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1K CHURCHES BIBLE STUDY PARTICIPANT GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1

GROUP GUIDELINES ....................................................................................... 6

SESSION 1: CREATION .................................................................................. 7

SESSION 2: SIN & ALIENATION ................................................................... 13

SESSION 3: SALVATION ............................................................................. 16

SESSION 4: SANCTIFICATION ...................................................................... 19

SESSION 5: LIVING HOPE ............................................................................ 22

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................... 27

CONNECTING TO CRITERION INSTITUTE ...................................................... 28

1 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION Welcometo1KChurches.Youarepartofagrowingcommunityofchurcheswhoarebuildingeconomicrelationshipsintheircommunitiesthroughmakingsmallloanstolocalmicrobusinesses.Manypeopleconstitutethe‘we’whocreatedtheseresourcesandwhoinviteyourparticipationinthisgreatadventure.Thepurposeofthisguideistohelpyouandasmallgroupofparticipantsstudyscripture,reflect,andlearntogetherabouthowGodiscallingyouandyourchurchaseconomicbeings.EachofthefivesessionswillintroduceyoutoadifferentInvestmentPathwaythroughwhichyoumaychoosetomakeyourloan.ResourcesthatcomplementthisBiblestudyareavailablefordownloadontheCriterionInstitutewebsite:www.criterioninstitute.org.Theyincludethe1KChurchesBibleStudyFacilitator’sGuide,the1KChurchesGettingStartedGuide,the1KChurchesImplementationGuide,the1KChurchesPrayerBook,andabriefoverviewoftheprogram.TheImplementationGuideishasbeencustomizedforeachofthefiveloanpathways.Sharedassumtionsasyoubegin:1. Yourgrouphasdonesomeinitialorganizingandisreadytoreflecttogetherontheireconomic

relationshipsinlightoftheirfaithandattheendmakealoan.2. Youhavescheduledatleast5sessionsatleast1hourlong,preferably90min.3. Youhaveidentifiedanamountofmoneytoinvestbetween$500or$5,0004. Youhaveidentifiedaministryconcernthroughwhichtofocusyourconversations.Wehavenamed

thefollowing10commonmissionconcerns,butyouarewelcometonameanother,particulartoyourcommunity:EconomicDevelopment,Immigration,VeteransIssues,CreationCare,RacialJustice,ChildrenandYouth,Food/Hunger,PrisonJustice,GenderandWomen’sIssues,ElderlyandAgingConcerns.

5. Thesematerialsbasedontheexperienceofmanycongregationsprovideyouwithaplacetostartandyouarefreetoadapttheresourcesandtheprogramtofityourparticularcontext.

OUTLINE OF THE SESSION: OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER

Mostoftheopeningandclosingprayershavebeenwrittenbyleadersacrossthe1KChurchescommunity.

DEEPENING THE COVENANT:

Thereareawiderangeoftypesofgroupsparticipating,fromyouthgroupstosmallgroupswhohavebeenmeetingfordecades,tostrangerscomingtogetherforthisexperience.We

2 INTRODUCTION

encourageyoutousethepracticesofyourcommunitytoformandbuildtrustinthegroup.Theprogramsuggestssometestedwaystobuildasafespacetohaveaconversationaboutmoney.Attheendofeachsession,thereisaquestionforthegrouptoreflectonandbringbacktothenextsession.

TEXT AND COMMENTARY

TheBibleStudyisorganizedasajourneythroughtheChristianstory,startingwithCreation.Asyouexplorethesefamiliarpassagesofscripture,wehopeyouwillbepromptedtoreadthemwithnewlensesandtodiscoverwhatthetraditionteachesusabouthowweshouldbeineconomicrelationships.SESSION 1: CREATION.EconomyasahouseholdofrelationshipssetinmotionatthebirthofhumanitySESSION 2: SIN & ALIENATION.HowthebrokennessofoureconomicrelationshipscansignifyalienationfromGodandneighborSESSION 3: SALVATION.EmbracinggraceandreleasingpowerineconomicrelationshipsSESSION 4: SANCTIFICATION.ThecontinualworktowardgreaterengagementinbuildingajusteconomySESSION 5: LIVING HOPE.Thehopeandfreedomtodevelopfaith-filledeconomicrelationships

ECONOMIC REFLECTIONS Thetransitionfromthetraditiontoaconversationaboutoureconomiclivesandrelationshipsbeginswithaquestion“What’satStakeinDiscoveringGod’sEconomy?”Youwillexamplesanddiscussionquestionsthatbuildonthethemeofeachsession.EachsessionintroducesoneofthefiverecommendedInvestmentPathways.SESSION 1: CREATIONInvestmentPathway:AngelInvestorSESSION 2: SIN & ALIENATIONInvestmentPathway:MissionPartnerSESSION 3: SALVATIONInvestingPathway:PeerLendingHostSESSION 4: SANCTIFICATIONInvestmentPathway:JusticePartnerSESSION 5: LIVING HOPEInvestmentPathway:PublicWitness

CLOSING

Theclosingsectionofeachsessionhelpsparticipantsreflectonthewholeoftheconversation,weighthehighlightedInvestmentPathwayinlightofthissessionandthewholeBibleStudy,andintroducesaquestionforindividualreflectionbetweennowandthenextsession.

3 INTRODUCTION

VIRTUES (OPTIONAL) Wehavealsoprovidedasetofvirtueswithbiblicaltextsthatcaninformyourthinkingfortheweek.Youmightusetheseinthegroupconversationtodeependiscussionortakethemhometostimulatefurtherthought.

SAMPLE TIMING FOR THE SESSION Opening(10min) Prayer BuildingtheGroupCovenantBiblicalReflection(20min) ReadingtheTextandCommentary Discussion

EconomicReflection(20min) Discussionof“WhatisatStake?” ReviewofInvestmentPathway ImaginingthePathwayinyourCommunityClosing(10min) WeighingthePathway

Prayer LESSONS LEARNED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROGRAM ThisBibleStudyisrootedinadecadeofconversationsabouteconomics,money,andfinanceinchurches.Thatexperiencehasshapedhowwehavebuiltthisprogramtoaddresschallengesthatarecommoninmanygroupsthatseektodothiswork.

