Faith & Finances Ally
Vision for our Allies
To relationally empower participants to succeed through reciprocal learning by attending class with one or more participants. You will provide relational encouragement and accountability to the participants in the Faith & Finances class.
What is Faith & Finances? What is an Ally?
Faith & Finances is a 12-week course that meets from 5-7 pm on Thursday evenings. In F&F, participants are empowered to track income and expenses, develop a budget, prepare for emergencies, and avoid debt through an interactive class. Technical content on finances is integrated with the life-changing message for rich and poor alike: that Jesus is making all things new and that He wants to use our finances as a part of His kingdom work. Volunteers participate in the class as Allies to support the neighborhood participants. The course is a prerequisite for Advance’s matched savings IDA (Individual Development Account) program.
What Does an Ally do?
● The time commitment is two hours per week for 12 weeks. These sessions are held on Thursdays at 5:00 pm and last about two hours. Relationships are facilitated by consistent seating design. In participating and attending class with these graduates, we hope that both parties will be challenged to look at finances and what the Biblical expectations are for our finances.
● Our expectation is that you would make phone contact with the graduates once every week to stay in touch, encourage, and hold them accountable. After class, please maintain contact with students to support their continued development.
●Our hope is that you would commit to praying for and with the graduates and follow the Spirit’s lead.
Required Skills and Attributes
● A Christian who believes God’s word is truth and lives it out in every area of his/her life.
● A personal commitment to God’s kingdom work, specifically for the economically poor.
● A commitment to racial and socio-economic reconciliation at a personal level, and a willingness to foster a relationship that goes beyond stereotypes and challenges your own perspectives.
● NO special financial knowledge is necessary beyond experience managing one's own finances and a commitment to join in the conversation personally.
● A recognition of the poor as individuals made in the image of God.
● A willingness to fully participate in the classroom activities alongside the participant.
● The attainment of a High School or GED diploma.
● A commitment to a local church body.
● A willingness to let relationships with participants change and impact your life.
Becoming a Volunteer
Advance Memphis relies heavily upon the support of volunteers. Please explore the opportunities below and help us in any way that you can. If you have any questions or to sign up, you can email volunteer coordinator Cindy Chapple at cchapple@advancememphis.org.
As a Christian, faith-based organization, we request that mentors for Work Life and Faith and Finances provide a simple statement of faith. See ours here. However, there are many volunteer roles open to individuals of any religious heritage. We are grateful for the support of volunteers of diverse faiths.