“Christians against poverty isn’t about helping Christians – Christians Against Poverty is about helping people”.
That was what Joel (a recent money coaching course participant) shared at our Cork taster event 29Apr – kindly hosted at The Carraig Centre by the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes.
Joel shared this as part of his practical and spiritual journey with money, which he’d picked up online from Martin Lewis. That’s the thing about money/wealth/possessions: we’ve all got a story to share including Jesus who spoke openly and widely about it too.
“Greater awareness of digital scammers/ scams and the need for better self-protection, is so important today!”
At a similar taster in Dublin 1May, kindly hosted by Kill-of-the-Grange church in Deansgrange, guests commented on the real need for #moneycoaching amongst themselves, family, friends and colleagues. One guest adding that “greater awareness of digital scammers/scams and the need for better self-protection, is so important today!”
At both tasters, guests were introduced to CAP and money coaching. They included a diverse group gathered including those needing help; trained Money Coaches, potential new volunteers, church leaders plus future donors.
Both events provided first-hand information and inspiration about CAP and money coaching. This included Joel sharing in Cork, while in Dublin both Cathy and Cliff, Money Coaches with Dún Laoghaire Evangelical Church, shared their experiences including how much fun it can be talking about money! Also see Cathy featured in the video below:
The Cork-taster highlight was the interactive activities. Small groups used spending cards to discuss essential vs. optional expenses. This quickly revealed differing opinions and highlighted that money coaching doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach to money management, but a way for each individual to think through what is important to them. Not judging other’s choices is a core value for our volunteer coaches and is fostered in these discussions during money coaching sessions.
Cork-guests analysed the pros and cons of credit through a video and paired discussions on different scenarios, emphasising thoughtful financial decision-making.
Joel (Cork) also shared about the context to his own experience of taking part in recent money coaching sessions. He’d been (rightly so) wary of the so-called “prosperity gospel” but the comment from Martin Lewis reassured him of CAP’s wider vision:
“Christians against poverty isn’t about helping Christians, Christians Against Poverty is about helping people”.
Joel found the coaching beneficial personally as a young adult, providing financial awareness and tools for present and future financial management, and inspiring him to share this knowledge with others. The growing participation of young adults in money coaching is encouraging and we look forward to many more churches partnering with us so that it is available to many more people, young and old.
A few of our Dublin guests are intending on sitting in on this month’s money coaching course sessions for participants, in DEC. If you are in the Dublin area, available for 90 mins Tuesday evenings and like to visit then please register directly asking for Cliff www.dec.ie/contact