1. WE CAN CHANGE THE CURRENT SYSTEMS. Wehaveatendencytodescribeoureconomicsystemsasthoughtheyareoutsideofourcontrolandunchangeable.Wetalkabouteconomicforces,upturnsanddownturnsasiftheyarenaturallyoccurringphenomena.Infact,therulesofthesesystemsarecreatedbyhumans.And,sincewemadethemup,wecanmakeupsomethingdifferent.ThisiswhywestartedtheBibleStudywithCreation.Wewantedtocreateaspaceforopennessanddiscovery.Wewantedtospurimaginationratherthanreinforcethebelief“butthatishowitworks.”OldTestamentscholarWalterBrueggemannremindsus:“Theprophetengagesinfuturefantasy.Theprophetdoesnotaskifthevisioncanbeimplemented…Theimaginationmustcomebeforetheimplementation.Ourcultureiscompetenttoimplementalmostanythingand

4 INTRODUCTION

toimaginealmostnothing…Itisthevocationoftheprophettokeepalivetheministryofimagination,tokeepconjuringandproposingalternativefutures.”

2. PEOPLE HAVE A GOOD BIT OF ANXIETY ABOUT MONEY.Inthefirstsession,weaskpeopletotelltheirfamilystoriesaboutmoney.Thiswillsurfacearangeofemotionsandperspectivesaboutdebt,fairness,povertyandmany,manyotherthings.OneofthethingsyouwillnoticeintheBibleStudyisthatweusethelanguageofeconomicrelationships.Wedon’thavearelationshipwithmoney,notreally.Wehaverelationshipswithpeoplethatendupbeingshapedbytheeconomicnatureofthoserelationships.Forthatreason,wegroundthesereflectionsoneconomicsandfaithinaconversationaboutrelationships.Ithelpsusthinkourwayoutwhenwegettrappedinourideasandemotionsaboutmoney.

3. CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ECONOMICS BECOME IDEOLOGICAL, QUICKLY.Weallhavestrongopinionsandcomplicatedemotionsaboutmoneyandeconomics,formedfromfamilyhistoryandreinforcedbythechurchorarecentnewsarticleorourprofessionalworkorpersonalexperience.Hereareafewexamples:• Thisisthefaultoftheindividualswhodon’ttryhardenough(oraregreedy,orarecorrupt).• Thisisallaboutthegovernment’sfailure.• Thisisonlygoingtobefixedbyendingcapitalism(orendingcommunism).Economicsisanideologicalminefield.ThepurposeofthisBibleStudyistotakepeoplebacktothescriptureandusethatasawaytoexpandourimaginationofhowGodiscallingustocreateeconomicrelationships.

4. MANY WILL NOT FEEL WELCOME AT A TABLE WHERE FINANCE AND INVESTING ARE DISCUSSED. Therearemanywhoareuncomfortableinconversationsaboutfinanceandinvestingbecausetheyhavebeenculturallyexcludedduetotheirgender,class,orrace.Andmanyofushavefamilyhistoryorideologicalbiaseswhichkeepusfromenteringintotheconversationwithatrustingspirit.Thereareavarietyofgoodpracticesforopeningupconversations:allowingforsilence,breakingupthedynamicsbyputtingfolksinpairsorkeepingthegrouptogetherasneededtomovetheconversationforward.Thesepracticesareparticularlyimportanttoensurepeoplecontinuetofeelwelcomeinthisconversation.Itisimportanttoensurethatthosemoreconfidentabouteconomiclanguageandtermsdonotdominatetheconversationandshutdownotherswhohaveadifferentwayofexploringtheconversationsoradifferentimagination.

5 INTRODUCTION

Imagineforamomenttheall-knowingbusinesspersonwhodominatestheconversation“explaining”howthingsworktoothers.Howcanyoushifttheconversationdynamicsoallvoicesmatter?Theinsightsfromtheoneswhodon’t“knowhowthisworks”maybethesourceofthegreatesttheologicalimaginationforthegroup.

5. WE TEND TO FOCUS ON THE TRANSACTION OR IMPLEMENTATION IN OUR ECONOMIC CONVERSATIONS. Howdoyoubringtheconversationbacktotheologicalreflection?Wedon’thavealotofpracticeincongregationsincorporatingconversationsabouttheologyandfaithintoexplorationaboutoureconomicrelationships.Quickly,weseektomaketheeconomicconversationpracticalandtangible.ThegoalhereistocontinuetomaketiesbetweenourtheologicalimaginationandourabilitytoimagineGod’sEconomyinourownlives.Itwilltakesomediscipline.

The1KChurchesImplementationGuideprovidesadditionaldetailsaboutselectinglocalbusinesses.ButthereareafewcorepointsthatarehelpfulinthediscussionoftheBibleStudytokeepdistractionstoaminimum.Whatwearetalkingaboutdoingislegal.Youcanmakealoanasachurch.Andifthatisveryunnerving,thenyoumightwanttochooseoneofthetworecommendedmodelsthathasthechurchworkthroughafinancialpartnerwhohandlestheloan.Westronglyrecommendyouworkwithbusinessesthathavebeenoperatingforseveralyearsratherthanstartups.Startupsaremoreaboutthepotentialbusiness,thebusinessplan.Existingbusinesses,withbankaccounts,haveaneasiertimeprovingviabilityAlmostallmicrobusinessesneedcapital,particularlyifthetermsaregoodanditisnottootimeconsumingtoapply.Imagineabusinessthatlivesontheedge,withoutalotofcashinthebank.Simplyhaving$1,000sittingintheirbankaccountforayearwillgivethempeaceofmind(andsavethemafewbouncedchecks)thatisworththecostoftheloan.Inclosing,wewanttothankyouforyourcourageandleadershipintakingonthiswork.AttheendoftheBibleStudywelistwaysthatyoucanreachuswithquestionorcomments.WewelcomeyoutothisconversationandhopethatithelpsasyouseektodiscoversignsofGod’sEconomyinyourownlivesandinthelifeofyourcommunity.And,maythepeaceofGodthatpassesallunderstandingkeepyourheartsandmindsintheknowledgeandloveofGodandHisSonJesusChrist.Amen

6 GROUP GUIDELINES

GROUP GUIDELINES Insmallgroups,weoffereachotherthegiftofsacredlistening.WesitinacircleandrememberthattheHolySpiritispresentatthecenterofourcircleasourguide.Hereareafewguidelinesthatcanhelptheseconversationsbesafeandmeaningful.• Everythingwedoinsmallgroupsisbyinvitation.Participateauthentically,honestlyatwhatever

levelfeelsright.Youdonothavetotalk.Sometimespeopleactivelyparticipatebylistening.• Confidentiality.Everythingthatissharedinsmallgroupsstaysinsmallgroups.Itisfinetotalkabout

whateverinsightsyouhadaboutyourself.Pleasedonotsharewhatothersspokeabout.• Whenwespeak,eachofuswilltellourowntruth–evenifitfeelshard,impolite,and/or

challengingtoourselvesortoothers.Thekeytotellingthetruthrespectfullyistofocusonourownresponses/stories.

