The Financial Side of the Story

This page is for family and friends who know I have started into full time ministry but still have some questions on the transition. 

FAQ 1 - “Why did you quit your job?”

Answer - Honestly, I felt like God told me to.  But ok, practically, my time was evolving more and more into full time ministry.  In one sense, the natural step of forming Workers for Joy was responding to the call of God that was developing for a long period of time.  However, on the financial side of things the transition was less obvious.  The business I ran when I was self-employed was not doing well all of 2017.  I lost money and it wasn’t pretty.  Going into 2018, I put most of my business activities on hold, but still felt led not to look for other work.  All of this was discussed and prayed over many times with friends and family, and I received input from many of my current board members.  Which brings me to the main point of why I quit my job: I “quit” a long time before I launched Workers for Joy.  Not out of a place of spiritual defeat, but I prayerfully listened to the Lord’s direction.  He led me to wait, which I did for months.  I waited for Him to instruct me because I wanted to follow His steps rather than create my own path.  Practically, I have a lot less money after living a couple years on no income and losing money in business activities.  So while at one point I did have a lot of excess capital that is no longer the case.

FAQ 2 – Often implied but not stated this directly… “John I want to help you, but look at where you live… I think you have more money than me right?” 

Answer – Mostly answered above, but for complete clarity let me continue.  I rent a house from my in laws.  I pay normal bills like most people.  While my surroundings are nice because of my extended family, my personal house is far from extravagant.  In fact, I have two babies currently sleeping in the same bedroom as my wife and me.  I drive a car from 2002.  Basically I live a modest life style.  While my in laws support my ministry, they are not fully funding it.  Actually I still need to raise about 50% of my budget (as of Oct 27th).  What is my budget?  Well I think I need at least $6 thousand dollars a month to keep me and my family afloat.

FAQ 3 - How much money do you earn from School of the Heart (which you charge for)?

Answer - In short, nothing! To elaborate further: I have worked in partnership with Wellspring Schools to offer the school at their cost to our students in Portland. I believe access to their content, videos, and direct ministry has been worth this cost. To this point, I have not felt led to charge additionally for my work. While this arrangement with Wellspring may change in the future, I am honoring my “agreement” with them for this current school year. They have commited to send $1500 to me which will not quite cover weekly babysitting, barn cleaning fees, and the water bottles I provide.

Summary – I have personal financial need at this time.  I believe sowing into a ministry, or friend based on need, is a legitimate thing in the kingdom of God.  I also believe in sowing into where we get fed and influenced.  In fact, I believe the principle of tithe came out of sowing into the ministry who spiritually blessed you (Gen 14:18-20).  Of course there are many amazing ministries and leaders around the world and even in Portland.  However, it is not a bad thing to say God is doing great things in our community, through Workers for Joy, and through our connection together!  As I move forward, it is my desire to focus mostly on the spiritual call and mission God has put in front of me.  However, that will require moments of communication with others on the financial need so that I am not neglecting my responsibility to the spiritual calling.  When talking about challenges, I like to say “No pressure, do what God leads you to do, this is His problem to solve”.  I will trust the Lord with you.  Thank you for caring about my/our process!

Working for Joy…

John