The Pastors & Money Podcast
How is Learning to Tithe a Little Bit Like Quitting Smoking?
I recently had the pleasure of joining The Pastors & Money Podcast with Joy Suzanne Hunt, and let me tell you—it was one of the most honest conversations I’ve had about faith, finances, and the messy, beautiful space where they intersect. We dove into the spiritual significance of money, the fears that hold people back from generosity, and how financial stewardship isn’t about guilt but about freedom.
We also tackled the sticky questions, like “What happens if I tithe so much my church can’t function without me?” (Yes, that’s a real worry for some high earners.) And we didn’t shy away from the awkward truth about debt either—it’s hard to give freely when you’ve already pre-donated your paycheck to Visa and Capital One.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the balance between generosity and financial stability, this episode is for you. Here are some key moments you won’t want to miss.
🎙️Click here to listen to the full episode.
Key Takeaways & Timestamps
⏳ [01:06] - My Journey Into Financial Planning
I shared how I got into financial planning—not because I dreamed of Excel spreadsheets as a kid—but because I wanted to help people feel confident about their financial futures while aligning their money with biblical values.
⏳ [01:56] - The Story Behind Open-Handed Wealth
I explained why I named my firm Open-Handed Wealth. Spoiler: It wasn’t just to sound poetic. It’s about the biblical principle of stewardship—living with open hands so that God can give both to us and through us.
⏳ [03:34] - The Paradox of Generosity: Tithing vs. Quitting Smoking
We discussed why quitting smoking is easier for most people than tithing consistently. (Hint: It has nothing to do with nicotine and everything to do with fear of not having enough.)
⏳ [14:07] - Balancing Stewardship and Generosity
We tackled the delicate balance between giving generously and being a responsible steward. Because, let’s be real, no one wants to be generous and broke.
⏳ [17:35] - The Income-Wealth Matrix
I introduced a practical two-by-two matrix to help people decide how much to give and save based on where they are in life. Turns out, a retiree and a young parent probably shouldn’t be tithing the same percentage—who knew?
⏳ [21:41] - Leaving a Lasting Legacy
We explored how to leave a legacy that’s more than just money. Yes, you can leave an inheritance for your children’s children, but if you don’t teach them stewardship, they’ll blow through it faster than you can say “trust fund.”
⏳ [26:41] - Encouragement for Pastors
To wrap up, we spoke directly to pastors who feel isolated in their financial struggles. Newsflash: You’re not alone. And no, you don’t have to pretend you’ve got it all figured out just because you stand behind a pulpit.
This episode is for anyone looking to align their finances with their faith without feeling guilty about their grocery bill.