Doing Businessin the
Kingdom of God
A Workbook on Biblical Foundations for Microenterprise Development
Tim DearbornChristopher Shore
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� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Copyright©�006WorldVisionInternational
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.
Allrightsreserved.Noportionofthispublicationmaybereproducedinanyform,exceptforbriefexcerptsinreviews,withoutpriorpermissionofthepublisher.
ISBN1-933785-03-9
WrittenandpreparedbyTimDearbornandChristopherShore.ProducedbythePartnershipOfficesonbehalfoftheWorldVisionPartnership.
PublishedbyWorldVisionInternational,800WestChestnutAvenue,Monrovia,California91016-3198U.S.A.
Editorinchief:EdnaValdez.Copyeditor:MariFukuyama.Graphicdesignandlayout:RichardSears.Proofreader:RLouNorquist.
Coverphotos(toptobottom):PradeepSilwal/CGardner,MandlaLuphondvo/WorldVision,DavidMunozAmbriz/WorldVision,DavidMunozAmbriz/WorldVision,JohnSchenk/WorldVision,JonWarren/WorldVision
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3
Contents
Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................................................4
Notes for Facilitators.................................................................................................................................5
Session 1 Introduction: Why Microenterprise Development?....................................................................6
Session 2 Economic Well-Being in the Kingdom of God.............................................................................10
Session 3 Learning from the Story of Creation ..............................................................................................14
Session 4 Doing Business in a Fallen World.......................................................................................................18
Session 5 Redemption: Part 1 – Exodus and God’s Economic Laws .....................................................�4
Session 6 Redemption: Part 2 – Learning from the Prophets...................................................................31
Session 7 Redemption: Part 3 – Jesus Christ.....................................................................................................37
Session 8 New Creation: The Spirit and the Church.....................................................................................43
Session 9 Hope: New Heaven and New Earth..................................................................................................47
Session 10 Putting It All Together..............................................................................................................................53
Additional Resources Pieces of the Exodus Story ..................................................................................................................60
Additional Resources A Christian Perspective on Microenterprise Loans and the Payment of Loan Interest..........................................................................................................................................61
Additional Resources Scenario: Loan Repayment and the Sabbath Year.....................................................................68
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4 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Acknowledgements
T hisworkbookincorporatesmaterialsfromTheology of Development Lesson 7 – Economic Well-beingcreatedbyRoyBerkenbosch(KingsUniversityCollege,Edmonton,Alberta)and
BrendaMelles(NGODevelopmentConsultant,Kingston,Ontario)fortheChristianReformedWorldReliefCommittee�005©,whichweredevelopedwiththeassistanceofDwayneHodg-sonandGlobalLearningPartners.
ItalsobenefitsfromtheworkofChristineAroney-Sine,A Theology of MED,andfromas-sistancebyDr.KershawBurbankofEasternUniversity.
Inaddition,Dr.JeffVanDuzer(DeanofSeattlePacificUniversity’sSchoolofBusinessandEconomics)andDr.VinaySamuel(ExecutiveDirectoroftheOxfordCentreforMissionStudiesandtheInternationalFellowshipofMissionTheologians)havemadesubstantivecontributions.
ParticipantsintheToronto�005WorldVisionInternationalChristianCommitmentsIntegra-tionForum,especiallySammyMwangiandEstherYamat,madein-depthcontributionstothisworkbook.
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5
Notes for Facilitators
T houghthisworkbookisdesignedforgroupuse,itcanalsobeusedbyindividuals.Facilita-torsshouldreadthroughtheworkbookinadvanceofeachsession,andtakenoteofthe
materialsandgroupprocessoutlinedatthebeginningofeachsection.
Eachsessionisdesignedforapproximately35to45minutes,withtheexceptionofSession5,whichwillrequire60minutes.
AllparticipantsshouldhaveacopyoftheworkbookandaBible.
SessionsincludeBiblestudies,discussionquestions,groupactivitiesandbriefsectionsofcommentary.Participantscanreadthecommentaryaloudasagrouporsilentlytothemselves.Suggestionsareusuallyprovidedineachsection.
Eachsessionwillincludeseveralsmallgroupexercisesforfourpeople,whichwillofferthemagoodopportunitytobuildsupportiverelationshipsasteams.