• Use“I”statements.Thishelpstokeepthefocusonourselves,intellingourowntruths.• No“CrossTalk”.Alloweachpersontocompletewhattheyaresayingbeforejumpingin.Whenyou

speak,focusonwhatcameupforyouoryourowninsights.• Resisttheurgeto“fix,save,rescue,giveadvice,seteachotherstraight.”Whenothersare

speaking,wesetasidetheneedtoofferabrilliantresponse.Wesimplylistentotheotherperson,trustingeachperson’s“innerteacher”tohearthewisdomheorsheneeds.

• SilenceisOK.Silenceprovidesanopportunityforustoreflectonwhatisbeingsharedandtolistenforwhatmaybebubblingupfromwithin.

• Noticeifyouaretalkingalotornotatall.Wewanttomakeroomforeveryoneinthegrouptohaveanopportunitytosharetheirresponsestothematerial.Ifyouhavealreadyspoken,tryturningyourattentiontolistening.Conversely,ifyouhavebeenfocusingonlistening,seeifthereisanyresponsethatyouwanttoshare.

7 SESSION 1: CREATION

HOUSEHOLDS OF GOD’S ECONOMY SESSION 1: CREATION BIBLICAL REFLECTION: TEXT ReadGenesis1:26-28.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION: COMMENTARY Humanitywascreated,maleandfemale,intheimageofGodandassignedthetaskofcaringforthecreation,itsresources,andthelivingthingsthatinhabitit.TobemadeintheimageofGodmeansthathumanityisendowedwiththepowerandabilitytotakeresponsibilityforalllivingcreaturesoftheearthandtheirsurvival.Inadditiontothecommandtobefruitfulandmultiply,thefirsthumanswereexpectedtobecollaborativeandactiveandcreativeintheirmanagementoftheearth.Thecreationofthefirst‘household’ofAdamandEveisthebeginningofGod’sEconomy.Thisfirst‘household’wasinstructedtoworktogetherwithallofcreationto‘fill’thenewlycreatedearth.Humanity’smantleto‘havedominion’overtheearthsignalsastructureofrelationshipscommittedtocollaborationandinterdependenceaswellasproductivityandstewardship.InthesecondchapterofGenesis,theintimateconnectionbetweenthehumanbeingsandcreationisembodiedintheassignmenttonameallthecreaturesofcreationand“whateverthemancalledeachlivingcreature,thatwasitsname.”(Genesis2:19b)IntheNewTestament,theGreekwordforhouseisoikos,fromwhichwealsogetthewordseconomyandecumenical(“allinonehouse”).TheologianSallieMcFaguehasbroughtthisimageof‘household’fromtheGenesisstoryintoourpresentexperienceinacreativeway.“Weneedtolearn‘homeeconomics,’thebasicrulesofhowourgardenhomecanprosper—andwhatwilldestroyit.Mostsimply,thesehouserulesare:Takeonlyyourshare,cleanupafteryourself,andkeepthehouseingood

ThenGodsaid,‘Letusmakehumankindinourimage,accordingtoourlikeness;andletthemhavedominionoverthefishofthesea,andoverthebirdsoftheair,andoverthecattle,andoverallthewildanimalsoftheearth,andovereverycreepingthingthatcreepsupontheearth.’SoGodcreatedhumankindinhisimage,intheimageofGodhecreatedthem;maleandfemalehecreatedthem.Godblessedthem,andGodsaidtothem,‘Befruitfulandmultiply,andfilltheearthandsubdueit;andhavedominionoverthefishoftheseaandoverthebirdsoftheairandovereverylivingthingthatmovesupontheearth.’

–Genesis1:26-28


repairforothers.”Theimageof‘homeeconomics’helpsusimaginehowwemightreclaimoureconomyasasystemofrelationshipsintheimageofGod. INVESTMENT PATHWAY: “ANGEL” INVESTOR Asan“Angel”Investor,yourgroupmakesadirectinvestmentinabusinessinyourcommunityatapointofopportunity,creatingareciprocalrelationshipoflendingandrepayment.Therearemanywaysaloancanmakeadifferencetoabusiness.Theymaywanttopurchaseanewpieceofequipmentorsimplyhavethecapitalavailableintheircheckingaccounttobuildtheircreditandavoidbankcharges.Youcanchooseapersonwhoyoueitherknowwellorisrecommendedbyacommunityorsocialministryorganization.Youmaketheloandecisionbasedontheperson’scharacterandcredibilityratherthanasimplecreditscore.Thedirectandintimatenatureofthispathallowsforthejoysandchallengesofmeaningfuleconomicrelationship-buildingtobeexperiencedbyboththecongregationandthebusinessowner.SourcingoftheLoan(howtofindthebusiness):Workthroughalocalcommunityorganization,suchastheChamberofCommerceoracommunitycenter,whichcanidentifyexistingbusinessesforyoutoapproachDueDiligence(howtoevaluatethebusiness):CollecttaxandbankinformationthatverifiestheviabilityofthebusinessanditsabilitytomanagetheloanInterestRate:5%orlower,amortizedCollectionPractices:CongregationresponsibleformonitoringtheloanandtherepaymentprocessTermofLoan:Oneyear,withextensionspossiblebasedonconversationwithborrowerDocumentationRequired:Simpleloanagreement(seeImplementationGuideforsamples).NopersonalguaranteebythebusinessownerrequiredExample:Acongregationmember,anexperiencednannywhorecentlylostherjob,needsstableincometohelpherstayonthepathtocitizenship.Annahasstartedasmalldaycarebusinessbutneedsa$500loanformaterialstohelphermarketherservicesandgetmoreclients.Formoredetailedinformation,includingsampledocumentation,seethe1KChurchesImplementationGuide.


