Unstuck Finances

January 22, 2012

Opening 

Make sure everyone is aware of events and opportunities happening at Connections listed in the bulletin: we have construction projects, youth programs and other opportunities to move forward in your faith!  

If you didn’t get to it last week, have new registrants, or if the group has any questions, please review the “Connection Group Commitment.”  Address any questions and go over childcare needs if applicable.  This is a very vital part of the group experience.  Finally, did you send around a snack sign-up list?

Discussion

Talking about money (spending, debt, giving, etc) can be very intimidating, and scary.  Maybe someone in the group who is feeling stuck financially could share about their situation.  Then, perhaps someone not feeling stuck can share about their money management.

Discuss the meaning of money.  Try to rate yourself, giving each of the following four options a number, 1-4:

Status

• I look up to people who are financially successful.
• Having the best reflects well on me.
• I want to maintain a lifestyle similar or above my peers.

Security

• Having money in saving is very important to me.
• I would rather have extra money in the bank than a new purchase.
• I prefer safe investing over high risk investing.

Pleasure

• I really enjoy shopping, and buying.
• People who have more money have enjoy life more.
• Money can’t buy happiness... who am I kidding, it can!

Control

• The one who controls the account calls the shots.
• I would not be comfortable putting all our money in a joint account.
• I earned it, it’s my money.

It’s very interesting to read through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) looking for themes.  One theme to examine is the re-occurrence of money matters, and the many ways that people got themselves stuck.  Consider the following:

• A man stuck looking for status, Luke 19:1-10
• A man stuck looking for security, Luke 18:18-25
• A man stuck looking for pleasure, Luke 15:11-16
• Jesus’ teaching on trying to use money for control, Luke 6:27-36

How does God see money?  

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19 and Matthew 6:19-24

Discuss this radical, counter-cultural understanding and use of money.

Getting Practical: 3 Easy Steps to Getting Unstuck Financially:

1. “You got be knowing where your money is goin!”

• Track your spending, every cent, for one month
• Create a budget
• Get an advisor

1. “The D Word”: Debt

• Decide to get out of debt starting TODAY!
• Read Proverbs 22:7
• Contact your creditors and start paying down.

1. “The T Word”: Tithing

• Decide that God is worth honouring, and eternity is worth investing your “First Fruits.”
• Read Malachi 3:6-12
• Give. Save. Spend...ENJOY!

My commitment to get unstuck in finances...

“Live on a budget. Get/Stay out of Debt.  Be Rich Toward God.”

Closing

If you are ready to get out of debt, and know you need help, talk to your leader, or someone in the church.  It probably took you a long time to get into debt, and it will take work to get out.  Don’t try to go it alone!

This winter, once the Ministry Centre is operating, we will be offering a first run at a Christian Foundations and Discipleship courses.  Biblical financial  stewardship will be a part of the curriculum.

If you are ready to become rich toward God we want to help.  We can provide you with an offering envelop for each week of the year, or we can set up your bank account for automated giving.

For great online resources go to www.northpoint.org/balanced

For the best book buy Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover

Close with a time of prayer  

Praying together is as important as studying the bible together in our groups.  Both are ways that we affirm our faith is not just personal, but profoundly communal. Your leader will prayer, but you will be invited to participate if you are comfortable.