Zero to One Million
Welcome to "Zero to One Million," the podcast that empowers you to take control of your financial future! Hosted by Vendarryl Jenkins, a Chicago native and author of the book “Zero to One Million”, this show is dedicated to helping middle-income working-class folks like you build wealth through multiple streams of income.
Have you ever wondered how to truly transform your financial situation and financially thrive? I have developed a cheat code called the AMASI technique to help you. Join us as we dive deep with a community that’s committed to achieving economic empowerment. Most episodes will feature inspiring guests who share their stories, strategies, and insights on managing resources effectively and creating wealth that lasts.
Together, we’ll tackle alarming statistics about financial insecurity, discuss actionable solutions, and build a supportive community focused on creating generational wealth. Subscribe now and embark on a journey to financial freedom! Let’s unlock the doors to wealth together!
Zero to One Million
The Church's Mandate: Teaching God's people to financially Thrive
Welcome to Zero to One Million Podcast Episode 9 The Churches Role in Economic Empowerment! A great majority of my community are hard working church going people who are not financially literate. I want to take a moment to discuss this important topic that often gets overlooked in our expectations, the role of the church to promote financial literacy. In the United States, we have approximately 344,000 religious congregations contributing a staggering $418 billion to the economy. That’s not just a number; it’s a powerful testament to the influence that churches have—not only spiritually but also economically.
Just like a CEO leads a nonprofit organization, pastors are at the helm of their congregations. Their influence shapes not just the spiritual lives of their parishioners but also their spending habits and financial priorities. Yet, many churches fall short in teaching their members about economic empowerment, leaving them ill-equipped to manage their finances effectively.
This is where I believe the church has a crucial responsibility. We often talk about stewardship in the context of tithing, but stewardship goes beyond that; it encompasses the wise management of all resources—including financial ones. When we think of stewardship, we should also consider how we can empower our congregations to be financially literate, to budget wisely, save for the future, and use their resources in a way that aligns with their values.
The principles of stewardship, justice, and care for the poor are deeply embedded in our religious teachings. If we truly care for the marginalized and the economically disadvantaged, we need to equip them with the tools to achieve economic empowerment. This is not just charity; it’s about creating pathways for self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Now, I’m not suggesting that every pastor needs to have an MBA or become a financial guru. However, some basic financial and business acumen can go a long way in effectively leading a church. By understanding fundamental concepts like budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning, pastors can better manage church finances, create sustainable budgets, and make informed decisions that support the mission of the church.
Moreover, when pastors have this financial knowledge, they can engage with their congregations in meaningful ways. They can spark conversations about economic empowerment, facilitate workshops on budgeting, and even invite financial experts to share advice on saving and investing. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the entire community.