Beyond the big class: getting full value from your investment
Most churches picture one thing when they think about running True Financial Freedom: a big group in a room, watching videos together for six weeks.
That’s a great option. But it’s not the only one.
Here’s how churches are actually using their subscription to reach more people throughout the year.
1. The Classic Class
One church in Georgia ran 110 people through the course in their sanctuary with table groups and facilitators. Another in New Jersey did 17 on Tuesday nights. Both worked. The videos do the teaching—you just press play and guide the discussion.
2. Small Groups & Life Groups
A couple in Texas hosted their small group in their living room—eight people total. A church in Tyler did it with three couples. The intimate setting actually produced deeper conversations about money than the big-room format. If you already have a small group structure, TFF slots right in.
3. Premarital Counseling
One Canadian church added TFF to every pre-marriage course. When couples register for premarital counseling, they automatically get access. As one pastor put it: “Finances are hard enough. Marriage is hard enough. Get both of them going together.” Newlyweds who went through it said it changed their lives because they finally got on the same page.
4. Benevolence Requirements
A small church in California had benevolence guidelines that said recipients had to take a financial course—but they didn’t have a course in place. Now they do. Another church ties TFF completion to their emergency relief fund. It’s not punishment; it’s equipping people so the help actually sticks.
5. Staff Development
One large church gave access to their entire staff. Another sent it to their satellite campus team. If your staff is going to talk to congregation members about stewardship and generosity, it helps if they’ve been through the material themselves.
6. Watch-at-Home Access
Here’s what surprised us: a significant percentage of churches are giving individual access to congregants to watch on their own time—no scheduled class at all. People who can’t commit to six Tuesday nights can still go through the material. One church even uses it for people who had to drop out of the main class—they can finish at home.
7. One-on-One Financial Counseling
A pastor in Tennessee uses the class as a foundation to go deeper with individuals. You can assign specific sessions to someone walking through a financial crisis, or use the whole course as a framework for ongoing discipleship.
The Point
Your subscription isn’t a one-time event. It’s a year-round resource.
Use it however fits your church.
Discussion about this post