From Skeptical Teenager to Pastor's Financial Champion
The unexpected journey that led to a divine calling:
“Cover financially those who cover us spiritually.”
It Started with Questions—and a Keyboard
My connection to ministry began in the most unexpected way—as a skeptical high school freshman asking tough questions in youth group. Originally attending church at a friend's invitation, I approached Christianity analytically, determined to find its fatal flaw.
Instead, after a year of intellectual wrestling and experiencing the power of worship, I found myself drawn to faith through both mind and heart. Soon after, I noticed an unused keyboard on the church stage and volunteered to play, despite still being early in my faith journey.
That moment began what would become over two decades of ministry—not as the face of the church, but as someone who could help enable and empower those called to lead. This early experience shaped my understanding of the vital support role I could play in ministry, and ultimately, the calling that would define my career.
Learning Ministry from the Inside Out
For over 20 years, I've had the privilege of serving alongside pastors in various capacities:
As a Worship Leader:
13 years as Music Director at my previous church, leading occasionally at my current church
Led worship teams for over two decades
Partnered closely with pastors to support their vision for congregational spiritual growth
As a Church Board Member:
Gained direct experience with church financial decisions
Witnessed firsthand the financial challenges pastors and their families navigate
Developed deep appreciation for the complexity of pastoral compensation and church finances
As a Ministry Partner:
Supported pastoral vision through faithful service behind the scenes
Observed the unique pressures and opportunities that ministry life brings
Built lasting relationships with pastors, church staff, and ministry families
This extensive ministry background provided me with insights that no amount of professional training could offer—the real-world understanding of how financial stress affects ministry effectiveness and family life.
When Business Planning Becomes Biblical Calling
I entered financial services with a heart to help people find clarity, confidence, and peace in their financial lives. I enjoyed the work and found satisfaction in helping families navigate complex financial decisions, managing over $100 million in assets.
But in 2023, everything changed.
During a time of prayer and business planning, I sensed what can only be described as a divine assignment. The Lord's gentle but firm calling came through clearly:
"Cover financially those who cover you spiritually."
This phrase transformed my practice entirely, leading me to shift my focus to serving pastors exclusively. I realized that my decades of ministry experience, combined with my financial expertise, had prepared me for something specific—to serve the servants, to be an armorbearer for pastors not with a sword, but with spreadsheets.
That calling gave birth to Shepherd's Wallet and launched my exclusive focus on serving pastors and ministry leaders.
The Crisis No One Was Addressing
As I began researching the financial landscape for pastors, I was shocked by what I discovered. According to sources such as the National Association of Evangelicals and the Barna Group:
90% of pastors feel financial stress in their family and church work
76% know other pastors who left ministry due to financial pressures
42% of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year
Pastors face the most complex financial situation of any profession—yet despite this uniquely complex situation, there was virtually no targeted, practical financial guidance available to them.
I saw in this gap both an opportunity and a calling to serve an underserved community with the specialized focus they desperately needed.
Filling the Resource Gap
My first book, "Shepherding Your Finances: A Strategic Guide to the Financial Opportunities Only Pastors Have," is scheduled for publication in Spring 2026. This work is the culmination of all my specialized knowledge and my heart for pastors into a single volume.
This 136,000-word comprehensive resource represents the first book written specifically to address the complex financial needs of pastoral families. It covers everything from ministerial taxation to retirement planning, with a 50,000-word accompanying workbook of practical implementation tools.
More than just a book, it's the foundation for a movement—empowering pastors with the knowledge and tools they need to transform their financial reality while maintaining their calling-first perspective.
Creating Connection and Support
Beyond individual coaching and advisory services, I'm building the Sacred Capital community—a space where pastors can connect with fellow ministers on their journey toward biblical financial stewardship.
This community provides much-needed education, guidance, and empowerment through:
Monthly workshops and live Q&A sessions
Peer support and accountability partnerships
Specialized training designed specifically for ministry contexts
Implementation tools and practical resources
The goal is simple: No pastor should have to figure out their financial life alone.
The Personal Side
I'm a proud husband and father to two boys who keep life interesting and humbling in equal measure. When I'm not helping pastors optimize their housing allowances or explaining the finer points of SECA tax strategies, you might find me:
Leading worship at my local church (where my ministry heart remains alive and well)
Performing in community theatre (yes, I'm that kind of nerd)
Getting delightfully lost in campaigns with my D&D friends
Disappearing into fantasy novels that help me remember the power of good storytelling
These aren't just hobbies—they're reminders that life is meant to be lived fully, that creativity and community matter, and that even financial nerds like me need spaces to play and dream.
An Invitation to Financial Freedom
If you're a pastor reading this, I want you to know: you don't have to figure this out alone. The financial complexities you face are real, but they're not insurmountable. The stress you feel is valid, but it doesn't have to be permanent.
God has called you to shepherd His people, not to become a part-time accountant, tax strategist, and financial planner. But He also desires for you to be a faithful steward of the resources He's provided—including the financial provision that enables your ministry.
My mission is to help you bridge that gap. To provide the guidance, tools, and community support you need to manage your Sacred Capital with confidence, so you can focus on what God has truly called you to do.
Because when pastors are financially healthy, churches are stronger. When shepherds are cared for well, they can care for others better. And when we cover financially those who cover us spiritually, the entire Kingdom benefits.
Welcome to Shepherd's Wallet. Welcome to your journey toward financial confidence and freedom in ministry.
Ready to take your next step? Whether you're looking for community support, individual coaching, or just want to learn more about optimizing your pastoral finances, I'm here to help. Let's start the conversation.