The Role of a Christian Financial Counselor with Dr. Art Rainer

Episode 528

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14

The words of that verse apply to all areas of Christian life, including financial stewardship. According to God's financial principles, good counsel is important for managing His money wisely. Dr. Art Rainer joins us today to talk about it.

Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is a regular contributor here at Faith & Finance and the author of Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.

What Does a Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) Do?

Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFCs) are trained to help individuals and couples with immediate financial challenges. Using biblical principles, they guide people in key areas such as:

Budgeting effectively
Eliminating debt
Breaking free from paycheck-to-paycheck living
Saving for future expenses
Living generously

Their goal is to equip you with practical tools and spiritual insights so that you can manage your money in accordance with God’s design.

Rigorous Training for a Biblical Approach

Becoming a CertCFC involves a comprehensive training program covering topics like:

Biblical stewardship
Debt elimination strategies
Saving and budgeting principles

To earn the designation, candidates must pass a 100-question, two-hour examination. This rigorous process ensures they’re well-prepared to provide high-quality guidance that is both practical and biblically sound.

Counselor vs. Advisor: What’s the Difference?

One common question is the difference between financial counselors and financial advisors. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Financial Advisors: Focus on long-term planning, including investments, retirement, and tax strategies.
Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFCs): Address immediate financial concerns, helping clients overcome challenges like debt and budgeting.

If you’re looking for help with every day financial issues, a CertCFC is the right fit.

A Calling to Help Others

If you’re passionate about biblical financial stewardship, becoming a Certified Christian Financial Counselor might be your next step. CertCFCs serve in various capacities, including:

Running a private financial counseling practice
Serving in their local church
Combining both approaches to reach more people

There is a significant need for more counselors to help individuals align their finances with God’s principles.

What to Expect When Working with a CertCFC

When you meet with a Certified Christian Financial Counselor, you’ll find a supportive, empathetic partner who listens to your story and provides practical, biblically-based solutions. Typical sessions last about an hour and include:

A review of your financial challenges
Encouragement and guidance grounded in Scripture
Actionable steps to move forward

You’ll leave with real tools and a renewed sense of hope for managing your money