With much of the area struggling financially, local churches are stepping in to provide what they hope is a long-term solution.
Clarkston Free Methodist Church is hosting ‘A Journey to Financial Freedom? seminar with Crown Financial Ministries at 5482 Winell on March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seminar combines Biblical principles of money management with practical real life application.
‘There are a lot of companies that teach you how to balance a budget. Crown sets principles and guidelines that don’t let you fall back into old habits because you have something to hold on to,? said Merl Terry, local director of Crown Financial Ministries.
The seminar is a joint effort between the Oxford and Clarkston Free Methodist Churches, who welcome people from the surrounding area to attend.
‘The Bible is not primarily a book of finance, but does talk about it. The Biblical principles have stood the test of time,? said Mark Orchard, a member of Oxford Free Methodist Church, who helped bring the seminar. ‘We see it as an opportunity to help and serve.?
Orchard stated he believes financial problems are the top cause of divorce, creating the need for churches to step in and help people manage those problems.
The Clarkston Community Church (CCC) held a similar event on Feb. 11.
‘It was excellent. Often times churches are accused of asking people for money. This seminar takes a different approach,? said CCC pastor Greg Henneman. ‘It’s trying to help people in their financial management.?
Henneman said his church is now developing a financial ministry team as an outgrowth of the seminar.
‘We’re saying the word of God and principles apply to all our areas of life and are helpful to marriages, family and people,? said Pastor Dave Coleman of Clarkston Free Methodist Church. ‘The number one thing I’m seeing in the church? is everyone has good intentions to handle money wisely, but having good intentions is not enough. We need to be equipped to do it.?
The idea to host the March seminar occurred when church leadership at Clarkston Free Methodist approached member Bill Parkhill about outreach programs in 2006.
Throughout his career in business, Parkhill saw plants closing and read daily newspaper reports of layoffs and wondered what those people were doing.
Parkhill became convinced in the value of teaching about ‘the cycle of debt,? that to him consumed people who spent their lives chasing dollars.
After hearing Crown Financial Ministries provide what he considered sound financial advice to callers on the radio. Following that experience, Parkhill decided they provided the type of outreach the church wanted.
When asked about what a two income family could do with the program, Parkhill explained what Crown had done for others.
?(It causes them to ) look at the family and set priorities. Today, a lot of the families that went through (Crown’s seminar) have looked at the two income family and they set a priority to have one as a stay-at-home parent,? said Parkhill.
‘A Journey to Financial Freedom? is on March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided. Child-care is available. The seminar costs $20 per person for a workbook. The seminar has a 300 person capacity. To sign up call either church, at 248-623-1224 (Clarkston) or 248 628-1203 (Oxford). Clarkston Free Methodist Church is located at 5482 Winell near Maybee Road between Sashabaw Road and Dixie Highway.