THOUGHTS ON INVESTMENT PATHWAYS JotdownyourreflectionsoneachInvestmentPathway.Whatarethechallengesandthepossibilitiespresentedbyeach?

ANGEL INVESTOR

MISSION PARTNER

PEER LENDING HOST

JUSTICE PARTNER

PUBLIC WITNESS


Howgreatofanimpactdoesmicrobusinesshaveonourneweconomy?Alotgreaterthanmanypreviouslythought.AssummarizedinAEO’snewreport,BiggerthanYouThink:TheEconomicImpactofMicrobusinessintheUnitedStates,microbusinessesareanincreasinglyfeasibleandattractiveoptiontothoseforwhomaprecariouseconomyandmercuriallabormarketnolongerserve.Beyondaffordingtheirownersfreedomandflexibilitytoforgepathstojobstabilityandself-sufficiency,theseenterprisesalsowieldaninherentlyboundlesspowertoresuscitateAmerica’semploymentandeconomichealth.Infact,datafromAEO’searlierreport,ThePowerofOneinThree:CreatingOpportunitiesforAllAmericanstoBounceBack,showedthat“IfoneinthreeMainStreetmicrobusinesseshiredasingleemployee,theUnitedStateswouldbeatfullemployment.”Thisstatementhastakenthenationbystorm,yetmanydidnotfullyrecognizethetransformativenatureofU.S.microbusiness.AEO’scurrentresearchdetailsthepotentialofmicrobusinessbyexaminingthecharacteristicsofmicrobusinesstypesandexploringthewaysinwhichmicrobusinessescantakeadvantageofnon-standardworkarrangementsandrecenttechnologicaladvances.AstheU.S.economyevolves,microbusinessesarewell-poisedtocapitalizeonthatevolutioninourlabormarketandbroadereconomy.Whileindividuallysmallinscale,asawhole,microbusinessesplayasignificantrole.Ninety-twopercentofallU.S.businessesaremicrobusinesses,andin2011,thedirect,indirect,andinducedeffectsofmicrobusinessesonemploymentamountedto41.3millionjobs,or31percentofallprivatesectoremployment.Directsalesandreceiptsandindirectandinducedeconomicoutputofmicrobusinessescombinedtoresultinanalmost$5trillioneconomicimpact.Correspondingly,microbusinessescontributed$135.5billionintaxandfeerevenuestofederal,state,andlocalgovernments.Microbusinesses,definedasenterpriseswithfewerthanfiveemployees,includingtheowner,arethesmallbusinessesonMainStreetsandcrossstreetsalloverthiscountryandtheycoverthefullgamutofeconomicactivity.Fromthelocaldrycleanertotheonlinefinancialconsultantorthecontractorinspectingwaterpipes,microbusinessactivityiseverywhere.


Tobetterunderstandthese25.5millionbusinesses,AEOdevelopedatypologytoseparatemicrobusinessownersintofivecategories,basedoncommonbusinesscharacteristics. Fromnewcomers,withnopreviousbusinessexperienceandlessthanfouryearsinoperation,tofull-timerswith$50,000+insalesandreceipts,microbusinessownersarecommittedtosucceedinginbusiness.Thebiggestgroupofmicrobusinessesincludesownerswhoworkfulltime,withlessthan$50,000insalesandreceipts.Theseownersaccountformorethan30percentofmicrobusinesses.Thenextlargesttypeisfulltime,$50,000+insalesandreceipts(28.6percent)andparttime,notprimaryincome(25.8percent).Another10.9percentofmicrobusinessownerswerecategorizedasparttimerswhosemicrobusinessprovidedtheirprimarysourceofincome.Thecharacteristicsofthenewcomertype(youngermedianage,morelikelytobewomenandpeopleofcolor)reflectwhatweknowaboutmicrobusiness:itcanbeanespeciallysignificanteconomicactivityforthosedemographicgroupsthathavenotalwayssharedfullyineconomicgoodtimesandhavesufferedmostduringtimesofrecessionandsluggisheconomies.Intoday’seconomy,startingamicrobusinessisoftenanecessaryandincreasinglyviableoptionbecauseofrelativelylowbarrierstoentry.Forexample,acollegedegreeisnotrequired,mostbusinessownerswhoutilizestart-upcapital,financetheirbusinesseswithpersonalsavings,andallagesarerepresentedinmicrobusiness,withamedianageof50+forowners.Furthermore,medianmicrobusinesswagesaregreaterthan–oftendouble–theminimumwagelevel.Manymicrobusinessesdonotoffertraditionalemployeebenefitssuchaspaidholidaysandretirementplans.However,non-quantifiablebenefits,suchasflexiblehours,convenientlocations,andalternativeworkoptions(suchastelecommuting)maybequiteadvantageoustosomeownersandemployees.Bytheirverynature,microbusinessesareflexibleandresilient;moreover,microbusinessescreateavarietyofpositivesocialimpactsbyprovidingincome,wealthandupwardmobilityacrossracial,ethnic,andgenderlines.Strategiestopromotetheexpansionofsuccessfulmicrobusinessescancreategreaterequalityandeconomicinclusionwhileseedingnewbusinessesandjobs.Historicallyregardedastoosmalltocount,microbusinessesarebiggerthanoncethoughtof—andtooimportanttoignore.

13 SESSION 2: SIN & ALIENATION

OUR ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE SESSION 2: SIN & ALIENATION BIBLICAL REFLECTION: TEXT ReadMatthew4:1-11.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION: COMMENTARY Ineachofthethreetemptations,JesuswaschallengedtousetheenormouspowerandagencyhehadforpurposesoutsideofGod’swill.Similarly,whenweareinclinedtoactagainstthepurposesofGodandcreation,wemaybetemptedinthreedistinctways:1. Individualism:Jesuswastemptedtousehispowertomeethisownnarrowlydefinedphysicalneeds

andcomfortbymakingbreadoutofstones.Whensatisfyingourpersonalneedsorthinkingonlyaboutourselvesbecomesthedefiningcriterionformakingeconomicchoicesandotherdecisions,weignorehumanconnectednessandinterdependenceatourperil.

