In the fast changing regulatory and economic climate, wouldn’t it be nice to find a financial advisor whose advice is tested, relevant and sound?

Recently, a group of Memphis financial professionals – financial planners, trust officers, estate attorneys – began meeting on a monthly basis to receive just that type of advice.  It is part of Kingdom Advisors Community and Small Group model.  Kingdom Advisors was formed to engage, equip and empower Christian financial professionals to embrace and implement the life-changing principles of Biblical stewardship.

Kingdom Advisors’ roots were planted in 1997, when Larry Burkett, co-founder of Crown Financial Ministries, brought together 16 close friends and fellow professionals with a commitment to incorporating Biblical wisdom into their advice and counsel who formed the Christian Financial Planning Institute. They began to prayerfully consider and plan for the creation of an organization that would help Christian financial professionals become passionate about experiencing purpose in their work, and also draw upon their faith when counseling clients. This core group shared a common vision: to create a network of Christian financial professionals. Kingdom Advisors, under the leadership of Ron Blue, is now the largest national network of Christian financial professionals.
    When one chooses a financial advisor of any discipline, they are looking for several things, most importantly that their advisor is interested in their needs first and foremost. They want someone who is competent, performs their work with excellence, and has humility and integrity. Many advisors, Christian and non-Christian, can meet these requirements. So, what is the difference? I believe that there are at least three primary differences between any advisor and a Kingdom Advisor.

First of all, God’s word says “The mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps,” Proverbs 16:3. Additionally it says that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” Psalm 111:10. Ultimately you should expect and desire your advisor to give advice that is consistent with God’s word. There is a higher standard for a Christian than for a non-Christian in making their financial decisions because they are handling God’s resources. God’s word is a light that should guide every area of our lives and very significantly the financial area of our lives.

Second, a Kingdom Advisor is going to have a worldview or a perspective that is different from someone outside the Christian faith. It is eternal in its nature and consequently for the client it helps him or her to actually be stewards of God’s resources. The advisor facilitates helping a client make financial decisions that have eternal consequences.

The third reason is that the character of a believer in Jesus Christ should be of a higher standard than an outsider. As you read scripture and see what God’s standards are, the character qualities of that advisor should be reflected.

We believe that you have a right to expect a difference in dealing with a Kingdom Advisor, someone who is a disciple of Christ, has been equipped, and is motivated to assist others to grow in their relationship with our Savior. These are men and women who, in all humility, have committed their lives to serving the Lord Jesus for kingdom purposes. They find their fulfillment in their calling to be of service to you. They understand that they are dealing with the resources that God has entrusted to you, the goals that God has given to you, and the desire that you have to be a good steward with all that God has entrusted to you.

To find out more about Kingdom Advisors or get involved contact David Lenoir at 901.766.9393.
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The above article was submitted by David Lenoir, area director of Kingdom Advisors.  HOPE welcomes unique initiatives that will grow Biblical Christian stewardship in the city.