Calling on Gospel to Call Off Debt

The close relationship between people and their churches has prompted state officials to work with the faith-based community to identify homeowners facing foreclosure and warn people of the dangers of mortgage rescue scams. In turn, area churches are directing struggling members to state programs.

The Rev. Grainger Browning Jr., pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, said his church acts as a liaison for the government because houses of worship are limited in how they can help people. He said some churches set aside money to help its members in financial distress, but the amount is restricted and almost always less than the need. "We're going to direct them to places that can help them navigate through the system," Browning said.

Money management sermons and classes have been part of the ministry at First Baptist Church of Glenarden for about 10 years. About 120 students take the classes each year, and there is always a waiting list. The pastor said interest in the classes has picked up this year. Les Hamilton, a member of First Baptist who enrolled in the 10-week seminar this spring, said he tried to get into the course last year but couldn't because there was a waiting list. Hamilton said he and his wife signed up "not because of financial hardship, just my thirst for God's principles on money."

Hamilton said the class offered tips to prevent him from getting into a financial bind, reminding him not to lend money to friends or to whip out a credit card for something he can pay cash for.

Brenda Miller, laid off from her job as an information technology specialist two years ago, also attended First Baptist's class in the spring. She said she has been able to live off her savings and has never missed a payment on her mortgage. The class gave her the advice she believes will help her stay afloat financially until she gains steady employment. "I had some issues that I needed to get answers to biblically," said Miller, 46, of Waldorf.

It was a decade ago that Katrina Clements enrolled in the class to help pay off $30,000 in credit card debt. "It was very foolish spending," said Clements, 56, a registered nurse from Waldorf who racked up $500,000 in credit card charges over 15 years. "I was spending as I was living. I had no true direction as to how to spend and how to save."

Clements said she used her credit cards to make a down payment on a Mercedes Benz. Following advice from the class, Clements contacted her creditors and persuaded some to adjust her balances. She also got rid of things she didn't need: one of her cars, gym equipment and her two lifetime gym memberships. She stopped eating out so much and downgraded her cable and phone service.

In 15 months, Clements was out of debt.

"I know the difference between a need and a want," she said. "I know that it's okay to shop at thrift stores, and not always buy designers. It's okay to fix my own breakfast in the morning and not stop at 7-Eleven."

These days, she testifies to participants in the Financial Freedom class about her experience.

"I could not lean to my own understanding," Clements said, paraphrasing a scripture. "It wasn't for me to figure out, it was me turning it totally over to God to figure out."

Staff writer Avis Thomas-Lester contributed to this report.