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An individual’s ministry effectiveness will generally be significantly influenced by the biblical or non-biblical use of money. Jesus indicated that, if you are not trustworthy with money, then God will not entrust you with something of greater importance, which Christ called the “true riches. “If you have not been trustworthy in the handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11). Back to Priorities Effective Ministry By: Tom Copland June 13, 2020 An individual’s ministry effectiveness will generally be significantly influenced by the biblical or non-biblical use of money. Jesus indicated that, if you are not trustworthy with money, then God will not entrust you with something of greater importance, which Christ called the “true riches. “If you have not been trustworthy in the handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11). I believe that God’s “true riches” include a close relationship with God, God’s peace, and God’s joy. In addition, I believe that God’s “true riches” include an effective ministry that has been blessed by God. It is interesting to note that one of the requirements for an elder is that the person must not be a “lover of money” and must be able to manage one’s own family well—which, by the way, would include managing family finances in a godly fashion (1 Timothy 3:3–5). From a practical perspective, 1 Timothy 3:5 raises this question: “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” Further, some biblical scholars interpret the “true riches” that Jesus Christ is referring to in Luke 16:11 to include spiritual responsibilities, which obviously affects one’s ministry. It is important to note that the verse preceding Luke 16:11 indicates that an individual must demonstrate faithfulness in a small amount before God will entrust him or her with a larger amount. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” In short, it is one’s character that determines the extent of one’s faithfulness to God, not the amount of money a person has been entrusted with. In summary, if a Christian is not faithful to God in regard to something of less importance, such as money and material things, then why would God entrust one with something of greater importance, which would include an effective ministry that has been blessed by God? I believe there is no substitute for studying and meditating on God’s Word with regard to finances. This, in conjunction with prayer, will enable you to determine God’s will for your life in regard to the money he has entrusted you with. As you implement God’s financial principles, God will provide you with his peace and joy in regard to finances as well as an effective ministry. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Investing Counsel & Wisdom Stewardship Principle Read More Read More Read More

We want to say thank you! We have been attending your zoom study on financial management God's way. We have both learned so much. Personally, I never dreamed the Bible had so much to say on finances. We are currently working on a budget for ourselves and are actively paying down our debt. Thank you so much for teaching this awesome study. Back to Testimonials Zoom Webinar Testimony We want to say thank you! We have been attending your zoom study on financial management God's way. We have both learned so much. Personally, I never dreamed the Bible had so much to say on finances. We are currently working on a budget for ourselves and are actively paying down our debt. Thank you so much for teaching this awesome study. L.A. Oxbow, SK, Canada Previous Next

Recently a group of pastors were discussing that their churches were falling behind in their giving and having trouble meeting budgets. I was reluctant to share, less it appears to be bragging, that our church was in fact ahead in this year’s budget and we enjoyed a sizeable surplus. Upon reflection, I concluded that one of the reasons for the excellent response was because we have been scheduling some classes and seminars on personal finances and debt reduction/elimination. Back to Testimonials Daily living for God Recently a group of pastors were discussing that their churches were falling behind in their giving and having trouble meeting budgets. I was reluctant to share, less it appears to be bragging, that our church was in fact ahead in this year’s budget and we enjoyed a sizeable surplus. Upon reflection, I concluded that one of the reasons for the excellent response was because we have been scheduling some classes and seminars on personal finances and debt reduction/elimination. One of the reasons people fail to give what they should is because they are carrying a debt load. I am finding that in addition to giving challenges, debt is placing tremendous stress on marriages and affecting people’s emotional and physical health. Recently, one of the men who was baptized in our church testified to the fact that it was through the financial teaching in our church that he got his spiritual priorities straightened out and realized what that meant for his daily living for God. Anonymous Previous Next

I have been ‘debt-free’ for a few years. The joy of being debt-free is tremendous. The funds I saved enabled me to go for a few mission trips and to support other missions. I still receive your financial moments which are very helpful…and still tracking my budget using your template. I am also able to go to school for my. God always met my needs, I never have to worry about my school fees…it always showed up when I need to pay a course. Thank you for your teaching and I will continue to pray for your/God’s financial ministries. Back to Testimonials The joy of being debt-free is tremendous I have been ‘debt-free’ for a few years. The joy of being debt-free is tremendous. The funds I saved enabled me to go for a few mission trips and to support other missions. I still receive your financial moments which are very helpful…and still tracking my budget using your template. I am also able to go to school for my. God always met my needs, I never have to worry about my school fees…it always showed up when I need to pay a course. Thank you for your teaching and I will continue to pray for your/God’s financial ministries. Anonymous Previous Next

