Welcome to Episode 10 of our podcast! Today, we're diving into a fascinating topic that is well needed: "When your system turns into an industry standard”. In American culture people routinely use their, imagination and created brilliant techniques that they cultivate into a system and some grow to become an industry standard.

Welcome to Zero to One Million Podcast Episode 9 The Churches Role in Economic Empowerment! A great majority of my community are hard working church going people who are not financially literate. I want to take a moment to discuss this important topic that often gets overlooked in our expectations, the role of the church to promote financial literacy. In the United States, we have approximately 344,000 religious congregations contributing a staggering $418 billion to the economy. That’s not just a number; it’s a powerful testament to the influence that churches have—not only spiritually but also economically.

Just like a CEO leads a nonprofit organization, pastors are at the helm of their congregations. Their influence shapes not just the spiritual lives of their parishioners but also their spending habits and financial priorities. Yet, many churches fall short in teaching their members about economic empowerment, leaving them ill-equipped to manage their finances effectively.

This is where I believe the church has a crucial responsibility. We often talk about stewardship in the context of tithing, but stewardship goes beyond that; it encompasses the wise management of all resources—including financial ones. When we think of stewardship, we should also consider how we can empower our congregations to be financially literate, to budget wisely, save for the future, and use their resources in a way that aligns with their values.

The principles of stewardship, justice, and care for the poor are deeply embedded in our religious teachings. If we truly care for the marginalized and the economically disadvantaged, we need to equip them with the tools to achieve economic empowerment. This is not just charity; it’s about creating pathways for self-sufficiency and financial independence.

Now, I’m not suggesting that every pastor needs to have an MBA or become a financial guru. However, some basic financial and business acumen can go a long way in effectively leading a church. By understanding fundamental concepts like budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning, pastors can better manage church finances, create sustainable budgets, and make informed decisions that support the mission of the church.

Moreover, when pastors have this financial knowledge, they can engage with their congregations in meaningful ways. They can spark conversations about economic empowerment, facilitate workshops on budgeting, and even invite financial experts to share advice on saving and investing. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the entire community.