2. Irresponsibility:JesuswastemptedtotestGodbyactingirresponsibly.BeingdependentonGodfor

lifeandwellbeingshouldnotbeanexcusefortakingunnecessaryrisks.Thepromisethat‘Godwillprovide’whatweneedshouldnotbetheoccasionforimprudentaction.Beingfaithful‘householdmanagers’ofGod’screationrequirescarefulstewardshipofresourcesandcreativeinvestinginoneanother.

1ThenJesuswasledupbytheSpiritintothewildernesstobetemptedbythedevil.2Hefastedfortydaysandfortynights,andafterwardshewasfamished.3Thetemptercameandsaidtohim,‘IfyouaretheSonofGod,commandthesestonestobecomeloavesofbread.’4Butheanswered,‘Itiswritten,“Onedoesnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatcomesfromthemouthofGod.’”5Thenthedeviltookhimtotheholycityandplacedhimonthepinnacleofthetemple,6sayingtohim,‘IfyouaretheSonofGod,throwyourselfdown;foritiswritten,“Hewillcommandhisangelsconcerningyou,”and“Ontheirhandstheywillbearyouup,sothatyouwillnotdashyourfootagainstastone.’”7Jesussaidtohim,‘Againitiswritten,“DonotputtheLordyourGodtothetest.’”8Again,thedeviltookhimtoaveryhighmountainandshowedhimallthekingdomsoftheworldandtheirsplendor;9andhesaidtohim,‘AlltheseIwillgiveyou,ifyouwillfalldownandworshipme.’10Jesussaidtohim,‘Awaywithyou,Satan!foritiswritten,“WorshiptheLordyourGod,andserveonlyhim.’”11Thenthedevillefthim,andsuddenlyangelscameandwaitedonhim.

–Matthew4:1-11


3. Idolatry:JesuswastemptedtodisregardGodandworshipSataninordertoincreasehispowerandwealth.Itiseasytobeseducedintobelievingthatmoreisalwaysbetterandtheaccumulationofwealthwillkeepussafe.Moneybecomesitsownidolwhenweexpectthatitistheanswertoeveryhumanneedandlonging.

Humanlifeislimited,finite,andinterdependent.WeriskalienationfromGodandfromoneanotherwheneverwedisregardtherealityofhumaninterdependenceorthinkthateverythingispossible.ThefearofscarcityorthatwewillnothaveenoughoftenpromptsustoactinwaysthatalienateusfromoneanotherandsoseparateusfromGod.Inonesense,ourgreatestsinisourunwillingnesstoacknowledgeourinterdependenceandlivewiththelimitsofbeinghuman.ThereisanAfricanproverbthatdescribeshumaninterdependencesimply:Iamwellifyouarewell. INVESTMENT PATHWAY: MISSION PARTNER Inthismodelbusinessesrepaytheloanthroughdonatedgoodsandservicestotheircommunity.Asamissionpartner,youcollaboratewithabusinessinyourcommunitytoaccomplishanimportantmissionconcern.Thiscollaborativemodelnotonlyprovidesinvestmentintoabusiness,butencouragesbusinessestoinvestintheircommunities.Thispathalsointegratesmissionmoreclearlybydirectlydeterminingwhoisultimatelybeingimpactedbythechurch’sinvestment.Itisagreatopportunitytomultiplytheeffectoffundsthatalreadymaybedesignatedforcharity.SourcingoftheLoan(howtofindthebusiness):Workthroughalocalcommunityorganization,suchastheChamberofCommerceoracommunitycenter,whichcanidentifyexistingbusinessesforyoutoapproachDueDiligence(howtoevaluatethebusiness):Collecttaxandbankinformationthatverifiestheviabilityofthebusinessanditsabilitytomanagetheloan.Backgroundchecksorreferencesfromrecentemployersalsorecommended.InterestRate:TheloanisrepaidthroughdonatedgoodsandservicesequaltodoublethevalueoftheloanCollectionPractices:CongregationisresponsibleformonitoringtheloanandtherepaymentprocessTermofLoan:Oneyear,withextensionspossiblebasedonconversationwithborrowerDocumentationRequired:Simpleloanagreement(seeImplementationGuideforsamples).ThebusinessisexpectedtodocumentthedonatedgoodsandservicesExample:Achurchconcernedaboutchildren’shealthlends$2,000toayoungneighborhooddentistwhoneedsnewexamchairs.Thedentistrepaystheloanbygiving80freecleaningsforchildrenfromlow-incomehouseholdsoverthenext12months.


Formoredetailedinformation,includingsampledocumentationseethe1KChurchesImplementationGuide.

16 SESSION 3: SALVATION

LIVING ABUNDANCE SESSION 3: SALVATION BIBLICAL REFLECTION: TEXT Readthefollowingscripturepassages.

1Forthekingdomofheavenislikealandownerwhowentoutearlyinthemorningtohirelaborersforhisvineyard.2Afteragreeingwiththelaborersfortheusualdailywage,hesentthemintohisvineyard.3Whenhewentoutaboutnineo’clock,hesawothersstandingidleinthemarketplace;4andhesaidtothem,‘Youalsogointothevineyard,andIwillpayyouwhateverisright,’Sotheywent.5Whenhewentoutagainaboutnoonandatthreeo’clock,hedidthesame.6Andaboutfiveo’clockhewentoutandfoundothersstandingaround;andhesaidtothem,‘Whyareyoustandinghereidleallday?’Theysaidtohim,‘Becausenoonehashiredus.’7Hesaidtothem,‘Youalsogointothevineyard.’8Wheneveningcame,theownerofthevineyardsaidtothemanager,‘Callthelaborersandgivethemtheirpay,beginningwiththelastandthengoingtothefirst.’9Whenthosehiredaboutfiveo’clockcame,eachofthemreceivedtheusualdailywage.10Nowwhenthefirstcame,theythoughttheywouldreceivemore,buteachofthemalsoreceivedtheusualdailywage.11Andwhentheyreceivedit,theygrumbledagainstthelandowner,12saying,‘Theselastworkedonlyonehour,andyouhavemadethemequaltouswhohavebornetheburdenofthedayandthescorchingheat.’13Butherepliedtooneofthem:‘Friend,Iamdoingyounowrong;didyounotagreewithmefortheusualdailywage?14Takewhatbelongstoyouandgo;IchoosetogivetothislastthesameasIgavetoyou.15AmInotallowedtodowhatIchoosewiththatbelongstome?OrareyouenviousbecauseIamgenerous?16Sothelastwillbefirst,andthefirstwillbelast.

