Using Make Your Money Count in Groups and Classes

This book is designed for individual study, small groups, and classes. The best way to absorb and apply these principles is for each person to individually study and answer the questions at the end of the chapters, then to discuss them in either a class or a group environment.

The questions and exercises are designed to promote reflection, application, and discussion. Order enough copies of the book for each person to have their own. For couples, encourage both to have their own book so they can record their individual reflections.

A recommended schedule for a small group might be:

Week 1

Introduction to the material. The group leader can tell their own story, share their hopes for the group, and provide books for each person.

Weeks 2-9

Cover chapters 1-8, one chapter per week.

Prior to the first week, give out the books and ask people to prepare for the first group or class by reading the Introduction and Chapter 1.

Each of the eight weeks covers a chapter in the book.

Personalize Each Lesson

Make sure you personalize the principles and applications. At least once in each group meeting, add your own story to illustrate a particular point.

Make the Scriptures come alive. Far too often, we read the Bible like it’s a phone book, with little or no emotion. Paint a vivid picture for people. Provide insights about the context of the encounters with Jesus, and help people sense the emotions of specific people in each scene.

Focus on Application

The questions at the end of the chapters and the encouragement to be authentic will help your group “get real” about their purposes and their finances. Share how you are applying the principles in the chapter, and encourage them to take steps of growth, too.

Three Types of Questions

If you have led groups for few years, you already understand the importance of using open questions to stimulate discussion. Three types of questions are limiting, leading, and open.

—Limiting questions focus on an obvious answer, such as, “What does Jesus call himself in John 10:11?” These don’t stimulate reflection or discussion. If you want to use questions like this, follow them with thought-provoking open questions.

—Leading questions sometimes require the listener to guess what the leader has in mind, such as, “Why did Jesus use the metaphor of a shepherd in John 10?” (He was probably alluding to a passage in Ezekiel, but most people wouldn’t know that.) The teacher who asks a leading question has a definite answer in mind. Instead of asking this question, he should teach the point and perhaps ask an open question about the point he has made.

—Open questions usually don’t have right or wrong answers. They stimulate thinking, and they are far less threatening because the person answering doesn’t risk ridicule for being wrong. These questions often begin with “Why do you think…?” or “What are some reasons that…?” or “How would you have felt in that situation?”

Preparation

As you prepare to teach this material in a group, consider these steps:

Carefully and thoughtfully read the book. Make notes, highlight key sections, quotes, or stories, and complete the reflection sections at the end of each chapter. This will familiarize you with the entire scope of the content.
As you prepare for each lesson, read the corresponding chapter again and make additional notes.
Tailor the amount of content to the time allotted. You may not have time to cover all the questions, so pick the ones that are most pertinent.
Add your own stories to personalize the message and add impact.
Before and during your preparation, ask God to give you wisdom, clarity, and power. Trust Him to use your group to change people’s lives.

Most people will get far more out of the group if they read the book each week. Order books before the class begins or after the first week.