
Irvine, CA — January 27th, 2025 — Financial Planning Ministry (FPM), a leader in nonprofit planned giving, is pleased to announce that Chris Goulard has joined the organization as Vice President of Stewardship Initiatives. Chris, a long-time advocate of FPM since Saddleback Church partnered with the organization in 2009, is thrilled to officially become part of the team.
In announcing the appointment, President Michael Prior, Executive Vice President D. Clay Perkins, and CFO/COO Grace Grubert expressed their excitement about welcoming Chris to the FPM Management Team. They praised him as the ideal person to help them lead the organization forward. Chris will join a leadership group that also includes Dave Hess, Vice President of Training and Development, and Liz Pimentel, Director of Partner Engagement. A recognized authority in biblical stewardship and generosity, Chris brings a wealth of experience and insight to his new role.
As Vice President of Stewardship Initiatives, Chris will help churches establish estate planning ministries as a foundational component of their stewardship programs. With more than 20 years of experience promoting biblical financial stewardship, Chris also serves as the chair of the Christian Stewardship Network and is a sought-after speaker on stewardship and generosity.
Chris began his career in the financial services sector, serving as a Vice President at Fidelity Investments, MFS, and Prudential Financial. In 2004, he transitioned into ministry, becoming the Pastor of Stewardship at Saddleback Church. During his tenure, he led impactful initiatives such as Financial Freedom Workshops, an Estate Planning Ministry that resulted in over $120 million in bequests, and a $50 million giving campaign. His work fostered a culture of generosity within the church community. Chris holds a BA in Economics from Dartmouth College, is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and has earned a master’s degree from seminary. He and his wife, Jenifer, have been married for 34 years and have two adult sons.
President Michael Prior remarked, “Chris is a pastor to those serving in stewardship ministry. In his new role at FPM, he will continue to advance the Kingdom by championing biblical stewardship and generosity. On behalf of the entire FPM community, we are honored to welcome Chris to our team.”
Chris shared his enthusiasm, stating, “This new role at FPM allows me to further my passion for helping churches build effective stewardship and generosity ministries. While I am deeply grateful for my 20 years of ministry at Saddleback, this new chapter represents an even greater opportunity to serve God’s Kingdom. I look forward to working with so many churches—it’s going to be fun!”
The FPM Management Team is confident that Chris Goulard’s expertise and vision will play a key role in expanding FPM’s legacy giving ministry.
About Financial Planning Ministry
Financial Planning Ministry (FPM) is a nonprofit partnership of national charities dedicated to providing a path to sound biblical stewardship through donor estate planning.
For more information about Financial Planning Ministry or to learn how your organization can benefit from an FPM estate planning partnership, visit www.fpm.org, email info@fpm.org, or call toll-free at (800) 871-4901.
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