–Matthew20:1-13

17SoifanyoneisinChrist,thereisanewcreation:everythingoldhaspassedaway;see,everythinghasbecomenew!18AllthisisfromGod,whoreconciledustohimselfthroughChrist,andhasgivenustheministryofreconciliation;19thatis,inChristGodwasreconcilingtheworldtohimself,notcountingtheirtrespassesagainstthem,andentrustingthemessageofreconciliationtous.

–Corinthians5:17-19


BIBLICAL REFLECTION: COMMENTARY Salvationcomesinmanyforms,asforgiveness,reconciliation,wholeness,abundance,restoration,liberation,lifewithoutend.ThereadingfromCorinthiansusesthelanguageofreconciliationwithGod,throughtheforgivenessofsin,whichwasaccomplishedinJesus’slife,death,andresurrection.TheParableoftheLaborersinthevineyardoffersanimageoftheKingdomofHeaveninwhichtheworldtransformedtoworkbyGod’srulesofabundance.TheOldandNewTestamentsoftheBiblearefullofstoriesthatexpandourvisionofsalvationandthegoodthatGodhasinstoreforus.BothreadingsemphasizetheessentialnatureofsalvationasagiftfromGod.AllthisisfromGod.Salvationisnotsomethingthatweearnordeserve.ItisGod’sfreegiftofgrace.Itcomestousinspiteofourimperfectionsandfailures,regardlessofhowlateinthedayitwaswhenwewerehiredtoworkinthevineyard.Whilesalvationisagift,itdoesnotmakeuspassiverecipients.SalvationisexperiencedthroughfaithasthefreedomtolivefullyasredeemedandbelovedchildrenofGod.WhenwereceiveGod’sgiftofreconciliation,wearesetfreefromthedebilitatingpowerofsin,shame,guilt,andfear.Inthelanguageof2Corinthians,thereisawholenewcreation.Weareempoweredtobecomeministersofreconciliationourselves,regardingourneighborswiththesamegenerosityandlovethatwehavereceivedfromGod.ThestoryoftheLaborersintheVineyardchallengesustorememberthatwehaveallreceivedfromGod’shandfarmorethanwedeserve.Havingreceivedsuchmercy,wecanmovefromaplaceofscarcitywherewefeelperpetuallyshortchangedintoaplaceofmercyandgenerosityourselves.Webecomepartnersandco-workerswithGodwithpowerandagencyandresponsibility.INVESTMENT PATHWAY: PEER LENDING HOST Asapeerlendinghost,yourcongregationorgroupselectsasetofmicrobusinesses,andhoststhemastheyparticipateinacohortoffellowshipandsupport.Thiscohortwillhaveaccesstoapooloffunds,andtheparticipatingbusinesseschoosewhoamongtheirpeerswillgetaloanfromthepool.Whentheloanispaidback,thefundsaremadeavailabletolendagainamongthecohortofbusinesses.Thispathshiftspowerfromthechurchtoagroupofpeers,whoholdeachotheraccountableandchoosewheretheloangoeseachtimearound.SourcingoftheLoan(howtofindthebusiness):Workthroughalocalcommunityorganization,suchastheChamberofCommerceoracommunitycenter,whichcanidentifyexistingbusinessesforyoutoapproachDueDiligence(howtoevaluatethebusiness):Collecttaxandbankinformationthatverifiestheviabilityofthebusinessanditsabilitytomanagetheloan.Backgroundchecksorreferencesfromrecentemployersalsorecommended.InterestRate:Lessthan5%interest.


CollectionPractices:CongregationresponsibleformonitoringtheloanalthoughthesmallgroupshouldberesponsibleforencouragingrepaymentTermofLoan:Oneyear,withextensionspossibleDocumentationRequired:Simpleloanagreement(seeImplementationGuideforsamples).Example:Achurchinacommunitywithhighunemploymentgathersagroupof10entrepreneurswho,aspartoftheirrecruitmentandagreementtojointhecohort,arepoisedandenabledtohireatleastonepersonintheirbusinesswithinthenextyear.Theygroupdecideswhoamongthemwillbethefirstborrowthe$1,500thatthechurchhasinvestedinthegroup.Formoredetailedinformation,includingsampledocumentationseethe1KChurchesImplementationGuide.

19 SESSION 4: SANCTIFICATION

THE POWER OF GRACE SESSION 4: SANCTIFICATION BIBLICAL REFLECTION: TEXT Readthefollowingscripturepassages:

BIBLICAL REFLECTION: COMMENTARY Inprevioussessionswehavefocusedon1)thegoodnessofGod’sEconomyestablishedincreation;2)humanalienationfromGodandthedisruptionofGod’sintendedorderrootedinthemythofscarcity;and3)God’sactioninChristtoreconciletheworldtohimselfandsetusfreefromsin.Now,whatdowedowiththatincrediblegift?Whatcomesnext?Howdoweliveoutthefreedomandpowerthatisoursthroughsalvation?ThewholeoftheChristianlifeislivedoutinfaithful,joyousresponsetoGod’sgiftsofCreationandSalvation.ThepassagefromRomansisawindowintothemysteriouswayinwhichforgivensinnersgrowintheirfaithandintheiralignmentwithGod’swill.Theroadisoftenrockywithmanyslipsandbackslidingalongtheway.ItisnosecretthatChristiansarenotperfect.MuchharmhasbeendoneinthenameoftheChurch.Wehavenoclearclaimtomoralsuperiority.Goodpeopleoutsidethechurchhavemuchtoteachusaboutintegrity,peace,andcareofcreation.ButasChristianswebelievethattheHolySpiritisatworkinus,helpingusbecomethepeoplewelongtobe:morejust,morecompassionate,andmorefaithfulinourstewardshipofGod’sabundantgifts.

