American families find themselves drowning in debt like never before. “We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like,” says personal finance expert Dave Ramsey, author of five best-selling books including The Total Money Makeover, and host to The Dave Ramsey Show, a syndicated radio program broadcast on more than 500 stations across the country.

On February 11/12, Senior Pastor Bill Hybels welcomed Ramsey to Willow to wrap up the 2012 Family Series with an honest look at the #1 cause of marital and family stress: finances. Of all the common things couples fight about, money disputes are the biggest harbingers of divorce. And often it is the discomfort of financial woes—the sleepless nights and money fights—that finally motivates couples to make a change in their finances.

“Not until the pain of the same is greater than the pain of change will you embrace change,” Dave says. He challenges families to grab the reins and do something about their own financial health. “For your own good, for the good of your family and your future, grow a backbone. When something is wrong, stand up and say it is wrong, and don’t back down.”

Financial Peace University: February 21–May 22

Willow’s stewardship team is excited to announce the launch of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, a 13-week class that provides biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment to individuals and families alike—whether finances are in great shape or under distress. The class incorporates entertaining lessons from Dave via DVD, followed by active small-group discussion. Together, groups walk through Dave’s Seven Baby Steps toward Financial Peace.

Each of Willow’s six campuses, as well as Casa de Luz, offers Financial Peace University, and Casa de Luz, Willow’s ministry for the Spanish-speaking community offers a version of FPU in Spanish.

Dr. John M. Perkins, a leader in the Civil Right movement for the past 50 years, has dedicated his life to empowering people and ministries to work alongside the poor and vulnerable. His guiding verse in life is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

The John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and Development is dedicated to seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ restore entire communities across America. Their work in racial reconciliation & community development demonstrates God’s power to bring true unity and hope to areas across the country.  

Senior Pastor Bill Hybels speaks with Dr. Perkins at weekend services at Willow Creek on January 14/15. Weekend services are at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 and 11:15 a.m. on Sunday.