An enthusiastic start
When CAP Ireland launched in September 2023, Jesse was there from day one. He saw the vision clearly. People in his church and community were struggling with the weight of financial pressure. He had a good understanding of Biblical principles around money. But, he wasn’t sure how to lead other people to freedom in this area. “Money Coaching” offered a practical, grace-filled way to offer this.
This is as true today as it was then. In late 2025 the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) survey showed that 84% in Ireland worried about cost-of-living crisis. 2026 is not showing any signs of let up on high costs.
But as anyone involved in church life knows, vision and reality don’t always align on the first try.
The waiting room
Swords Baptist Church had emerged from the Covid epidemic with a good problem. Not only were they regrouping, but many new people started to attend. Everyone was so busy.
The Pastor and overseers saw the value in money coaching. They were keen to become a church partner. But everyone was already “picking up the pieces” of their own lives and ministries. Jesse found himself in a tough spot—at CAP, we believe in team ministry, but he was a team of one.
No one would have blamed Jesse if he let the idea drop. But that is not who he is. Instead, he just kept the flame alive. He prayed and joined the online CAP prayer meetings. He kept talking about it. He also kept freedom from financial stress on the church’s agenda. He trusted that even when things looked stagnant, God wasn’t finished.
As Galatians 6:9 encourages us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
A hand goes up
While Jesse was praying, God was working a few chapters ahead.
In 2024, over a year after CAP Ireland’s launch, Gary and his family started coming to the church. This was a huge deal—they hadn’t been interested in God for over a decade.
After coming to faith in Jesus and being baptised, Gary spent six months asking God a simple but profound question: “How can I serve?”
The answer came through the church A.G.M. and Jesse’s persistence in keeping CAP and money coaching on the agenda. Gary works professionally in financial services. As Jesse gave his report, Gary realised straight away the significance of serving through money coaching.
I was never taught how to handle money…I made so many mistakes along the way. I spent years not having spare cash, I spent years worrying, am I gonna run out of money… there’s a great opportunity to help a lot of people with this (money coaching).
His professional skills in finance met his new heart for ministry and he knew what God was asking of him. He didn’t just have the head for financial education. He also had the heart to provide a space where lives can be blessed.
Photo: Gary with money coaching coordinator Helen Holden
The lesson in the waiting
Whether a church is rapidly growing and busy with new people or small and stretched thin, the barriers are real. But this story reminds us that while our circumstances change, our God doesn’t.
Isaiah 64:4 tell us:
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”
Jesse waited. Gary searched. And in the end, God brought the two together to start something that will change lives in their community.
They have found a partnership. Gary can take the lead. Jesse fits into his natural place of observing and listening carefully to participants to offer support. They make a great team.
How about you? Are you interested in a money coaching ministry?
Are you waiting for a “Gary” to come forward to join you so that you can get started?
Don’t let this story lead you to believe that you need someone with a financial services background. That is not the most important thing. Gary lived many years with the struggle of not knowing how to handle money, learning the hard way. He has discovered that knowledge is good, but trusting God for direction is even better. This experience is what makes him such a great money coach.
Take heart from Jesse’s story.
Keep praying, keep the idea before your church and, in His time, God will answer you too.
Find out more about money coaching here.
Contact helen@capireland.ie or alan@capireland.ie to talk about how you can get involved.