Goal Three: FREE! Committing to stewardship principles (Matthew 6:33) leading to a flexible ministry future and the management of debt (debt free as the goal) for every individual, church, and agency.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well/ (Matthew 6:33 niv)

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. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 16:10-13 niv)

How we manage the resources we are entrusted with is often a real indicator of our values. Debt has become a huge national—indeed, worldwide—danger. In the latest issue of TIME MAGAZINE, debt is called the new four-letter word. Persons, homes, organizations, churches—all are hobbled by debt. Jesus knew exactly the problem when he said that, “No servant can serve two masters.” Many churches and many more in our churches find themselves struggling between two masters.

The goal is not simply debt freedom—although that is a worthy goal. The goal is debt freedom in order to more fully live out the Great Commandments and fully embrace the Great Commission. Bondage of any kind severely reduces ministry effectiveness:

• Disciples encumbered by debt lose their effectiveness because they lose their flexibility.
• Churches encumbered by debt lose their effectiveness because they lose their flexibility.
• Agencies and organizations of the church encumbered by debt lose their effectiveness because they lose their flexibility.

Church of God Ministries and its transformational partners desire that all who travel under the banner of the Church of God reformation movement—every individual, church, and agency—will prayerfully examine their personal and business financial management practices. Many Church of God congregations are offering classes on personal financial management. Church of God Ministries recommends Financial Peace University or Crown Financial Ministries as biblically based financial management training courses. We strongly encourage you to consider enrolling in one of these two effective financial ministries.

• Financial Peace University teaches sound biblical teachings about money, but does this in a format that makes it an effective outreach ministry into your community.
• Crown Financial Ministries offers the same teachings but in a more in-depth biblical context, making this more appropriate for use among believers.
   

But you don't have to take our word for it. Read the testimonies of people just like you who have attended these courses and learn what a difference it has made in their lives: