• "When God is first, life is at its best."

    Growing up, I had been taught that Christians were supposed to stay humble and be poor, but somehow I knew that God had plans to prosper us. Then, in my early twenties, I heard a message on “prosperity with a purpose” and was captivated by the truth that I could partner with God’s vision by being financially blessed to give.

    I learned about sowing financial seeds into the kingdom of God. As I started believing this teaching, my faith for finances began to grow and that's what I want for you! Here’s the thing… how do we “sow a seed” if we don't know what we have?

    So, over the last 50 years, Tami and I have followed a monthly budget where God is first and giving big is exciting and normal! I invite you to join me in putting God first by tithing consistently, keeping a monthly budget, and being ready to give above your tithe because of how blessed you are!

    Carmel Church, let's go to a new level in our faith for finances.

    Pastor Jerry McKinney

Why Tithe?

Tithing is the beginning of putting God first in your finances. It is the spiritual practice of giving back to God the first 10% of all that we earn. The word “tithe” comes from the number “ten” in Hebrew, and means a tenth. So simply put, for every $10 I earn or receive, the first dollar belongs to the Lord. This is step one to financial freedom in Christ. Click below for more info.

Budgets aren’t meant to be obsessive and restrictive. Done right, they remove the fear of the unknown, give you perspective and a sense of purpose in allocation of funds. Not only do budgets reduce stress, but they help you plan for the good things in life— vacations, purchases, growth opportunities and generosity.

Why Budget?

“A budget is a roadmap to financial freedom”

— Dave Ramsey

God’s Plan to Prosper You Class

September 15 - October 15, 2024

Sundays at Carmel Church, 9-10:30a

Tuesdays Oct 8th & 15th at 3:30p

Faith for Miraculous Increase & the Biblical Wisdom to Handle it!

God’s will is for you to WIN in your personal finances!  Learn proven biblical strategies for handling money, budgeting, paying off debt, investing and more!

Budgeting Resources

“What you need and what you have talk to each other and that conversation is called ‘a budget.’”

— Pastor Jerry McKinney

7 Tips to Fix Your Budget

If your budget is upside down, what do you do?

  • If you’re in debt, cut up your credit cards.

  • Start paying off all your debts (except your mortgage) using the “debt snowball”…make minimum payments on all debts except the smallest debt.  Pay off smallest first and add that money to the payment on your next smallest debt.

  • We must learn to “act our wage”.  Reduce spending.  Find large areas of your budget where you can make changes to live within your means. (Downsize home, sell car and drive an older uglier car, find a cheaper phone plan, reduce kids sports/activities, etc.)

  • Look for sustainable ways to make extra money without disrupting your family.  (Take a class that could get you a raise, rent out a vehicle or space you own, sell unused items, etc.)

  • Start regularly putting some money into a saving account for a rainy day fund.  The next time an emergency comes up, you’ll be prepared and won’t be tempted to use credit.

  • There are many cheap or even free resources to help you on your journey. Considering joining the FREE Biblical Finances & Budgeting course offered by the church - starting September 15th!

  • When you invite God into your finances, His financial plan for your life will come alive in your life. Our job is to have faith for what He has for us, which is blessing and increase. One of the best ways to increase in faith is to pray and declare His word back to Him. Below are some "prayer resources" that will help you see and declare God's financial breakthrough including "10 Prosperity Verses," "Financial Prayer Guide" and "Praying to Break off Debt". Miracles are coming your way.

“Trust God, put Him first, and He will bless the rest.”

— Pastor Jerry McKinney

Prayer Resources

  • 10 Prosperity Verses

    Pray Pastor Tami's "Ten Prosperity Verses that Bring you a Miracle"

  • Financial Prayer Guide

    Categorized verses about wealth, finances, business, prosperity, and the blessing of God

  • Praying to Break off Debt

    Prayers to break off debt and to see God's financial increase in your life

“I had always thought that Christians should be humble and be poor, but somewhere in my spirit I didn’t agree. I knew there was so much more that God wanted to do to reach people far from Him and He has so much vision for me.”

— Pastor Jerry McKinney

Faith For Finances Messages