The Christian Financial Counselor of the Year Award, presented by the Institute for Christian Financial Health, recognizes an individual who exemplifies excellence in Christ-centered financial counseling. This prestigious award honors a counselor who faithfully guides others toward God’s design for money with biblical wisdom, compassion, integrity, and exceptional skill. It celebrates someone who consistently goes above and beyond, encouraging, equipping, and walking alongside individuals and families as they pursue lasting financial health for the glory of God.

This year’s recipient, Gordon Johnson, CERTCFC®, of Turlock, California, embodies the very heart of this award.

For more than 37 years, Gordon has faithfully served individuals and couples by helping them apply biblical principles to their financial lives. His ministry reflects a deep conviction that money is not merely a financial issue, but a discipleship issue, one that reveals trust, priorities, and spiritual maturity. Time and again, Gordon has demonstrated that faithful stewardship flows from a growing relationship with Christ.

Dr. Art Rainer, founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health, praised Gordon’s enduring faithfulness and pastoral heart:

“Gordon Johnson represents the gold standard of Christian financial counseling. His counsel is not driven by formulas or trends, but by Scripture, prayer, and a genuine love for the people he serves. Few have shown such long-term faithfulness in walking with others toward both financial and spiritual freedom.”

Gordon’s influence extends well beyond one-on-one counseling. He has led more than 30 small group studies using materials authored by Howard Dayton, helping countless individuals and families grow in biblical financial understanding within the context of Christian community. His passion for discipleship is further reflected in his 12 years of service as an Assisting Pastor, where he shepherded congregations with both spiritual sensitivity and practical wisdom.

In addition, Gordon brings a rare blend of ministry and operational expertise. With 13 years in church business administration and six years serving churches and nonprofits through a commercial insurance agency, he understands the financial challenges faced by both households and ministries. This breadth of experience allows him to offer counsel that is not only biblically sound, but also grounded in real-world application.

Dr. Rainer added:

“What sets Gordon apart is his humility and consistency. He has quietly and faithfully served for decades, pointing people to Christ while helping them make wise financial decisions. His work has produced fruit that will last for generations.”

At the core of Gordon’s ministry is a commitment to God’s Word. His counseling reflects the truth of Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV):

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Through wisdom, compassion, and integrity, Gordon Johnson has helped others trust the Lord more fully, not only with their finances, but with their lives.

The Institute for Christian Financial Health is honored to recognize Gordon Johnson, CERTCFC®, as the Christian Financial Counselor of the Year, celebrating a lifetime of faithful service and a legacy of Kingdom impact.