Conversation: Gerry Hindy

Gerry and Carolyn Hindy had put down two decades of family roots in Pennsylvania when Gerry was appointed President/CEO of AG Financial in January 2006. Along with their four daughters, they moved to Springfield, Mo., Òto follow the leading of the Lord and be used to further the kingdom of God.Ó Hindy recently spoke with Associate Editor Scott Harrup.

tpe: Were you raised in a Christian home?

HINDY: I grew up in Newfoundland, Canada, in a family that had deep roots in the Pentecostal movement there. God began dealing with my life consistently when I was about 10. Going to a Christian school in the seventh grade connected me with some teachers who became strong Christian mentors and that became a mainstay in my walk of faith.

tpe: You graduated from Evangel University in 1981 and transitioned into business.

HINDY: Yes, after college, over a period of about 17 years, God blessed me and helped me build a portfolio of companies in several industries. For a few years I worked with and became a partner in an accounting firm. My focus since 1999 has been banking, serving on various bank boards, and helping to facilitate mergers and strategic planning.

tpe: What led to your move to AG Financial?

HINDY: IÕm convinced God used the combination of business and ministry experiences to prepare me for this ministry. And God led people to speak His direction into my life. One of those moments happened when General Superintendent Thomas Trask first called and began to talk with me about AG Financial. I can still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. ThatÕs how compelling GodÕs sense of direction felt at that moment.

But I still had questions. So we visited Springfield to explore the position. Then Carolyn and I were on a drive in Pennsylvania reflecting on it. And she turned to me and said, ÒGerry, where do you think you can have the greatest impact for the Kingdom?Ó I still fight back tears when I remember that.

tpe: Why is money a suitable subject for an issue of the Evangel?

HINDY: I havenÕt tallied the number of Scriptures personally, but you will find God mentions money throughout His Word. Money, from GodÕs perspective, is a significant part of our lives. We need to recognize He is in control and He cares about every part of our lives and He owns everything anyway; then when we are obedient to Him we can walk confidently in His blessing. Every success IÕve encountered has been inextricably connected with obeying God.

tpe: Is there a mistake you observe a lot of people making with money?

HINDY: We live in a culture that has become accustomed to instant gratification. The biggest mistake we can make with money is failing to be patient. ItÕs like when you go on a diet. You need to train your body to experience hunger. The same holds true with your finances. Cultivate an ability to set goals and diligently wait as they are met.

tpe: What do you see as a key to financial health?

HINDY: Balance. Too often people approach money from an extreme position and forget to evaluate their finances objectively. Another vital tool is simply measuring where you are. You canÕt manage what you canÕt measure. As a follower of Christ, that also means measuring the assets God expects you to make available for His purposes.

tpe: What should our attitude be toward money?

HINDY: I believe that if we remember who the true source is, money becomes a tool not an obstacle or distraction. I believe God blesses us so we can bless others. If we maintain that attitude, I believe God will be pleased.

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.