Special Interview with Senior Pastor Wilfredo de Jesus on Running for Mayor of Chicago

As Chicago enters a new season without Mayor Daley seeking another term, senior pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Humboldt Park Wilfredo de Jesus, announces last week he is entering the race to become the mayor of Chicago.

I had an opportunity to catch-up with Wilfredo, affectionately called Pastor “Choco” by his church members, family and friends, over morning coffee.  As a faith-based entrepreneur and financial coach, I wanted to clear the air on politics and religion, his qualifications to be the mayor of Chicago, an anti-gay misconception about Wilfredo and what he will do to stir small businesses and stimulate the economy for households in this great city.

… Continue Reading

Happy Mother’s Day from Money Smart Radio

Wishing all the Mothers out there…a wonderful weekend and especially a Happy Mother’s Day!  Here’s a quick little video of what we did at Family Christians Center yesterday to honor mothers and women…on this special day.  In case you haven’t noticed, I roll with some funny characters.  But one thing we have in common, is that we all love our moms! … Continue Reading

Money Smart Guy Going Hollywood! The First Breakfast Movie directed by Christian Moffitt

Nah, no plans for the West Coast, but who would have thought I’d be in a movie?  God always has His ways…and this time it was to cross paths with Christian Moffitt.  I was introduced to him by Christian Hage of City Church Chicago who discovered him, literally on the side of a street.  This guy is SUPER TALENTED and I couldn’t believe he is only 19 yrs old!

Christian Hage, Pastors Kent and Alli Munsey arranged for a special movie production to be created for last week’s Easter service.  What a treat for City Church Chicago…church was packed Easter morning.  Below is a replay of that production, The First Breakfast by City Church Films.

… Continue Reading

City Church Chicago: Happy Three Year Birthday!

It was about two years ago, that my friend Jose Rodriguez invited me to watch a play in Munster, Indiana at Family Christian Center, called Jesus of Nazareth.  I had been struggling at that point with many decisions and relationships that I had in my personal and business life.  We took our kid’s there to watch this amazing play during Holy Week and thought it was just another “church play”.  Boy was I surprised!  It had a full on professional production, hundreds of actors, live animals and pyrotechnics you wouldn’t believe.

… Continue Reading

City Church Notes: Holy Week – Seven Days That Changed the World Forever

It used to be I’d carry my Bible, notepad and pen into church.  But due to innovation and technology, everything is conveniently now in my pocket.  Therefore, if you’re sitting around me during service, don’t throw anything at me while I fiddle with my iPhone.  I’m not texting…I’m taking notes!! This week are City Church notes about Holy Week – the seven days that changed the world forever!  Pastor Kent shares that in order to get into heaven, you also have to have a certain amount of notes on file…so here goes.  By the way, I have a special note at the end of this post.  God bless you!!

… Continue Reading

Chris Searcy: How an Indie Artist Turned His Passion into Profit

Podcast: Download (Duration: 14:21 — 19.7MB)

Once a week, we profile an entrepreneur that has taken the courage to go way past their comfort zone to achieve the dream that God has placed solely in their heart.  This week’s featured entrepreneur is, Chris Searcy, an indie (independent) artist who produced his own hit song, Addicted.  By continuing to follow his passion, in the midst of a recession and amongst naysayers or “haters”, his song Addicted has climbed up the charts to #14 on the Gospel Music Channel’s top 20 songs.  His story and example is truly one that exemplifies an individual that has found their passion and found a way to turn it into profit.

What does an indie artist have to do with being an entrepreneur? Everything!  Without a major music label backing him, Chris not only has created his own hit song, but his own music label My Radio Records and is responsible for the management and marketing of his work.  Enjoy this video highlight of Chris Searcy and be sure to download the full interview below.

… Continue Reading

City Church Notes: Four Ways to Reach Your Dreams with Pat Mesiti and Chris Searcy Performs Addicted

Before we get into the Word, we had a blast with a performance by Chris Searcy who sang , Addicted.  That brotha was off the chain ! (Choreography by Pastor Kent Munsey…lol!)  If you missed church last night, the best I can do is share his video…by the way, his song hit the Top 20 Songs on the Gospel Charts…that’s amazing for an independent artist!  Tweet or share this post to help him continue getting the word out!  Here is Chris Searcy’s song, Addicted…raisin’ the roof in the House of the Lord!
… Continue Reading

City Church Notes: Peopleology – Dealing with Dissatisfaction

Another great message tonight by Pastor Steve Munsey of City Church Chicago.

This is my way of recharging the batteries for the week so here are some notes you can glean from.  Also, if you are in Chicago, consider dropping by one Sunday night with your family and pay a visit!

Pastor Kent Munsey –

Is anyone here in an agreement that money and “things: really don’t buy happiness?

… Continue Reading

Church Notes: Peopleology – What to Do When People Tear You Down

People where nudging me and telling me to shut off my phone.  Leaders, with curiosity, where glancing at what I was doing during service.   It looked like I was not setting a good example while sitting in church.  Once Amy told them what I was doing, they stopped asking and focused again on Pastor Kent Munsey’s message.  Trust me, I was not texting in church…

… Continue Reading