What does faithful generosity look like? In this episode we tackle the honest question so many believers face: can I give to a charity instead of giving to my church? Rather than chasing a quick yes or no, we slow down to name the real motives, bring scripture into view, and outline practical next steps that honor both your calling and the Church.

It's the age-old debate: do I need to tithe or not? The tricky thing is, when we begin to discuss tithing it's hard to let our guards down. In this episode we seek to bypass many of the obstacles that keep us from an honest, open discussion about tithing. We'll trace the history of tithing in the Old Testament, introduce "grace giving" in the New Testament, and reflect on Jesus' example. Our aim is not to convince you to tithe (or not), but rather, help you evaluate how tithing ca...

What if your money told a story about who you worship? We dive into a question many believers feel but rarely voice: why would an infinite God care so much about money? The answer starts with identity. We were created first as worshipers and then as stewards, and that order reshapes every choice we make—earning, giving, saving, and spending. When worship leads, stewardship becomes an act of love rather than a race for output. In this conversation, we trace this through scripture: Cain and Ab...

What if the real tension in your finances isn’t about math, but about desire? In this episode, we look straight at the quiet canyon many believers feel between the life of faith they affirm and the money choices they make—then trace that divide to its source in the heart. With Scripture, lived experience, and clear-eyed data, we map how cultural wealth, silence in our churches, and rising anxiety have normalized a Christian lifestyle that is nearly undistinguishable from its non-Christian nei...

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this fall! In the meantime, enjoy one of our fan-favorites: Discover how a life-altering shift in financial perspective can deepen your faith and transform your approach to money. Courtney Markley welcomes Leo Sabo, President of the Christian Stewardship Network, to the Heart of Money podcast, where they explore the intersection of spirituality and finances. Prepare to be inspired by Leo's journey from conventional money m...

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast in August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite conversations.... Struggling with the idea of how to pass on your wealth to your children? In this episode we welcome back the ever-insightful Kate Gardner, a young inheritor with a powerful voice in shaping the next generation of stewards. This conversation is a masterclass in the delicate art of family stewardship, where love, shared values, and communication take...

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite past conversations. In this episode Courtney interviews Michael Blue, Director of Discipleship for Ron Blue Institute and author of Free to Follow. In his early 30s, Michael was living the "quintessential Christian life," but there was a problem. He was spiritually empty. During their conversation, Michael shares how he came to a pivotal moment in his life: de...

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite past conversations.... Would you give up your affluence and influence to follow God's call? Our conversation with Mark Greaves, co-founder of Tithe Lending, centers on the real cost of discipleship. Mark's testimony, from worldly success to kingdom impact, gives us a profound look at the impact of integrating faith with everyday life.

This week we continue highlighting some of our favorite episodes of The Heart of Money! In this episode Courtney interviews financial coaching expert, Tracy Shunkwiler. Tracy has a knack for helping people gain clarity on their spending habits. During this discussion, Courtney and Tracy explain the four 'money scripts' that describe our behavioral patterns.

This week we continue highlighting some of our favorite episodes of The Heart of Money. Renee's testimony is a fan-favorite, deeming this our most popular episode from 2024. Picture this: a life where your deepest desires for adventure and your spiritual calling coalesce into a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate both wanderlust and faith. This episode takes you on that journey. Join our guest, Renee Rinehart, as she shares her story of becoming a global Christian, learni...

We're highlighting some of our favorite episodes of the Heart of Money podcast, starting with this thought-provoking interview with John. What if everything you thought you knew about wealth and prosperity was turned upside down? Meet John Rinehart, a passionate speaker and author, who embarked on a unique journey from the business world to seminary, shaping his perspective on the purpose of wealth. Together with his wife, Renee, the duo runs the Gospel Patrons ministry, illuminating the im...

What if setting a cap on your spending could actually lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life? Join us on the Heart of Money podcast as we sit down with Cody Hobelmann, co-founder of the Finish Line Pledge, who shares his revolutionary approach to integrating biblical values into financial planning. Cody challenges the conventional mindset of wealth accumulation and introduces the concept of a personal financial "finish line," inspiring listeners to redefine their relationship with ...

Ever wondered how churches can revolutionize their approach to finances while building stronger communities? On this episode of the Heart of Money podcast Nick Nye, executive director at For Columbus, shares his transformative journey from local pastor to city movement leader, shedding light on how churches are reimagining financial stewardship. From embracing real estate ventures to collaborating with local experts, discover how faith communities are creatively managing resources to better s...

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the idea of giving? It can be difficult to know which causes to support, how much to give, and who to trust. Join me, Courtney Markley, as I engage in a compelling conversation with Brian Grasso, the insightful co-founder and CEO of Simple Charity. Brian sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges and emotions involved in charitable giving. Brian's inspiring journey from fundraising in high school to confronting a nonprofit that misused donations reveals...

What if breaking the taboo around money conversations could transform your walk with Christ? Join us as Chris Kear, director of discipleship at the Center for Financial Discipleship, shares his wisdom on navigating the often uncomfortable terrain of financial discussions. This episode offers a candid look at the church's unrealized potential to engage in meaningful conversations about money, aiming to shift the focus from fundraising to fostering spiritual growth through financial discipleshi...

Could our approach to money be transformed by viewing it through the lens of discipleship? Join me, Courtney Markley, as I explore this fascinating intersection with Chris Kear, a seasoned expert in ministry, financial services, and education. Together, we're pioneering the Center for Financial Discipleship to weave financial discussions into spiritual growth. Chris brings his unique insights to the table, inviting listeners to consider how financial discipleship can reshape conversations abo...

Join me and Nia Davenport as we discuss how to create a kingdom-centered marriage. Nia and her husband, John, have been called into a life of outrageous generosity. They support Christian organizations all over the world. But, as Nia says, none of their ministry work would have been possible if she first hadn't learned God's design for money and marriage. Early in her marriage, Nia began to realize that couples who were on the same page with money tended to thrive. She began seeking God's wi...

For many Christians, the act of giving seems more transactional than spiritual. In the age of automatic (online) payments, giving can simply feel like paying another bill. Join me and Rodney Ross, generosity leader at Life Church, as we uncover the emotional journey behind each financial gift, transforming what often seems like mundane transactions into profound celebrations of faith. Rodney, with his deep appreciation for the narratives that numbers can tell, invites us into a ...

Struggling with the idea of how to pass on your wealth to your children? In this episode we welcome back the ever-insightful Kate Gardner, a young inheritor with a powerful voice in shaping the next generation of stewards. This conversation is a masterclass in the delicate art of family stewardship, where love, shared values, and communication take center stage. We share stories and strategies for involving the next generation in wealth decisions, considering their aspirations and enco...

Many Christians express a level of frustration with their giving. "It feels more like checking a box than experiencing an intimate moment with Christ," they often say. Join me, Courtney Markley, as I share a profound conversation with Todd Harper, co-founder of Generous Giving, where we explore how to make the shift from checking-the-box giving, to living a joy-filled life of outrageous generosity. Todd is a treasure trove of wisdom on the joy that blooms from a giving heart. In this epis...