1Iappealtoyoutherefore,brothersandsisters,bythemerciesofGod,topresentyourbodiesasalivingsacrifice,holyandacceptabletoGod,whichisyourspiritualworship.2Donotbeconformedtothisworld,butbetransformedbytherenewingofyourminds,sothatyoumaydiscernwhatisthewillofGod–whatisgoodandacceptableandperfect.Donotbeovercomebyevil,butovercomeevilwithgood.

–Romans12:1-2;21Hehastoldyou,Omortal,whatisgood;andwhatdoestheLordrequireofyoubuttodojustice,andtolovekindness,andtowalkhumblywithyourGod?

–Micah6:8Butletjusticerolldownlikewaters,andrighteousnesslikeaneverflowingstream.

–Amos5:24


SanctificationcomesfromtheLatinwordfor“holy.”Thisprocessofbecomingmoreholyisoftenunderstoodinpurelypersonalorspiritualterms.Ithasconnotationsofwithdrawingfromtheworld,denyingthepleasuresofordinarylife,givingoneselfcompletelytoprayerandcontemplation.Thesedisciplineshavetheirplace,buttheyaremuchtoolimited.Holinessinfuseseveryaspectofourlivesfromourmostintimaterelationships,tooureverydaywork,toourparticipationinthewidersociety.ThecryoftheprophetMicahdemandsamuchmoreactiveandengagedkindofholiness.MicahhasnouseforritualsacrificestoappeaseGod,aslongasthepowerfulengageindishonestbusinesspracticesandcontinuetoexploitthepoor.Heasksthefundamentalquestion:WhatdoesGodreallyrequireofus?Whatdoesitmeantobegood?Tobeholy?WhatfinallyispleasingtoGod?ForMicahtheanswerisclearanduncompromising:

• Dojustice--Ineconomictermsthismeansnotonlybeingfairandhonestinyourdealingswithpeople,butalsofightingeconomicoppressionineveryform,andworkingtowardsystemsinwhicheveryone–andindeedthewholecreation–canflourish.

• Lovekindness--Ourloveofkindnessshouldbeevidentinthewaywedobusiness,thequalityofthepartnershipsweform,andintheultimatepurposeofthebusinesswedo.Oureconomicrelationshipsmustleaveroomforcompassion.

• WalkhumblywithyourGod--ThiskindofwalkingwithGodmeanslettinggooftheneedtocontrolanddominateandmakeourselvesintogods,insteadfollowingobedientlyinthewayofJesus.

INVESTMENT PATHWAY: JUSTICE PARTNER Achurchinveststhroughafinancialintermediary(communitydevelopmentfinanceinstitution,creditunion,ormicroloanfund).Thechurchchoosesapartnerorganizationthatitfeelsmeetsimportantstandardsoffairnessandjusticeinitslendingandoperatingpractices.Thechurch’sinvestmentisthenusedbythepartnertoadministerloanstomicro-businessesinthearea.Operatingthroughintermediationisarelativelyrisk-freewaytomakeinvestmentswithasureexpectationofrepaymentandreturn.

SourcingoftheLoan(howtofindthebusiness):Intermediary(bankorcreditunionorcommunityfinancedevelopmentinstitution(CDFI))selectsbusinessbasedontheircriteria

“IbelievethatbymyownunderstandingorstrengthIcannotbelieveinJesusChristmyLordorcometohim,butinsteadtheHolySpirithascalledmethroughtheGospel,enlightenedmewithhisgifts,mademeholyandkeptmeinthetruefaith,justashecalls,gathers,enlightens,andmakesholythewholeChristianchurchandkeepsitwithJesusChristintheonecommontruefaith.”

MartinLuther’sSmallCatechismExplanationoftheThirdArticleoftheApostlesCreed


DueDiligence(howtoevaluatethebusiness):Intermediaryconductsduediligencebasedontheirprocesses

InterestRate:Setbyintermediary

CollectionPractices:Intermediaryresponsible

TermofLoan:Thetermoftheinvestmentfromthecongregationwillvarybutcouldbeveryshort(liquid)orlongerterm(illiquid)

DocumentationRequired:None.Althoughintheprocessofunderstandinghowthepartnercontributestojusticeinthecommunity,youmaywanttolookattheirdocumentation

Example:Achurchnearablightedsectionoftowndecidestopartnerwithalocalcreditunion.Asaresultoftheconversationswithlocalchurches,thecreditunionisencouragedtoexpandtheservicesofferedtomicrobusinessesinthearea.Formoredetailedinformation,includingsampledocumentation,seethe1KChurchesImplementationGuide,

22 SESSION 5: LIVING HOPE

BOLD ECONOMIC VISIONS SESSION 5: LIVING HOPE BIBLICAL REFLECTION: TEXT ReadIsaiah55:1-3.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION: COMMENTARY ThisinvitationtoafeastisanextraordinarypictureofGod’sfuture.Thirst-quenchingwaters,flowingwine,sweetmilk,andrichfoodareallfree,offeredwithoutprice,withoutcost.WecanalmostimagineGodhereasavendor,cryingoutinthemarketaboutthisrichfarebeingsold,butwithoutaprice.Thisiscertainlyadifferenttypeoftransaction,signalinganalternativeeconomy,onecharacterizedbypuregrace,joy,andlife.ThiseschatologicalvisionofGod’sfuturemakespresenthopingpossible.ScholarssaytheseprophecieswereaddressedtoanIsraeliteinBabyloniancaptivity,inexileduringthesixthcenturyBCE,andundertheominousthreatofPersianrulewiththeriseofKingCyrus.Itwasatimeofuncertaintyfilledwitheconomicandsocialoppression.Andthefuturelookedasbleakasthepresent.Israelwasbeingconqueredbyotherprosperousnationswhoworshippedallkindsofgods,followeddifferentlaws,livedbydifferentethics,andalltheIsraelitescouldprobablyseewasstruggle.Theystruggledtofeedtheirfamiliesandpayoneroustaxes,andtofollowthelawsofMosesinthefaceofforeignerswhomockedthem.AgainstthisstruggletheywerecalledtostillbelievethatGodwasthegraciousSovereignoftheworld,theprophetIsaiahimaginesafreefeastofrichfoodandwineforeveryone.Welongfortheopportunityto“buywithoutmoneyandwithoutcost.”ThisvisionofGod’sfutureisallgift.Inherversionof“He’sGottheWholeWorldinHisHands,”MahaliaJacksonaddsapoignantverse.Shesings:“Ifreligionwasathingmoneycouldbuy/ThewholewideworldinHishand/Therichwouldliveandthepoorwoulddie/ThewholewideworldinHishand.”Wecan’tbuythepromisesofGod.We

1Ho,everyonewhothirsts,cometothewaters;andyouthathavenomoney,come,buyandeat!Come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithoutprice.2Whydoyouspendyourmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andyourlaborforthatwhichdoesnotsatisfy?Listencarefullytome,andeatwhatisgood,anddelightyourselvesinrichfood.3Inclineyourear,andcometome;listen,sothatyoumaylive.

