Christian Financial Consultants Call on Obedience, Integrity in the Workplace

Financial advisers are uniquely positioned to lead clients and colleagues in living out biblical principles and demonstrating the hope, love and joy that following Christ enables, according to the most recent “Alignment 2020” virtual conference session hosted by the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants (NACFC), a leading proponent of biblically responsible investing.

“Our character in our work should reflect and represent who God is,” said “Alignment 2020” speaker John Parrott, executive pastor at Discovery Church in Orlando, Florida. “Our character and our work should [exhibit] integrity.

“The way that we approach our work—the financial sector of the world—should be a ‘not of this world’ kind of work. It should stand out among the rest because our work is ‘unto the Lord.'”

As the keynote speaker at the fourth of six “Alignment 2020” sessions NACFC is hosting this year, Parrott discussed the importance of answering God’s call of service in life generally as well as in the financial industry. He urged attendees to seek God’s call, determine where He is directing them and discern how to obey God’s calling in the workplace.

Parrott challenged attendees to understand God’s calling as a visible demonstration of the love and hope found in their faith in Christ.

“True discipleship is a way of life,” Parrott said. “This is what He did when He called the disciples, not to come into a classroom but to come and to follow Him—’Come and do life with me, live with me, journey with me. Watch what I do, [then] I’ll send you out.’

“This is what Paul and Silas did for the Thessalonians—’Come do life with us,’ [they said]. Why? Because more is caught than taught.”

Parrott began his time at Discovery Church by serving as the campus and worship arts pastor. His passion for teaching God’s Word within the context of cultural origin has led him to study in Israel and Turkey. These experiences equipped him for his current pastoral roles at Discovery Church. As a professional musician, Parrott continues to use his musical gifts to lead worship.

NACFC is committed to providing tools, information and motivation for consultants to use during 2020 and beyond as many advisors diligently work to rebuild their practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since June, NACFC has hosted virtual conference sessions for financial advisors on the third Wednesday afternoon of the month. NACFC has lined up expert speakers to deliver vital counsel for Christian financial advisors to pass along to clients across the nation.

“Each session is designed to increase your ability to care for your clients, build a stronger, more successful practice and grow deeper in relationship with God,” said NACFC president Mark Minnella. “The Alignment conference is not about a new technique; it is about a more perfect business life.”

The fifth session of NACFC’s “Alignment 2020” virtual conference, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 4:00 p.m. EST, will focus on the topic “Leadership Requires Balance,” presented by Brent Owens.

Previous “Alignment 2020” speakers have included Alan Ross, founder and CEO of Kingdom Companies; Jeff Cave, director of Institutional Markets for Eventide; and Zachary Covert, director of advisor relations for Timothy Plan in the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. These sessions are still available for members at nacfc.org/alignment-2020. Other expert speakers who will present timely topics over the six-month span of the virtual conference sessions include the following:

—Session No. 5, Oct. 21: Leadership Requires Balance. Speaker: Brent Owens.

—Session No. 6, Nov. 18: If Jesus Were My Adviser. Speaker: Randy Alcorn (pending).

NACFC is now offering the remaining sessions of the “Alignment 2020” virtual conference free of charge to anyone, member or guest.

Sessions are expected to run for one hour, and special sessions and sponsor presentations may be added. The name of one person from those who attend all six sessions will be drawn to receive free admission to the 2021 NACFC conference.

For more information, visit nacfc.org/alignment-2020 or contact [email protected]. {eoa}