The Crown Stewardship Podcast

Debt is the pain point listeners ask us about most. In Part 1 of this series, Ryan sits down with Chuck and Ann Bentley to explore what Scripture says about borrowing. They discuss why the borrower becomes a servant to the lender, and why being debt-free may not be the "ultimate" stewardship goal it's often made out to be. Chuck and Ann also share how they started marriage on opposite pages about debt and spent 20 years juggling balances before a change of heart set them free. They also cover how attitudes toward debt have shifted across generations, the strain it puts on marriages, and the rise of "survival debt." Whatever got you here, there is hope, and it starts with what you believe about money. Next time, they'll answer whether there's such a thing as good debt and get practical about paying it off.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Chuck and Ann Bentley to talk about what it means not just to give, but to become a giver.   Chuck and Ann share how they went from giving the national average of 2.6% to tithing 10% and beyond, while they were still paying off debt. They tackle the questions listeners ask most: Should I tithe on my gross or net income? Should I give to my church, to charities, or to the person at the stoplight? How much responsibility do I have for how a gift is used? You'll also hear Chuck's story of a late-night knock on his car window and the envelope that showed up less than 12 hours later. Along the way, they cover practical steps to start: putting giving first in your budget, automating it, and moving from "tipping" God with what's left over to giving on purpose.   In this episode: Why giving is an act of worship, not a law Gross vs. net: how the Bentleys decided Takers, exchangers, and givers Giving when you're in debt or in survival mode Tithing vs. tipping Why no gift is ever wasted

What if work was never meant to be just about earning a paycheck? In this episode, Chuck and Ann Bentley explore God's design for work, sharing biblical wisdom and personal experiences on finding purpose in everyday responsibilities, navigating career challenges and setbacks, and balancing hard work with rest. Discover how shifting your focus from personal success to faithful stewardship can transform the way you approach work. Resources mentioned in this episode: Virtuous Cycle: https://www.crown.org/wp-content/uplo... Crown Money Map: https://www.crown.org/money-map-downl... Career Direct, Crown's assessment to help you discover how God uniquely designed you: https://careerdirect.org

What changes when you truly believe God owns it all? Chuck and Ann Bentley share how this one truth broke the grip of financial stress on their marriage. They explain the Virtuous Cycle (work, give, save, spend, invest) and the simple habits that got them started, from tracking every dollar to using cash envelopes.   To learn more about the Virtuous Cycle, you can download the first chapter of Chuck's Book - Economics of Righteousness, HERE. 

Season 2 of the Crown Stewardship Podcast focuses on Chuck & Ann Bentley and the core principles that God showed them in their journey as stewards. Episode 1: If you've ever felt like you and your spouse are on completely different planets when it comes to money, this episode is for you. Crown CEO Chuck Bentley and his wife Ann spent the first 21 years of their marriage in financial conflict — his drive for more clashing with her frugality, years of unpaid bills, and a wife praying for a husband who wouldn't listen. Then one Bible study Chuck didn't even want to attend changed everything. This is a real, honest conversation about the fights most couples have but rarely talk about — and the practical, faith-rooted shift that took them from constant tension to 26 years of being on the same page. If money is a sore spot in your marriage, you'll walk away from this one with hope and a real starting point.

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Ron Simmons, author of Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon: 15 Ways to Take Charge and Create a Path to Success. From his humble beginnings in the rural South to finding success as an entrepreneur, finance executive, and three-term member of the Texas House of Representatives, Simmons discusses the triumphs and challenges of his life to provide a wealth of applicable insights. We know you will love this episode!

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Matt Bell from Sound Mind Investing. Matt examines investing with a biblical approach, and how it differs from what the world has to say about investing. This episode covers a wide variety of topics, including retirement, what to look for in a financial adviser, and how to teach children biblical investing. Whether you are a seasoned investor, or brand new to the investment world, this episode will provide much needed clarity in today's tumultuous financial landscape. Check out the 7 Key Principles for Christian Investing from Sound Mind Investing and download their free resource HERE.

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Clarissa Moll, author of Beyond the Darkness, to discuss grief. Clarissa understands loss all too well. Her life changed forever in 2019 when her husband, Rob, died unexpectedly while hiking―leaving her with four children to raise alone. Clarissa shares her personal experience and struggles with loss, as well as honest, practical wisdom that will gently guide you toward flourishing amidst your own loss. You'll hear how Rob and Clarissa's priority of getting their financial house in order helped Clarissa practically as she dealt with unimaginable circumstances. We know you'll be encouraged by this heartfelt and uplifting episode! 

This week on the Crown Podcast, we welcome Vince Birley, CEO of Vident Financial, a Principles-Based Investment firm. Vince gives a market update in simple terms that clarifies where we are currently and where we are headed, while answering your questions about inflation, recession, and investment strategies. He emphasizes the importance of having financial principles that guides your financial decisions, and to avoid changing those principles with inevitable market fluctuations. This episode is packed with information, wisdom, and (perhaps surprisingly) hope!

This week on the Crown Podcast, Handre De Jongh discusses stewardship in a way that may not normally come to mind. Stewardship goes beyond budgets and giving - we also have a duty to steward the intangible gifts God has given us, like our career and personality. Crown's Career Direct program helps people to do just that - to understand the unique gifts God created in each of us so that we are able to thrive in our career. This episode will help you look at the way God made you, and empower you to embrace your calling.