AttheendofSession3,eachgroupwilluseaflipcharttocreateasummaryentitled“Busi-nessasSacredStewardship.”Thegroupswillreviewandaddnewthoughtstothissummaryattheendofeachsubsequentsession,anddevelopanoverallsummaryduringthefinalsession.Youmightfindithelpfultorecordthegroups’reflectionsbysavingthesechartsandcombiningthemintoamasterelectronicsummary.
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6 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Session 1
Introduction: Why Microenterprise Development?
Objectives for this session Materials needed
Introduceparticipantstooneanother,tothestudyandtothepurposeofengaginginMED.
Identifyquestionsthatwillbeexploredduringthisstudy.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
Session Plan10minutes:InviteparticipantstointroducethemselvesanddescribetheirexperienceorroleinMED.Praythatthisstudywillbefruitfulineachofyourlives.
5minutes:Distributetheworkbookandexplaintheformatofthesessions(workbook,Bible,smallgroupdiscussions).
10minutes:Readtheintroductorysection(eitherbyhavingmembersofyourgroupeachreadaparagraphaloudorbyhavingthemreadthesectionsilently).Usingthechartprovidedasabasis,discusshowMEDcanbepracticedinwaysthatpositivelyornegativelyimpactpeople’sdeepervalues.
5minutes:Readthesummaryoftheobjectivesofthisstudyandthenreviewthequestionsattheendoftheintroduction.Haveparticipantsidentifywhichquestionstheyfindthemostpressing.Listadditionalquestionstowhichpeopleareseekinganswers.
5minutes:Praytogetherforoneanother,thisstudyandyourengagementinMED.
1. Introduction: Read aloud thisintroduction.
WehavewrittenthisstudyforChristianswhoareengagedinmicroenterprisedevelop-mentandmicrofinance.WearecommittedtoChristianrelief,developmentandadvocacy,onbehalfofthepoor,especiallychildren.Sowhydoweengageinmicroenterprisedevel-opment(MED)whenitistraditionallyseenasfocusedonadultbeneficiaries?Theanswerissimple:MEDcanrelievesuffering,promotesustainabledevelopmentandenablejusticeforentirecommunities–includingchildren.
Ourvisionisthateverychildintheworldwillexperiencelifeinallitsfullness,andthateverypersonintheworldwillbedeterminedtomakeitso.Anessentialdimensionofhumanflourishingiswealthgeneration–alleviatingtheabjectpovertyofpeoplethrough
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Session1–Introduction:WhyMicroenterpriseDevelopment? 7
enhancingtheirincome,accesstomarketsandeconomicwell-being.Sustained,transfor-mationaleconomicandcommunitydevelopmentdependsonthedevelopmentofpeopleandnotjustsocialandeconomicsystems.Sustaineddevelopmentandwell-beingrequiresspiritual,characterandrelationalgrowth,aswellaseducation,healthcare,andeconomicdevelopment.Truewealthismeasuredinmorethanmonetarymeans.Ourgoal,therefore,isnotmerelythegenerationofwealthorthediminishmentofpoverty,butforpeopletoflourishasweparticipatetogetherinthecomingofGod’skingdom.Socialandeconomicdevelopmentisinterconnectedwithspiritualandrelationaldevelopment.
Withoutaclearunderstandingofhowtopracticemicrofinanceinwaysthatareconsis-tentwiththepurposesofGod,weriskimpoverishingpeoplethroughaffluence,enablingthemtobecome:
• richer in commodities – but poorer in community: individualism
• richer in consumption – but poorer in character: materialism
• richer in material substance – but poorer in spirituality: secularism
Without holistic integration of our Christian commitments into our MED practices, we may unintentionally be agents of secularism rather than of the kingdom of God.
Rich in commodities, but poor in community
Individualism: competition, selfishness
Rich in consumption, but poor in character
Materialism: greed, envy
Rich in substance, but poor in spirituality
Secularism: trust in own effort, things
Rich in value, but poor in values
Hedonism: collapse of morality
Group Discussion: Doyouagreeordisagree?WhatevidencehaveyouseeninMEDthateithersupportsorrefutesthis?HowcanMEDbestbepracticedtoavoidanyofthesenegativeconsequences?
