When Ben Browder first walked through the doors of Betenbough Homes in Midland as an 18-year-old detail technician, he had no idea how much the company’s commitment to personal growth and Kingdom purpose would shape his life. Now, years later, that same commitment led Ben to help shape the lives of others by leading his team through Financial Peace University (FPU) after working hours — not because he had to, but because he saw a need and felt called to fill it.
Ben’s introduction to FPU began years ago when Betenbough offered the course as part of the homebuying discount process for employees. At the time, he was a young team member looking into purchasing his first home. “God lined it up just in time,” he remembers. “I was starting to make what I call ‘big boy money,’ and I needed to know how to handle it wisely. It was a huge blessing for me, and what I learned has enabled me to bless others since then.”
FPU forever changed Ben’s life. He’s now on track to pay off his home early, saving intentionally for retirement, and has an emergency fund in the bank. That kind of financial margin has relieved him of fear and stress about unexpected life events. Ben even shares that applying what he learned in the course improved his performance at work. “I’m now here because I want to be, not because I have to be. There’s a big difference. I get to make that choice,” he says.
That kind of freedom has also created space for generosity. While visiting family in Stephenville, Ben came across a woman stranded on the side of the road with three flat tires and no options. He was able to step in and cover the cost of her tow truck, helping her out of a difficult situation. For Ben, that moment was just one example of what became possible when finances are in order — the ability to bless others with open hands and a joyful heart.
When Ben transitioned to Lubbock South to become the detail manager, he began meeting with team members for one-on-ones, personal development plans, and growth conversations. A theme quickly emerged: each person mentioned financial stress, goals, or struggles. Instead of just offering advice, Ben saw an opportunity to walk alongside them in a deeper way. With his leadership’s support, he offered to personally host an after-hours Financial Peace University class for his entire team and their spouses.
Every week at 6:30 p.m., the team gathered in the office to share a meal (provided by Betenbough) and dig into biblical principles for financial freedom. Betenbough covered the course materials, but each participant provided the humility, unity, and commitment to make the most of the opportunity.
Among them was Braden McAfee.
Braden had taken FPU in high school but had no practical way to apply the financial principles at that age. Years later, when Ben invited the team to join the class, Braden and his wife McKayla knew it was the right time. “It was exactly what we needed,” Braden says.
The McAfees dove headfirst into the “baby steps” to financial peace. Using the “debt snowball method,” they paid off their credit cards and even sold a vehicle to pay off their truck. In just a few months, they were debt-free except for their home. That milestone became a turning point not only in their finances, but also in their faith and family life.
“Being in debt felt like drowning,” Braden shares. “You’re paddling as hard as you can, but you’re barely staying above water. Now, there’s freedom. There’s peace. And with that peace, we’ve been able to lean more into what God is calling us to — not just financially, but spiritually.”
With their emergency fund in place, they’re now investing in retirement and putting extra toward their mortgage, hoping to pay it off early. Their eyes are also on the future. The family is saving for a larger home where their daughter Magnolia can run and play freely. “We’re planning, not worrying,” Braden explains. “And because we’ve been obedient, God has blessed us beyond what we expected.”
That blessing has overflowed into generosity. Whether helping a trade partner in need or paying for a stranger’s tow truck, Braden is thrilled to now have margin to give. “It’s not about hoarding money. It’s about being able to be a blessing to others just like Ben was to us.”
For Ben, this is what “people-first leadership” looks like in action. “Having experienced the impact of FPU myself, it would’ve been hard not to share it,” he reflects. “I want to see our team win! And not just at work, but in life.”
Looking back, Braden is deeply grateful for the class as well as the culture that made it possible. “McKayla and I are super thankful that Betenbough invests in people this way,” he says. “They pour into us, and that makes us want to pour into others and serve our homebuyers even better. I’ve never worked at a place that wanted to be this kind of blessing in my life.”
Braden encourages anyone struggling financially to be bold and ask for help. “There’s hope. You don’t have to feel stuck or ashamed. There’s freedom on the other side.”
For both Ben and Braden, this story isn’t just about financial literacy. It’s about faith, obedience, and the ripple effect of relational leadership. It’s also a glimpse of the harvest that grows when seeds of generosity and purpose are planted in the good soil of a willing heart.
