One of the tests of leadership is to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.
Arnold Glasow

The pain of seeing people who need help refuse to accept it is an affliction most pastors have experienced. But this must-help/can't-help dilemma is a struggle few others in the congregation sense — at least to the degree pastors do.

One pastor was concerned about several families in his church that always seemed to have financial problems. The problem was not unemployment; the families' incomes were adequate. They simply could not manage the money they made. They were harassed by collection agencies. They were facing foreclosure on their homes and personal bankruptcy. What could the pastor do?

About that time, two accountants in the church stopped in to see the pastor and offer their services to anyone in the church who would benefit from financial counsel in budgeting, spending, investing — all free, no strings attached. Since the pastor knew both men well, he knew their offer was free ...