Kent Nichols is the Treasurer and CFO of the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a faith-based organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, that has been uplifting communities since 1945. With over two decades of experience in finance and pastoral ministry, Kent oversees all financial operations, ensuring transparency, integrity, and efficiency. He treats donated funds as a sacred trust and is committed to using every dollar to support meaningful programs, outreach, and education. Under his leadership, the conference honors its mission to serve with purpose, accountability, and a deep commitment to glorifying God through sound financial stewardship.

In this episode, Dante and Kent discuss:

• Journey from financial consulting to pastoral ministry and CFO leadership
• The Lake Region Conference’s funding structure, including tithes and community outreach
• Challenges in managing budgets for a nonprofit ministry across five states
• Strategic efforts to promote financial literacy and generational wealth within the church
• The vision to launch an endowment fund and expand grant-based community impact

Key Takeaways: 

• Kent blends pastoral ministry with financial leadership, bringing both compassion and structure to his role as CFO. His unique background allows him to lead with integrity while supporting spiritual and operational goals.
• Overseeing finances for more than 120 churches demands a careful balance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of diverse communities. Kent and his team ensure resources are allocated to maximize ministry impact.
• With today’s unpredictable economic climate, Kent emphasizes the need for thoughtful budgeting and strategic planning. Adapting to shifts in income and donor behavior is critical for long-term stability.
• Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission. Kent is co-authoring a book and developing a curriculum to equip church members with tools for budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.
• His vision for the future includes creating an endowment fund that provides free Christian education and expanding grant programs that directly serve the community. Legacy giving and trust development are also key to sustaining the ministry’s reach for generations to come.

“I want to create an endowment fund so that any child who wants a Christian education can get it for free. That’s the vision—to use our blessings to bless others, now and for generations to come.” - Kent Nichols

Connect with Kent Nichols:

Website: https://www.lrcsda.com/ 

Connect with Dante Royster:

Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/

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Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

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Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

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