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Discipleship Assignment
Case Study: Discipleship Assignment
BUSI 535 – Biblical Financial Planning (B01)
Liberty University
Dr. Justin Henegar
June 29th, 2025
Subject: Follow-up to Initial Meeting
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Discipleship Assignment
Dear Dr. Cratz,
Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me recently. I regret that our
conversation took a turn that caused discomfort, and I genuinely hope you will allow me to offer
a bit of clarification and extend another opportunity to connect, should you feel open to it. I
appreciate your candidness and want to respond with the same sincerity and respect you offered,
even in disagreement.
When I mentioned the story of Balaam’s donkey from Numbers 22, my intention was not
to evangelize or impose my beliefs on you but simply to share something that had recently
impacted me personally. I now realize that bringing up a scriptural reference so early in our
conversation may have been unexpected and even, perhaps, unwelcome. For that, I apologize if
I gave the impression that faith would interfere with my professionalism or objectivity as a
financial advisor. I respect every client’s worldview, whether it aligns with mine or not, and my
role is to serve with integrity, transparency, and wisdom in assisting my clients reach their
financial goals.
That said, I would like to acknowledge something you said that has lingered in my mind.
You shared your view that Christians are delusional and hypocritical. While I understand this
perception, especially given how religion has sometimes been misused or misrepresented, I want
to affirm that your experience and skepticism still deserve to be heard. Many people, Christians
included, fall short of the standards they claim to uphold. In fact, Scripture itself highlights the
imperfection of humanity. Romans 3:23 (NIV) says, ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God.’ This includes me. The Christian faith is not built on the premise that believers
are perfect, but rather that they are in need of grace, redemption, and continual growth. My faith,
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for instance, is not a badge of superiority but a recognition of my own limitations and a source of
guidance in how I serve others, both professionally and personally.
I respect your decision to walk away from our initial meeting. Your transparency showed
you are a person of conviction, and that is something I admire. But I would also be remiss if I
did not express that I feel strongly that our meeting was not accidental. I cannot fully explain it,
but I believe there was a purpose to our crossing paths. Perhaps it has nothing to do with religion
at all. Maybe it is simply about finding someone trustworthy to walk alongside you through
financial decision-making in a way that honors your values and respects your voice.
I want to reassure you that I am not interested in debating faith or trying to influence you.
My goal is simply to offer you a high level of financial guidance, customized to your specific
needs. If faith is not part of that equation for you, I will honor that boundary without hesitation.
Though, should you ever have questions about faith, about meaning, or about anything that
might intersect with your financial decisions, I am here not only as a professional but as a person
who values listening intently and without judgment.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is building relationships that go beyond
numbers and portfolios. My Christian worldview leads me to value compassion, humility, and
service, which are traits I aim to live out rather than preach about. Colossians 4:6 (NIV) says,
‘Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to
answer everyone.’ That verse reminds me that grace and respect should guide all my
interactions, especially when worldviews differ. I believe our society thrives when people of
differing beliefs can sit at the same table, listen well, and find common ground. While we may
not share the same beliefs, I see great value in your work as a sociologist and your influence in
the academic world. I also think our professional paths might still align in a way that is most
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beneficial for you. Whether that happens or not, I would still welcome the chance to meet again,
no expectations, just open dialogue about your financial goals.
If you are willing, I would like to buy you another cup of coffee, this time with the
promise that we stick to the financial matters at hand. Or, if you would feel more comfortable
corresponding via email or phone before meeting again, I am equally happy to connect that way.
Thank you for considering my message and for being honest about where you stand. I
hope that, regardless of your decision, you know that you were heard, respected, and valued.
Should you choose to move forward, I am available and eager to help you figure out how to
strengthen your financial position
Thanks,
John Tucker
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References
Colossians 4:6 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway.=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=colossians%204%3A6&version=NIV
Romans 3:23 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway.=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=romans%203%3A23&version=NIV