I began seriously studying God's Word on finances around 2008 when going through a Sunday School seminar on Debt Reduction God's Way led by Tom Copland (shortly after he had joined our church in Ajax). Back to Testimonials I have come to realize that Biblical stewardship is not an area that can be faked. I began seriously studying God's Word on finances around 2008 when going through a Sunday School seminar on Debt Reduction God's Way led by Tom Copland (shortly after he had joined our church in Ajax). This seminar not only opened my eyes to the dangers of debt, but prompted me to participate in several other similar seminars over the coming years, with the focus on Financial Management God's Way. I am thankful for this material that has helped me appreciate that the Lord is deeply interested in how I use the money and material things He has entrusted me with, and to that end, I have come to realize that Biblical stewardship is not an area that can be faked. I am also thankful for the many opportunities Tom has presented me with to lead others in this area, which the Lord has used to continue to show me that in order to maximize my spiritual impact as a Biblical steward, contrary to conventional 'worldly wisdom', the Lord's wisdom is that borrowing is generally discouraged and giving is generally encouraged. After many years of study and resolve to follow God's Word, I am thankful to have been able to persevere by avoiding many financial temptations, and as a result now am totally debt-free. I would recommend following Tom Copland's material on managing money God's way for anyone who is looking to do the same. E.L Ontario, Canada Previous Next

Amazing! Tom’s knowledge of the bible is extraordinary and God’s call on his life is unmistakable, allowing so many people the opportunity to learn and understand how to manage finances God’s way. I feel truly blessed to have been able to participate and learn from Tom’s wisdom. His generosity in offering this program without charging a fee is testament to his commitment to God and man. Tom lives his faith and demonstrates his faithfulness to love God and love people. Thank you Tom!! Back to Testimonials Tom's faithfulness to love God and love people Amazing! Tom’s knowledge of the bible is extraordinary and God’s call on his life is unmistakable, allowing so many people the opportunity to learn and understand how to manage finances God’s way. I feel truly blessed to have been able to participate and learn from Tom’s wisdom. His generosity in offering this program without charging a fee is testament to his commitment to God and man. Tom lives his faith and demonstrates his faithfulness to love God and love people. Thank you Tom!! W.B. Barrie, ON, Canada Previous Next

Thank you for your financial seminar I took for Singles last year. Your seminars are excellent biblical teaching that works and I am still using today. Thank you Tom and thank you God! Back to Testimonials God saved me $1000.00 by knowing the state of my flocks! Hallelujah! Knowing the state of your flocks will save you money. May God be praised! Thank you for your financial seminar I took for Singles last year. Your seminars are excellent biblical teaching that works and I am still using today. Thank you Tom and thank you God! P. H. Vancouver, Canada Previous Next

Regardless of how difficult your financial problems are, it’s important to remember that God is in control. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present God. Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety God is in Control By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Regardless of how difficult your financial problems are, it’s important to remember that God is in control. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present God. After God miraculously provided all the materials and labor that were needed to build the temple, David acknowledged God’s sovereignty and power by praising God as follows: Everything in the heavens and earth is yours O Lord and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honour come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind: your hand controls power and that might and it is at your discretion that men are making great and given strength. (1 Chron. 29: 11, 12 TLB) Even if you find that the financial pressures are overwhelming and you are “at the end of your rope,” God is still in control: “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all” (Ps. 103:19 NASB). God is aware of your financial problems as he watches over you: “The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy” (Ps. 145:20). God is aware of every detail of your financial problems (Ps. 139:1–4 ). Although God did not cause your financial problems, he has allowed them to occur in your life. He has a purpose for any trials that his children encounter. Perhaps you have unknowingly violated one or more of his principles, in which case the purpose would be to teach you something. Or perhaps your financial problems may simply be the result of God “pruning” you with the objective of you “bearing more spiritual fruit”(John 15:2). Either way, God is still in control. In Isaiah 46:9–11 God says, I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Because God is in control, we need to trust him completely and depend solely upon him for the direction and strength that we need in dealing with all of our financial problems. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More

The following steps should enable you to learn and implement God’s investment principles. 1. Pray and depend on God for his wisdom (James 1:5) and his direction (Psalm 32:8) when investing, because no human can consistently predict the direction of the markets (James 4:13–15). Overview Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 The following steps should enable you to learn and implement God’s investment principles. 1. Pray and depend on God for his wisdom (James 1:5) and his direction (Psalm 32:8) when investing, because no human can consistently predict the direction of the markets (James 4:13–15). Listen for God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12), because only God knows the future and God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12). 2. Develop and implement a biblically-based investment strategy that reflects God’s will for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Understanding God’s financial principles will enable you to avoid a lot of bad investments. 3. Diversify your investments in accordance with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2. This requires allocation of your assets into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition, which will reduce the risk and volatility of your portfolio. (Note there are two Financial Moments on this topic.) 4. Use minimal—or ideally no—debt, because God’s Word strongly discourages the use of debt. People who use leverage aggressively will likely be forced by a lender to sell at the wrong time—when their investments have decreased in value (Proverbs 22:7). 5. Ensure that you understand the investment. Generally, people lose money when they invest in something they do not understand (Proverbs 19:2). 6. Assess your tolerance for risk, and invest accordingly. It is biblical to assume some investment risk; however, if you don’t feel comfortable with the volatility of your portfolio, then reduce your equities and increase Canada bonds. 7. Avoid “get rich quick investments” and hasty decisions. If you do not have enough time to pray and evaluate a particular investment, then do not invest. Hasty decisions are usually bad decisions (Proverbs 21:5). God recommends saving and accumulating assets over a long period of time (Proverbs 13:11). 8. Obtain biblical counsel from more than one source (Proverbs 15:22). Ensure that your investment advisers understand God’s financial principles because, unfortunately, many Christians do not, and they inadvertently give unbiblical advice (Psalm 1:1–3). 9. Ensure that your motives are godly and not worldly (Proverbs 16:2). 10. Follow God’s directives (e.g., planning, patience), not human tendencies like fear and greed. 11. Give to God’s work, as it produces eternal benefits! (Matthew 19:28, 29) 12. Keep a balanced perspective on investing (1 Timothy 6:6–8). It is appropriate to invest with the objective of saving for future needs; however, don’t overdo it—don’t spend excessive amounts of time and energy on investing, as this is not God’s will (Proverbs 23:4, 5). The above is intended to provide an overview of God’s principles with respect to investing. Further details are provided in my individual Financial Moments for each step. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