2. Summary of objectives of this study: Read aloud the purposesofthisstudy.
Wearecommittedtoassistingthepoorinaccessingcapital,productiveworkandmarkets–butnotattheexpenseofneglectingordiminishingcharacter,dignity,communityandspirituality.Werecognisethecomplexinterrelationshipsofspiritualandsocialchange
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8 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
involvedinsustaineddevelopment.Therefore,ourfocusisnotsimplyonloans,capitalfunddevelopmentandmoney–butonpeople.Ultimately,thequalityofhumanrelations,character,spiritualandrelationalgrowthismoreimportantthanrepaymentrates.WedonotmeasuretheeffectivenessofMEDsimplybyriskratios,capitalfundincreasesandreturnoninvestment,butbyitsimpactonthetransformationofpeopleandcommunities.
Thisstudyencouragesabiblicalunderstandingofeconomicwell-beingrelatedtowealth,povertyandjustice,toestablishabiblicalfoundationformicroenterprisedevelopment.Itexaminesthewholebiblicalstory–fromtheCreationandtheFall,toGod’sredemptiveactionsbeguninIsraelandfulfilledinChrist,toournewcreationbytheSpirit,culminatinginthenewheavenandearthestablishedinGod’skingdom.Itexploresoptionsforhowtodobusinesswiththelongestpossible“returnoninvestment”.
Throughthisstudy,participantswillhavetheopportunitytoclarifytheintrinsiccon-tributionofbusinessactivityingeneral,andMEDandmicrofinanceinparticular,tothepurposesofGod.
Thestudyisstructuredaroundfivegreatthemesofthebiblicalstory,exploringinsightsfromeachforGod’spurposesforbusiness.
1. Creation:increasingfruitfulnessbystewardshipandcreativity
2. Fall:overcomingalienation,brokennessanddestruction
3. Redemption:experiencingnewcommunityandmeaningfulwork
4. New Creation:generatingnewcapacitythroughthepoweroftheSpirit
5. Culmination:livinginanticipationofthecertainfuture
Asaresult,participantsmaygaininsightintohowbusiness,andspecificallyMED,isaformoffull-timeChristianservice,andhowourChristiancommitmentsdistinctivelyshapeourapproachtomicrofinanceandMED.
Specific questions to address include: 1. WhatisdistinctivelyChristianabouthowweapproachMED?
�. HowdoweexpressourChristiancommitmentsinMEDwithoutproselytism?
3. WhatdoesGodhavetodowithbusiness?
4. Ischarginginterestandstimulatingdebtmoral?
5. Howcanweprovokeanentrepreneurialspiritinpeopleandcommunities?
6. Howcanwegeneratewealthwithoutfracturingacommunity(andindividuals)withcompetition,envyandgreed?
Discussthesequestions,identifyingtheonesmostimportanttoparticipants,andaddinganyotherstheywouldliketopursue.
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Session1–Introduction:WhyMicroenterpriseDevelopment? 9
Listanyadditionalquestionsthatpeopleareeagertopursue.
Concludebyprayingforoneanother,forGodtousethisstudyandforyourleadershipinMED.
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10 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Session 2
Economic Well-Being in the Kingdom of God
Objectives for this session Materials needed
ProvideanoverviewofthemeaningandimplicationsofthekingdomofGodforeconomics.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
HaveparticipantssummarisetheircurrentunderstandingofhowMEDrelatestothepurposesofGod.
Flipchartorlargesheetsofpaper(onepereveryfourparticipants)
Session Plan5 minutes: Inviteeachparticipanttoreadsilentlytheintroductorysectionon“GodIsanEconomist”andmarkwithan ! anythingtheyfindsurprising.
15 minutes: Ingroupsoffour,discussanysurprisesfromthisintroduction,andlistthreewaysinwhichMEDcontributestothecomingofthekingdomofGod.Writea�0-wordstatementonwhyGodwillsMEDandhaveseveralgroupsreadtheirsentence.
15 minutes: Inthesamegroupsoffour,completethechartonwaysMEDcontributestothepurposesofGod.Havegroupsposttheirchartsonthewallwhentheyaredone. Note to facilitator: Youmightfindithelpfultosavethesecharts,andcombinethemintoamasterelectronicsummary.
5 minutes: ConcludeinprayerthatGodwillguidethegroupinitsunderstandingofGod’spurposesforMED.
1. Introduction–The Kingdom of God and Economics: Read silentlythefollowingandmarkanexclamation(!)byanythingthatissurprising.
