Dr. DeForest Soaries

    dFree Movement

    Faith-Based Financial Leader

    Headshot of Dr. DeForest Soaries, dFree Movement

    About

    Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. is a nationally recognized former pastor, author, and financial freedom advocate who has revolutionized faith-based financial education through his groundbreaking dFree movement and innovative FinFest financial education festival. After serving 30+ years as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens and as New Jersey's first African-American male Secretary of State, he founded the dFree Financial Freedom Movement in 2005, creating scalable platforms that deliver financial education through faith-based frameworks to over 3,000 churches and organizations nationwide. His corporate partnerships, including collaboration with Prudential and service on boards of Independence Realty Trust and Ocwen Financial Corporation, demonstrate his unique ability to bridge faith communities with mainstream financial institutions. As author of 12 books including "Say Yes to No Debt" and host of SiriusXM's "For Your Soul," Dr. Soaries connects biblical stewardship principles with modern financial strategies, making financial freedom culturally relevant and spiritually grounded. His work was featured in CNN's 90-minute documentary "Almighty Debt," and he has been recognized in major publications including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Through his President/CEO role at Corporate Community Connections, Inc., he continues expanding the reach and impact of faith-integrated financial empowerment nationwide.

    Professional Highlights

    • Founder of dFree Financial Freedom Movement serving 3,000+ churches and organizations nationwide
    • Former New Jersey Secretary of State and retired Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church (30+ years)
    • Author of 12 books including "Say Yes to No Debt" series and host of SiriusXM's "For Your Soul"
    • Featured in CNN's 90-minute documentary "Almighty Debt" and major publications
    • Corporate board member of Independence Realty Trust and Ocwen Financial Corporation

    Areas of Expertise

    Faith & FinancesFinancial Literacy & Financial EducationFinancial Coaching & Economic EmpowermentCredit & Debt ManagementFamily FinancesInvesting & Wealth Building

    Content Types & Deliverables

    Primary Content Piece

    Article, blog post, video, listicle, infographic, financial tips, or newsletter

    Social Media Element

    Written, photo/image-based or video post

    Interactive/Engagement Piece

    Live session, workshop, podcast, TV/media interview, coaching, training or consultation

    Media & Speaking

    • Featured in CNN's 90-minute documentary "Almighty Debt"
    • Recognized in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal
    • Host of SiriusXM's "For Your Soul" radio program
    • Major publications coverage on faith-based financial education

    Ready to Work Together?

    Get in touch to discuss how Dr. DeForest Soaries can contribute to your project or event.