Ken Johnson, a member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church in North Haledon, N.J., knows from personal experience the problems unemployment and debt can create in a family. He has been laid off five times in his banking and financial career.
During his first layoff, mortgage payments and credit card debt were burdensome. Once he got another job, he resolved to get his financial life in order and to serve others in a coaching ministry he calls New Hope Financial Fitness.
Johnson teaches four biblical principles: spend less than you earn (Heb. 13:5); avoid debt (Prov. 22:7); maintain liquidity (Prov. 21:20); and set long-term goals (Prov. 16:3).
In his ministry, Johnson meets with people to discuss their concerns, works with creditors to adjust interest rates, and helps clients develop a budget with a goal of financial peace. He believes that making good financial decisions brings balance to life and makes time for what really matters while reducing worry about money.
Bruce and Dee, participants in a small group study at Covenant CRC led by Johnson, said, “We have had our financial ups and downs. What a difference there is in handling struggles when you respond in God’s way!”
Doug Boydston, a deacon at Covenant CRC, said the deacons often refer clients with challenging financial problems to Johnson.
“His advice enables us to provide holistic benevolent assistance, rather than just putting a Band-Aid on a bad situation,” he said.
