takes a deep dive into scripture and 1st-century history to examine what Jesus's economy looks like. Examining the gospels in light of archeology and history gives us a very different picture than the one you may have been told regarding what Jesus taught about work and money.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we move into part 2 of our mini-series on macro-economic trends called Gray Swans, with special guest David McAlvany. In this episode, Chuck Bentley and David discuss Digital Currency and Fragile Networks, and the possible effects these trends have on our economy. David shares his knowledge on devaluation, cryptocurrency, predictions for the economy under a Biden administration, and what the individual can do to prepare for these changing systems.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we kick-off the first episode in our new mini-series on macro-economic trends called Gray Swans. Chuck Bentley examines this idea in his upcoming book, 7 Gray Swans: Trends that Threaten Our Financial Future. The term Gray Swan is used to describe a potentially very significant event, which if were to occur, could make a huge impact to the world, economy, and stock market. In this episode, Chuck talks about three of the Gray Swans he has identified: Modern Monetary Theory, Universal Basic Income and American Democratic Socialism. 

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Tim Eaton, Founder and CEO of NutraMedix and volunteer pilot for Kings Wings in Jupiter, Florida. Most entrepreneurs can't imagine giving 50% of their profits to support missions, but that is exactly what Tim and his wife, Bertha, have done from day one. Tim shares his story of being a missionary pilot in the jungle of Peru to starting a successful company, all for the glory of God.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Mark Biller, Executive Editor at  Sound Mind Investing. In this episode Mark discusses: How to get started as a first-time investor and explains the four basic kinds of risk: Inflation Risk, Longevity Risk, Market Risk, and Emotional Risk.  How the markets have responded to Covid-19. If we should change our financial strategy based on who wins the election and some predictions regarding the future of the US economy.  The difference between and Inside-Out Investor and an Outside-In Investor

We are excited to share the story of Brian Peterson on today's podcast. Brian shares with us how God opened his eyes to the possibilities of loving and serving the needy and homeless near his home in California. He recently took a leap of faith, leaving a successful career in automotive design, to scale a solution to serve the poor and needy in cities throughout the US and around the globe.

This week on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, we welcome Neile Simon, with Christian Credit Counselors. Neile and the team at CCC help people with debt management, avoid bankruptcy, debt settlement scams, and quick fixes that ruin credit. In this episode, we hear Handre De Jongh and Neile Simon discuss how to handle unexpected expenses, in times like today, where nothing seems to go as planned.

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Bob Lotich, founder of Seedtime.com. Crown CEO Chuck Bentley and Bob Lotich discuss Bob's financial journey: starting his marriage buried in $46K of credit card debt, to trusting God with everything, and now living generously and encouraging others to do the same. Bob shares how 2 Corinthians 9:8 encompasses his approach to his relationship with money. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

This episode we welcome James D. Stewart Jr. and Damian Carson to the Crown Stewardship Podcast. James and Damian are both closely involved in their communities and are good friends of Crown Financial Ministries. Crown CEO Chuck Bentley interviews these two leaders about their personal experiences and perspectives on racism and economic justice, as well as their wisdom for solutions.

Today on the Crown Stewardship Podcast, Chuck Bentley addresses one of the major issues facing our time: Racism. Racism is a problem plaguing the entire globe, not just here in the United States. There are many voices and confusing messages about what our response should be to this important issue but very few from a Biblical perspective. In his brief, 14-minute devotional today, Chuck takes us back thousands of years in history and introduces us to the world's very first Anti-Racist.

In this episode Crown's CEO, Chuck Bentley interviews Brooke Hempell (Barna Group's Senior Vice President of Research), on the health of the American Church. 

Chuck Bentley CEO of Crown Financial Ministries and the founder of the Christian Economic Forum shares five defining principles of God's economy and how they contrast with the world's economy.

Dr. Robi Sonderegger, a world-renowned psychologist, offers practical and encouraging ways to cope with the overwhelming feelings many of us are encountering as we face an uncertain future.

Today's guest on the Crown Stewardship Podcast is Paul Sohn, interviewed by Crown's Senior Director of US Operations, Calvin Dillinger. Paul invites listeners to think differently about work, success, purpose, and calling, and encourages each of us as we adapt to a “new normal” in the workplace.  Interview Highlights: How to be strategic during this time by asking yourself a few important questions about your purpose and calling What impact will COVID-19 have on the future of work? What is the difference between a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset when it comes to success? Encouragement for students trying to start their careers, and for those in the workforce trying to transition their careers  

Today's guest on the Crown Stewardship Podcast is Ed Samuel, interviewed by Crown Vice President of Global Outreach Handre de Jongh. Ed's message of encouragement is for anyone struggling to navigate unemployment or career change during the pandemic. Nearly 30 million Americans are currently unemployed and worried for the future. Even those still employed may find themselves worried about their career outlook. But there is hope; despite what we read in the news, there are abundant growth opportunities for employees looking for work during the crisis.

David Wills sheds light on the opportunities that organizations and corporations have to engage with their employees, communities, and board members during the COVID-19 crisis.