The Heart of Stewardship: An Interview with CAP Money Coach George Hanus
- kellybick
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
George Hanus wears many hats: CAP Canada Board Member, Chair of the Governance Committee, and dedicated CAP Money Coach. Since 2016, he has led 16 courses, witnessing firsthand how financial literacy, when paired with faith, can transform lives. We sat down with him to discuss his journey and the vital role the CAP Money Course can play in the Canadian church today.
A Personal Journey to Coaching
What first led you to become a CAP Money Coach? My wife and I actually took the CAP Money Course ourselves in early 2016 at our church, St. Paul’s Bloor Street. We were incredibly impressed with the content over those three sessions; we learned so much about handling finances. Afterward, one of the presenters asked if I’d like to lead future courses. I agreed, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of giving 16 courses.
Was there a specific moment when you realized just how needed this role is? I realized from the outset that the course content was very important for me and my wife, and for many other people who did not have the skills to prepare budgets and learn how to cut back, cut down, cut out their costs to improve their financial situation.
How has CAP Money Coaching changed your own perspective on money and faith? I have always been aware of the need to manage my financial resources… and it became more important to share these responsibilities with my wife, with the realization that we were stewards of the resources given to us by God. We had to put them to good use for our lifestyle, but also for the needs of others through donations.
Impact on the Church and Community
Who exactly is the CAP Money Course for? Is it primarily for people in financial crisis? People from different walks of life and at different stages of life attend the course. Young people are interested in creating their first budgets. Other people who have lost a spouse, retired, or lost their jobs wish to modify their expenditures due to changes in their circumstances.
Have you seen relationships or trust grow within the church as a result of these courses? Some participants came from the church that was giving the course, but others have joined from outside the church environment, and, as a result of taking the course, some people have become more active in attending church services.
Is there one participant's story that has really stayed with you? I remember one young, newly married couple who both did the saver/spender questionnaire and only then discovered their separate approaches to money. They also hadn’t shared, until taking the course [together], how much they each earned and the benefits they had from their employers. So, it was a real learning experience for them in their new marriage.
Inside the 2026 Money Course Update
For someone thinking about CAP Money Coaching, how difficult is it to get trained and started? Using the participant workbook (Journey Guide) and the Money Coach Guide, along with the corresponding videos, it was possible to prepare to give the course. The best approach is to complete the course step-by-step to become familiar with the various chapters and the exercises participants will need to complete, and to create one’s own budget on the CAP website.
What do you appreciate most about the updated 2025/2026 materials? The new structure builds beautifully on the original foundation, but it’s very current. It reflects the way we access information on the internet today, and the testimonials are specifically relevant to the conditions and individuals we see here in Canada.
A Call to the Canadian Church
Why should more churches consider offering this course right now? With the current economic situation getting increasingly unpredictable… it's very important that people know their current financial situation regarding income, but especially regarding where their money is being spent, and then to learn how to reduce their spending or how to redirect their funds for future expenditures.
What would you say to someone who thinks talking about money is "too personal" for the church? Our financial resources and how we spend our money are deeply spiritual. Jesus spoke about money frequently, as recorded in the Bible, using it as an illustration of deeper spiritual truths such as stewardship, serving God or mammon, and caring for the poor. The Church also exists to assist people in whatever way might be possible. Apart from spiritual direction, people have other needs, such as grief share or divorce care, either individually or in a group setting. The availability of the CAP Money Course is just another way of providing support to people who might not have the skills, in this case, to handle their finances.
Where do you see God at work in the CAP Money Coaching ministry? I believe God stands right beside the trainers as they give these courses to people in need of assistance. It’s a practical reflection of the heart of the Gospel, giving people the tools and techniques they need to improve their lives.
What is your prayer for those attending the course in 2026 and beyond? [My prayer is that] people would not lose heart about their financial situation, but be aware that there are people at CAP willing and able to answer their questions and help them in reducing their debt, as long as they follow carefully the debt reduction program prepared for them.
Equip Your Church for Impact
Next Steps
As George Hanus has seen firsthand, the CAP Money Course is a powerful way for your church to meet a tangible need in your community while opening doors for deeper discipleship. Don't let your congregation struggle in silence. Partner with CAP Canada today to launch a ministry that offers practical help and spiritual hope.