Written by: Michael Rodriguez

Larry Burkett: The Financial Counselor with a Christian Conscience

Larry Burkett was a renowned American radio personality and financial expert who garnered widespread recognition for his Christian-based approach to money management. Through his expansive body of work, Burkett helped countless individuals and families navigate the complexities of personal finance, all while upholding a strong Christian ethos.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 3, 1939, in Florida, Burkett was the fifth of eight children. After completing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in the Strategic Air Command. Upon completing his military duties, Burkett returned to central Florida and worked in the space program at Cape Canaveral. During this period, he earned degrees in marketing and finance from Rollins College.

A Transformative Experience and Newfound Purpose

In 1972, Burkett underwent a profound spiritual transformation, becoming an evangelical Christian. This pivotal event had a lasting impact on his life and career, as he began to focus on integrating Christian principles with financial management.

The Emergence of a Financial Counselor

In 1973, Burkett joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ, where he met fellow financial experts Austin Pryor and Ron Blue. This marked the beginning of his journey as a financial counselor, as he delved into biblical teachings on handling money. Burkett's passion for financial education led him to start teaching small groups across the country, eventually founding Christian Financial Concepts (CFC) in 1976.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Burkett's financial philosophy was deeply rooted in biblical principles. He advocated for responsible stewardship, debt-free living, and generosity. His teachings emphasized the importance of prioritizing God, family, and community, while encouraging individuals to adopt a long-term perspective on financial decision-making.

Career Highlights and Major Works

• Founder of Christian Financial Concepts (CFC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical principles of handling money.
• Cofounder of the National Christian Foundation, which has distributed over $18 billion in grants to charities since 1982.
• Cofounder of the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian conservative legal advocacy organization.
• Chairman of the board of directors at Crown Financial Ministries, following the merger of CFC and Crown Ministries in 2000.

Impact on Modern Society

Larry Burkett's work had a profound impact on modern society, particularly in the realm of Christian finance. Through his radio shows, books, and speaking engagements, he empowered countless individuals and families to adopt a biblical approach to financial management. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of financial counselors and educators.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Burkett's life was marked by numerous milestones, including his spiritual transformation in 1972, the founding of CFC in 1976, and his involvement in various philanthropic endeavors. Despite facing health challenges, including cancer and heart failure, Burkett remained committed to his work until his passing on July 4, 2003.

Influence on Pop Culture

Larry Burkett's work extended beyond the realm of Christian finance, influencing popular culture through his radio shows, books, and public speaking engagements. His message of responsible stewardship and biblical financial management resonated with a broad audience, making him a respected figure in the financial community.

Legacy

Larry Burkett's legacy is a testament to the power of faith-based financial management. Through his tireless efforts, he inspired a new generation of financial counselors and educators, while leaving an indelible mark on modern society. His work continues to inspire and empower individuals to adopt a biblical approach to financial management, ensuring a lasting impact on the world of finance and beyond.