When Chip Vaughan began working with Christian financial advisor Russ Crosson in 1983, he was earning less than $30,000 per year as an employee of the family’s lumber business.

“Chip was definitely at the low end of our firm’s client profile,” recalls Russ. “But over the years, his sincere desire to be a faithful steward led to a close relationship between the two of us and greater levels of giving for he and his wife Janet. It’s been a privilege and a joy to watch God honor their commitment.”

“Russ and I met when we were both in our twenties and at similar stages in our careers,” says Chip. “He became my friend as well as my financial advisor. We played basketball and golf and studied the Bible together, and our families formed a strong kinship that has endured to this day. But Russ has never let our personal friendship get in the way of his professional role as our financial advisor.”

“The role of a Christian financial advisor is to help clients apply Biblical principles to their specific situations,” explains Russ. “In the beginning, I assisted Chip and Janet in setting up budgets and taking other steps to promote their financial health and increase their capacity for stewardship. For example, I helped them open a Giving Fund at NCF.”

By 1993, Chip and Janet owned the majority of the stock in the rapidly growing family business. Since their income and giving capacity had increased substantially, Russ challenged them to consider making a six-figure gift. “I’ll never forget that moment,” says Chip. “Janet and I were having lunch with Russ at a local restaurant. When Russ suggested that we write a check to our Giving Fund four times larger than my entire annual salary was just ten years before, I almost choked on my food! But we had always tried to hold our possessions with an open hand, and we trusted God and respected Russ. So we joyfully made the contribution.”

“Russ is very direct,” adds Janet, “and he consistently pushes us toward greater obedience. One of his most important roles as our financial advisor has been to challenge us to prosper others as God has prospered us, in accordance with 2 Corinthians 9. Because Russ is sensitive to where we are financially, emotionally, and spiritually, we are able to take bigger steps with him at our side.”