What Is a CKA? with Sharon Epps

Faith & Finance

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14

At one time, finding someone who shared your Christian values and could give you expert financial guidance was quite a challenge. But today, a nationwide network of Christian financial professionals fills that void. Sharon Epps joins us today to explain “What is a CKA®?”

Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.

The Origin of Certified Kingdom Advisors

If you’re new to the concept of a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA), you might wonder what sets these financial professionals apart. CKAs are not only trained in financial services but also rooted in a biblical worldview, helping individuals and families make faith-based financial decisions. There are over 1,500 CKAs across the U.S. and Canada, and that number continues to grow.

Larry Burkett and Ron Blue inspired the concept of Kingdom Advisors, realizing that God’s people needed trusted, biblically minded financial advisors to help them steward their resources. This vision laid the foundation for the CKA designation, the only credential in the financial industry dedicated to biblically wise financial advice. CKAs are financial professionals, such as planners, accountants, investment advisors, insurance professionals, and lawyers, who are passionate and qualified to integrate faith and finances into their practice.

What Does It Take to Become a Certified Kingdom Advisor?

Becoming a Certified Kingdom Advisor involves rigorous training. CKAs complete 90 hours of study at the college level, capped by a five-hour proctored exam. This training includes navigating financial decisions from a biblical perspective through a case study of a real family, Bob and Debbie.

This process equips financial professionals with deep biblical convictions about financial decision-making and enhances their ability to give competent, faith-aligned advice to their clients. The CKA credential is highly valued across the financial services industry and recognized by firms for its commitment to biblically-based stewardship.

Stories of Transformation

One of the most rewarding aspects of the CKA program is hearing stories from advisors who have completed the training and how it has impacted their practice. Sharon shared a few examples, including an advisor who wrote:

“My practice is no longer just about financial acumen. It’s about integrating faith and finance, reshaping how I interact with my clients.”

Another advisor reflected:

“Becoming a CKA has been more than an educational pursuit; it has been a catalyst for spiritual growth and discernment. With each scripture memorized and lesson learned, I’ve gained clarity on God’s calling and purpose for me as a leader and disciple-maker.”

These stories illustrate how the CKA designation transforms financial professionals' professional growth and personal faith journeys, allowing them to serve their clients more holistically.

Why Choose a Certified Kingdom Advisor?

Why should you choose a Certified Kingdom Advisor if you're considering financial guidance? Money is a tool, and having an advisor who shares your biblical worldview ensures that your financial decisions are aligned with your faith. CKAs help you steward your resources wisely and offer spiritual encouragement through prayer and scripture.

If you’re ready to take the next step and find a Certified Kingdom Advisor, visit FaithFi.com and click “Find a Professional.” You can connect with a CKA in your area who can guide you in faithful financial stewardship.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My son got into a terrible car accident and suffered a brain injury. It took him four years to recover and get back on his feet. He's in his early 30s and has a job, but he's worried about losing his Medicare disability payments if he earns too much. I'm unsure of the rules around the substantial gainful activity limit and the trial work period. Can you help me understand how he can continue working without jeopardizing his disability benefits?
• My husband and I just sold one of our investment properties for $200,000, and we made about $140,000 in profit. We're about three years away from retirement. Should we use that $200,000 to buy another investment property to avoid paying capital gains taxes? Or should we invest the money elsewhere instead of doing a 1031 exchange?
• 27 years ago, I bought some savings bonds for my sons, who are now adults. The bonds have been sitting in a safe all this time. My sons know about the bonds, but I'm unsure what to do with them now. Should I just hold onto the bonds until they mature in three more years? Or should I go ahead and cash them out and give the money to my sons now? I'm still determining if the bonds will be worth much in a few years, so I wonder if I should just let my sons handle it.
• Can I find the current CD rates from different banks in one place? I'd like to compare the rates and minimum deposit requirements across various banks to find the best CD options. Can you recommend a website or resource that allows me to easily see and compare CD rates from multiple banks?
• I recently retired and am still figuring out what to do with my 401(k). It has about $130,000 in it, and I still need the money. Should I leave the 401(k) where it is, or should I roll it over into an IRA? I'm not sure how to manage it myself, so I would like to know if I should hire a financial advisor to help me with that. What do you recommend I do?

Resources Mentioned:

• TreasuryDirect.gov
• Bankrate | NerdWallet
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at [phone]. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.