I’d be very grateful to receive a copy of your new book on Biblical principles to deal with inflation. Thank you so much. I’ve been praying for at least 8 months now, asking God to help my son pay down a large income tax debt. I can’t tell you how much your courses are helping me. I’m learning so much. It almost seems overwhelming so I need to keep going over it. Thanks so much. May God richly bless you and your ministry. Back to Testimonials I’d be very grateful to receive a copy of your new book on Biblical principles to deal with inflation " I’d be very grateful to receive a copy of your new book on Biblical principles to deal with inflation. Thank you so much. I’ve been praying for at least 8 months now, asking God to help my son pay down a large income tax debt. I can’t tell you how much your courses are helping me. I’m learning so much. It almost seems overwhelming so I need to keep going over it. Thanks so much. May God richly bless you and your ministry." J. G. 281 Fir Lane Kemptville, Ont K0G 1J0 Previous Next

My name is Dario my wife and myself attended your seminar several years ago… Your seminar had helped us incredibly with our finances. We bought our house and it was paid off in 13 years. Thank you again. Back to Testimonials Your seminar has helped us incredibly My name is Dario my wife and myself attended your seminar several years ago… Your seminar had helped us incredibly with our finances. We bought our house and it was paid off in 13 years. Thank you again. Dario G. Toronto, ON, Canada (Originally from the Philippines) Previous Next

In my experience, the following are the common elements of a “get-rich-quick investment.” 1. There is a promise of an abnormally high rate of return. If the expected rate of return is unusually high, then the risk associated with that investment is also unusually high. Avoid "Get-Rich-Quick Investments" and Hasty Decisions Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 In my experience, the following are the common elements of a “get-rich-quick investment.” 1. There is a promise of an abnormally high rate of return. If the expected rate of return is unusually high, then the risk associated with that investment is also unusually high. Hence there is a risk of very significant losses. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 2. Generally, the investor has a limited understanding of the investment. It is easier for a salesperson to sell you a high-risk investment when it is outside of your expertise. 3. It usually requires a quick decision that will prevent the potential investor from obtaining independent counsel from someone who has a thorough understanding of the investment. 4. Frequently, debt is utilized because debt increases the returns if the investment is successful; but debt also increases the losses if the investment goes sour. 5. Generally, a get-rich-quick investment is not diversified in accordance with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2 but is focused on one investment or one sector, which increases the return if the promoters are right in their predictions, but it also increases the losses if they are wrong. God clearly warns of the dangers of trying to get rich quick: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23:4–5) The emphasis in Scripture is to save and accumulate a little at a time over a long period of time and not to try to get rich quick. Proverbs 13:11 states, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (emphasis added). As explained in my Financial Moment titled “Investing—Assess Your Tolerance for Risk and Invest Accordingly,” it is biblical to assume some risk within your investment portfolio. However, when investors try to make a lot of money very quickly (i.e., to get rich quick), then generally they assume an excessive amount of risk and debt, and they frequently lose everything. This is not God’s will. Therefore, if someone recommends an investment that promises an abnormally high rate of return, or requires a significant portion of your portfolio, then I recommend the following: 1. Pray and ask God to direct you through his Holy Spirit. A lack of peace can be God’s way of communicating to you or your spouse that it is not God’s will for you to invest. 2. Ask God to reveal to you your motives. Motives are important to God (Proverbs 16:2). Ungodly motives include greed, covetousness, impatience, and pride; the corresponding godly motives would be generosity, contentment, patience, and humility. 3. Take the time that is required to obtain sufficient knowledge and understanding of the investment before you invest (Proverbs 28:19, 20). 4. Use godly counsellors who have the necessary experience and knowledge and will not personally profit if you decide to invest (Psalm 1:1–3). In summary, if you do not have sufficient time to complete the four suggestions above, then do not invest. Some of the best investment decisions ever made are the decisions not to invest. Hasty decisions are usually bad decisions (Proverbs 21:5). And remember, the emphasis in God’s Word is to save and accumulate assets for future needs over a long period of time—not to get rich quickly. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More