There is a belief that Christian debt counseling is somehow superior or different than the number of secular companies that practice credit solutions services. Hold that thought for a moment. You may want to toss it out completely. In this article, you'll learn what questions to ask and what worries you should have when dealing with Christian debt counseling.

There's a certain amount of shame and feeling of failure that accompanies many Christians when they find themselves deeply in debt. Following the principles established when Jesus threw the moneychangers out of the temple, you would have stayed out of debt, and not used credit at all. In today's society, that's practically unheard. Now you find yourself in debt, and you want to do the right thing. You look to a new kind of business that has become popular in the last dozen or so years--Christian debt counseling.

• What will this cost?
• Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau
• Can you give me contact information on satisfied customers
• How will this effect my credit score? (If they say it won't, run--don't walk to the door)
• Explain the process of debt settlement and why you think its "Christian"

Getting the answers to these questions will help you in your due diligence and give you information you'll need in deciding whether to employ the company. Be wary of the short "online" applications you'll find. You are putting your personal information in someone else's hands. Contact information is fine in this case. Financial data, not so much. 

When "Christian" debt counseling services began, it seemed to be the answer to a prayer for the churched. An organization that understood their moral principles that could help them get their lives and finances back on track. Many quickly jumped to sign up, and in doing so, paid high upfront management fees and signed away most of their rights. In several cases, these companies were a ripoff that took the money and ran. After sign up for Christian Debt Counseling, most Christians were told not to take debt collection calls, ignore collection letters and figures or balances on the creditors monthly statements. It was absolute trust that most felt like they had found an ally for their financial trouble. It didn't last long. Soon, the heated calls from creditors and debt collectors came pouring in. The calls were about debts that were to be "taken care of". These companies played upon the desire of Christians to pay their debts, and fleeced them. One company got the grade of "F" from the Better Business Bureau. You have to work hard to accomplish that.

There ARE legitimate faith-based Christian debt counseling companies. Your first caution when you go into any organization that wants to help you with your debt is "buyer beware." Check these companies with the Better Business Bureau or your State Attorney General's office.