The below sessions are highlights from our Economic Empowerment series across multiple years. Watch to learn how to create economically sustainable organizations, share wealth-building skills and build wealth-building ministries.
On Money, A Critical Part of Making an Impact with Steven Johnson (April 7, 2025)
Rev. Steven Johnson, pastor of business and finance at Faithful Central for over a decade, also managed the finances of FAME Renaissance following the ’92 unrest under the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray. He shares how money fits into Murray’s 5M leadership model. Pastors, clergy, lay leaders of congregations and faith organizations will benefit from this deep dive into best practices.
Elevate Your Financial Future with George B. Thompson (2024)
George B. Thompson, a financial coach and pastor of stewardship at Faithful Central Bible Church, kicks off the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s 2024 Economic Empowerment series. He covers 5 crucial areas for wealth management:
- Income
- Debt
- Investments
- Taxes and protection
- Estate planning
George B. Thompson offers financial education, wealth management and programs like the 21-Day Fast Start. Find out more at his website.
Protect Your Finances: How to Avoid Fraud and Predatory Practices (2024)
King Jermaine Jones, entrepreneur and venture capitalist, shares his story and the mindset required to secure your financial future as part of USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Economic Empowerment session.
Jones credits his faith in God, critical thinking abilities and entrepreneurial spirit with allowing him to come through the foster care and criminal justice systems and succeed first as a robotic engineer and then as owner of the Dr. Fish Spa Las Vegas Franchise and several other businesses. Jones encourages people to continue the mindset of a student and problem solver as they continue to grow and build their wealth. He also shares experience with fraud and predatory loans on his journey as an entrepreneur.
Financial predators prey on people at their most vulnerable moments. But increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes can fool the most savvy individuals. As part of our Economic Empowerment series, the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture presents a panel of experts who can tell you how to avoid becoming a victim of financial fraud and predatory practices – and what to do if you have become a victim. Watch to learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community members and their hard-earned savings.
Harnessing the Faith Community’s Assets for Social Impact (2024)
The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, executive director of the Oikos Institute for Social Impact, presents the model of “F.I.S.H Capital” as part of the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Economic Empowerment programming. Learn how to F.I.S.H. differently — and harness your congregation’s Financial, Intellectual, Social and Human Capital.
Many congregations own substantial multi-generational assets and are enriched by the talents, gifts, skills, experience and expertise of members and their networks in the wider community. Still, historic and continued structural inequities limit their access to capital and development support. This webinar will share creative and imaginative ways to harness the power of a congregation’s assets for a greater social impact on issues like housing and homelessness in Los Angeles and beyond.
Build Your Wealth: A Conversation with a Financial Wellbeing Coach (2023)
Financial Wellbeing Coach Eric Clay from Operation Hope speaks about building generational wealth – in your family and your community. He talks about budgeting, building credit and handling debt, and takes audience questions.
Operation Hope can provide free financial education sessions to congregations and other organizations interested in building out wealth-building programs. Visit their website for more information or contact CRCC for an introduction.