Inthebeginning,whenGodmadetheheavensandtheearth,therewerenopoor.Godintendedasthehumancommunityexpandedandfilledtheearthandexercisedfaithfulstewardshipoverit,thatallpeopleandthewholecreationwouldflourish.Theword“economics”comesfromtheGreekwordoikos,whichliterallymeans“household”.TheBibleteachesthattheworldinwhichweliveasaglobalhumancommunityisreallyGod’s“household”,aplacewhereGodintendsforusalltobe“athome”.Inour“home”Godintendsthatallwillhaveenoughfood,bepartofsecurefamiliesandsafecommunities,andflourishenjoyingthesplendoursofGod’sworld.“Economics”isnotjustaboutmoney.In
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Session�–EconomicWell-BeingintheKingdomofGod 11
itsbroadestsense,economicsencompassesallthearrangementsanddecisionswemakethataffectthewell-beingofpeopleeverywhere.
AsfollowersofChrist,weplaceourhopeinthereignofGodanditsfulfillmentinthereturnofChrist.WebelievethatGodrulesovercreationinwisdom,patienceandjustice,eventhoughsinfulcreationdoesnotyetfullyrecogniseGod’srule.InJesus’life,deathandresurrection,thetimeoffulfillmenthasbegun(Mk.1:15).JesusproclaimedboththenearnessofGod’sreignanditsfuturerealisation.InhislifeandteachingheemphasisedthatGod’sreignbringsbenefitsparticularlytothepoor,vulnerable,persecutedandchildren(Matt.5:10;8:10-1�;17:�0;�1:31;Luke6:�0).Godwillbringthepoorjusticeandrelief,restoringtheirrightfulplaceamidstcreation’sabundance.
ToengageinmissionistoparticipateinthecomingofthekingdomofGod.Thisiswhatwearetoseekfirst(Matt.6:33).Wearetohungerforkingdomjustice(Matt.5:6).Thedesireforthiskingdomtocomeistobeforemostamongourprayerfulpetitions(Matt.6:10).ThekingdomathandwasthesubjectofJesus’firstsermon(Mark1:14-15;Luke4:18)andthefocusofhisteachingfollowinghisresurrection(Acts1:1-8).Jesussaidthatthepointofallhisteachingwastoproclaimthemysteryofthekingdom(Luke8:10).Jesus’preachingofthekingdomwassocentralthathesaidtheendofhistorywouldnotarriveuntilthekingdomhadbeenpreachedtoallethnicgroupsintheworld(Matt.�4:14).
GodgivespeopleinChristanewbeginning(�Cor.5:17;Rom6:4-6;Gal.6:15),deliversthemfromtheoppressionofsinandthekingdomsofthisworld(Gal.1:4),and“crucifies”theirslaverytotheoldways(Gal�:�0).TheGospel’scallforrepentanceisthusaradicalturning,orredirectingoflife.Itleadstototaltransformation.“RepentanceisfarmorethanaprivatematterbetweentheindividualandGod.Itinvolvesthetotalreorientationoflifeintheworld,amongpeople,inresponsetotheworkofGodinJesusChrist.”1“WhenChristiansgainavisionoftheKingdomofGod,theirviewchangestowardthepoor,orphans,refugees;towardGod’sfutureandhisinterestinjustice,mercyandtruth.”�
WearecalledtolivenowaccordingtothepatternofGod’sfuturereign.Inourspiritual,socialandeconomicrelationships,wedemonstratenowthejustice,righteousness,loveandpeaceofthefuturekingdom(Acts�:41-47;Rev.11:15;15:3-4).Wearesotolivethatwegivetheworldevidenceofwhatthefuturewilllooklike.Welookforwardtothecomingofanewheavenandanewearth,wherethepeopleofGodwillnolongerhunger,thirstorcry,whenallcreationwillsingpraisesto“theLambofGod,seatedonthethrone”(Rev.�1:1-4;7:9-17;5:13-14).
InJanuary1990,morethan100Christiantheologians,economistsanddevelopmentleadersfromdifferentChristiantraditionsandeconomicperspectives(fromfree-marketcapitalists
1 RenéPadilla,“EvangelismandtheWorld”inLet the Earth Hear His Voice,1975.
� HowardSnyder,Liberating the Church(IVP,1983),p.11.
