Drowning in Debt: Keys to Financial Relationship
by Stephen Carson

Bro. Carson, tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I attended New Mexico State University where I studied business. I am finishing my education with Kaplan University where I am studying "Certified Financial Planning." We live in Lafayette, Louisiana. My wife, Shirley, and I have two children. I have been preaching for seventeen years, evangelizing full-time for the last fifteen. I have been teaching "Financial Freedom God's Way" for the last five years.

Why did you develop the Financial Freedom seminar? What's the story behind it?
I developed Financial Freedom because I saw a great need for this in our movement. Through our own financial mistakes, we found ourselves in about $30,000 of debt. I prayed for God to help me. I wanted him to send someone to bless me to get out of debt. He did not do that, but he gave me a plan. We were out of debt in a year and a half.

Why do you think this type of seminar is needed? Is the problem that big in society and in the church?
The answer is yes to both questions. People need to know how to effectively manage their finances. Most have never been taught basic money skills. The difference between wealthy people and non-wealthy people is that wealthy people teach their children about money and how to manage it.
Consumer debt today is higher than it has ever been. According to statistics, financial problems are the cause of 80 percent of divorces. I think we, as a church, have a responsibility to reach out and minister to meet the needs that people have today and hopefully save marriages.

What, in your opinion, are the largest mistakes saints and preachers make in the area of finance?
On the management side of finances, I would say it is overspending. People say, "I can spend this money because God is going to bless me." The truth is God will not bless you until you are a good steward. Secondly, our financial priorities are not in their proper order. We need to teach people the proper priority in finance, setting people on the right path to recovery. Another mistake in this area is we do not talk about finances and assume a mistaken theology about money in our lives and the church. Money is a tool God has given, and we must be taught how to use this tool properly.

What are the Biblical principles that we should be applying to achieving good financial health?
The first principle is that of tithes and offerings. Stewardship is the next principle. Money must be managed first before it is spent. We must learn how to manage the blessing God gives. The exciting part is the better you manage the blessing, the more God blesses. Another Biblical principle is to discover and use our talents. God-given talents can add multiple streams of income in our lives.

What happens when this type of information is taught? Can you share some success stories?
Every church I have taught the seminar in has reported an increase in giving. Many people tell me they began to give on a consistent basis and God blessed more and more. One church brought me back a year later to teach it again. One lady said her debt had been lowered from $30,000 to $11,000 in one year and they had just purchased their own home. One man started a side business that produced an extra $1,000 in his first week.

What areas of finance do you cover in your seminars and in your DVD?
The areas of Tithing, Offerings, Stewardship, Debt Reduction Strategies, Talent Assessment and Wealth Accumulation are covered.

How can people contact you or order your materials?
The seminar is available on audio and DVD. It can be ordered through our website www.carsonministries.com or by calling 337.356.9156. Our e-mail address is CarsonMinistries@aol.com.