The way Shaun Lewis approaches his career as a financial advisor, “Everybody has a unique story. I try to help them make sense of where they’re at and where they’re going.”

His own life story has seen him striving to help others for more than 20 years. As a financial advisor for Edward Jones, 263 E. Washington in East Peoria, he takes a long view of his life and the choices that have led him to this place. 

“Most of what I do is counseling,” Shaun said. “When someone comes in, I want to understand where they are, where they want to be, and what they value. What are their hopes? What do they love?” He then helps them develop and implement a financial plan to achieve those goals.

He said he believes his choices have all had one focus: Serving God by serving others.

Before joining Edward Jones, Shaun spent three years as a pastor at New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw. Prior to that, he founded Civil Servant Ministries in Springfield, offering weekly Bible study, prayer and counseling for lawmakers and their staffers.

Shaun was born and raised in Peoria Heights and graduated from Bradley University in 2001 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Like many Bradley graduates, he went to work for Caterpillar right out of college. But after a couple of years, he decided he wanted to pursue a career that was “a little more directly involved in helping people.”

He was already active in his local church community. “I loved studying the Bible and I loved using it to help people,” he said. “Those things never changed.” But he did make one dramatic change that led to three years at seminary in California. This was before returning to Illinois and founding Civil Servant Ministries, which continued under his leadership for the next 14 years.

While ministering in Mackinaw, “God opened a great opportunity for me at Edward Jones to continue serving people, though in a different way,” Shaun said.

A pastor friend in St. Louis had been working for the firm, and Shaun said he liked the emphasis on building relationships with clients. After completing more than 500 hours of intensive study and exams, he began establishing himself in the local market.

Shaun and his wife of 23 years, Cristi, met at Bradley’s Campus Crusade for Christ. They live in Mackinaw, where they have three children ranging from age 14 to 20.

“Most people want to be happy and know their life mattered in the end. I try to have those kinds of discussions with clients, helping them align their finances to the things that matter most.”

Edward Jones offers the full range of investments, financial products, and planning services, but Shaun doesn’t think of himself as a salesman.

“I enjoy getting to know people and offering them something that actually helps.”