–Isaiah55:1-3


canbegratefulforthegraceofGodthatallowsustofreelypartakeandsharewithothersintheabundantlifeofGod’salternativeeconomy.Hopeisrootedinreality.Itisrootedin“whatis,”notinavoidance.Realhopeprovidesthecouragetofacewhateverchaosandtraumalifethrowsatus.Hopedoesnottrytoavoidthepainoffiniteexistence,norisitnaïveaboutsuffering.Hopenotonlyfacesreality;hopeimaginespossibilities.Hopedreamsdreams,isadaptable,andisnotafraidtorisk.WhenwearewillingtocastourselvesdeepintothedependablefaithfulnessofGod,wewilldiscoverthebuoyancyofhope.INVESTMENT PATHWAY: PUBLIC WITNESS Achurchbecomesatrusteeforanentrepreneurwhomaynotbeseenasworththeriskbytraditionalfundingsystems.UsingtheonlineplatformofKiva,thechurchpubliclyprovidesaloanforthebusinessandencouragesothersinthecommunitytodothesameinsmalldollaramounts.Thecongregationchoosesapersonwhomtheyeitherknowwellorwhoisrecommendedbyacommunityorsocialministryorganization.Thecongregationmakesthedecisionbasedontheperson’scharacterratherthanacreditscore.Thispathisallaboutrevaluingtheworthofapersonandredefiningwhoweseeasriskyorsafe.SourcingoftheLoan(howtofindthebusiness):Workthroughalocalsocialministryorganization,potentially,tofindatriskindividuals.DueDiligence(howtoevaluatethebusiness):Kivaconductstheformalduediligence.InterestRate:0%CollectionPractices:Kivaisresponsibleforcollections,althoughtheon-goingconversationwiththecongregation(trustee)on-lineiscriticaltothesupportofthebusinessownerTermofLoan:TwoyearsDocumentationRequired:ProvidedbyKivaExample:Dan,anactivechurchmemberwithafelonyrecord,hasstartedhisowncateringbusiness,butbecauseofhisspottyemploymenthistory,heisunabletogetabusinessloan.Dan’scongregationbecomesatrusteeforhimonKiva’swebsiteandlendsthefirst$500towardthe$3,000heneedsforequipment,usingtheplatformsothatmembersofthelocalandonlinecommunitiescanjoininandlendtherest.Formoredetailedinformation,includingsampledocumentation,seethe1KChurchesImplementationGuide.

27 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1KChurcheshasbeenaworkofco-creation.AnumberofpeoplehavewalkedalongsideCriterionInstitutethroughouttheprocessofimaginingandbringing1KChurchestolife.WearedeeplygratefultobepartofasignificantbodyofpeopleimaginingGod’seconomy.Rev.DanSenter,PeteBaumhefner,andRossBairdweretheearlyleaderswhoallowedustolearnwiththemwhiletheyimplementedsimilarprogramsintheircongregations.WewanttothankallthosewhoattendedConvergencein2012andthedozenswhoattendedotherdesignsessionsoverthelastyear.Eachcontributedtotheshapeandcontentofthiswork,particularlyMichelleMorgan,DougMurrell,andRoseFeerick.Wewanttothankeveryonewhopilotedanearlierversionofthisbiblestudyinthefallof2013.Weareenormouslygratefulfortherolethatearlyregionalleadershaveplayed–Rev.JulieWakalee-LynchinSanFrancisco,JimKucherinBaltimore,Rev.Dr.RuyCostaandMaryBethMills-CurraninBoston.Welearnedfromyouwhatchampionsneedtobeeffectiveinthiswork.WewanttothankBethRitcheyforherearlyleadershipinthiseffortand,particularly,tothankMarissaMahoney,wholedthiseffortforacritical9monthsandwasinstrumentalindevelopingthisBibleStudy.Rev.Dr.MatthewBoulton,wasinstrumentalindevelopingtheoverallframeworkthatprovidesstructureforthisBibleStudy.Theexperienceofteaching“DiscoveringGod’sEconomywithyouatChristianTheologicalSeminaryhasinformed,andwillcontinuetoinform,thiswork.Rev.Dr.HerbertAndersonandRev.Dr.PhyllisAndersondidamazingworkdraftingthetheologicalcommentarywithinthisbiblestudy.Theydeepenedthetheologicalinsightsanddidtheprimaryeditingonthisstudyguide.Finally,wewanttothankallofourdonorswhomadethisworkpossible.JoyAndersonFounderandPresident,CriterionInstitute

28 CONNECTING TO CRITERION INSTITUTE

CONNECTING TO CRITERION INSTITUTE MayGodwalkwithyouasyouexplorethesequestionswithinyourcommunityandyourcongregation.Contactustorequestthefollowingadditionalresources:

1kChurchesGettingStartedGuide1KChurchesImplementationGuidesforeachinvestmentpathway1KChurchesPrayerBook

PleasereachouttoPhyllisAndersonwithyourquestions,comments,andideas!Andmostimportantly,pleasecontactustotellusyourstories.TO REACH CRITERION INSTITUTE ByMail:81ChurchHillRdHaddam,CT06438ByPhone:860-345-3520ByEmail:JoyAnderson-anderson@criterioninstitute.orgPhyllisAnderson-panderson@criterioninstitute.orgOUR WORK IS SUPPORTED BY DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO WANT TO HELP FURTHER THIS WORK. www.criterioninstitute.org/donate

1k churches bible study - criterioninstitute.org · 4/1/2017 · the 1k churches implementation...

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