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1� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
toChristiansocialists)cametogetherattheOxfordCentreforMissionStudiesinOxford,England,toconcludeathree-yearstudyprojectonChristianfaithandeconomics.Theresultingstatement,The Oxford Declaration on Christian Faith and Economics,standsasacomprehensivestatementaboutcontemporaryChristianeconomics.Regardingstewardshipandeconomicproductionitproclaims:“EconomicproductionresultsfromthestewardshipoftheearthwhichGodassignedtohumanity.Whilematerialism,injustice,andgreedareinfundamentalconflictwiththeteachingofthewholeScripture,thereisnothingintheChristianfaiththatsuggeststhattheproductionofnewgoodsandservicesisundesirable.Indeed,weareexplicitlytoldthatGodrichlyfurnishesuswitheverythingtoenjoy(1Tim.6:17).Productionisnotonlynecessarytosustainlifeandmakeitenjoyable,italsoprovidesanopportunityforhumanbeingstoexpresstheircreativityintheserviceofothers.InassessingeconomicsystemsfromaChristianper-spective,wemustconsidertheirabilitybothtogenerateandtodistributewealthandincomejustly.”3
Small Group Discussion: Ingroupsoffour,discuss anythingyoumarkedassurprisinganddiscusswhy.Continueinthesamegroupsandsummarise yourcurrentunderstandingofhowMEDandmicrofinancecontributetothecomingofthekingdomofGod.
• ________________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________________
Complete thefollowingsentenceusinglessthan�0words:
Godwillsmicrofinancedevelopmentamongthepoorbecauseit:_________________
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________________.
Haveseveralgroupsread theirsentencestotheentiregroup.
Inthesamegroupsoffour,brainstormandexpandontheseliststodescribewaysMEDcon-tributestoGod’spurposesintheworld. Noteyourideasonthefollowingchart.Ifpossible,haveonepersoncapturetheideasonaflipchart,whileanotherpersonrecordsthemelectroni-cally.Postyourchartonthewallwhenyouarefinished,andreviewothergroups’ideas.
3 Transformation1990(Vol.7,No.�)
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Session�–EconomicWell-BeingintheKingdomofGod 13
Dimensions of God’s kingdom on earth
Ways MED participates in the fulfillment of God’s purposes
RestorationoforderandharmonyinCreation
• •
TransformationofpeopleandrelationshipsinChrist
• •
Reconciliationandempowermentofcommunities
• •
Well-beingandempowermentofchildren
• •
Transformationofsystemsandstructures
• •
ConcludebyprayingtogetherasanentiregroupforGodtoguideyouthroughthisstudyinyourunderstandingofhowMEDcontributestothecomingofGod’skingdom.
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14 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Session 3
Learning from the Story of Creation
Objectives for this session Materials needed
NamecharacteristicsofGodandthenatureofhumankindanddescribetheirimplicationsforhumanwork.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
EnvisionGod’soriginalintentionforcreationandbusiness.
Colouredpencils/pens/orcrayonsandpaperforeachparticipant
RecognisebusinessasaChristian/sacredvocation.
Flipchartandelectroniccopyofchartbegunintheprevioussessionon“biblicalprinciples”andMED
Session Plan3 minutes: ReadaloudGenesis1:19-�8and�:15,aswellastheintroductorystatementonCreation.
5 minutes: Ingroupsoffour,listqualitiesofGodportrayedintheCreationaccount,andimplicationsforhumanlifeandwork.
7 minutes: Asanentiregroup,whilesomeonereadsaloudPsalm104,haveeachparticipantdrawapictureportrayingGod’sintentiontoprovideabundantlyforallpeople.
7 minutes:ReadaloudPsalm�4:1andtheintroductorystatementonbusinessassacredstewardship.Ingroupsoffour,discussthediagram.
8 minutes:Asanentiregroup,brainstormandwriteideasregardingthemeaningandimplicationsofbusinessassacredstewardship.Savethischartforthenextsession,andalsomakeanelectroniccopyofit.
5 minutes:Concludebyprayingforourstewardshipofthelivesandresourceswithwhichwehavebeenentrusted.
1. Introduction: Read aloudGenesis1:19-�8and�:15andthefollowingsummaryofGod’sintendedroleforhumankindincreation.
Withoutdescribingascientificprocessfortheoriginoflife,theBibleproclaimsthat:
1. Godcreatedalloflife–allthingsexistbyGod’swillwithoutbeingthemselvesgod;
�. God’soriginalcreationwasgoodandharmonious;
3. GodisLordofallthings,andinfact,allthingsbelongtoGod(Psalm�4:1);
4. PeopleexistintheimageofGodwithathreefoldpurposeofworshippingGod,nourishingrelationshipswithoneanotherandworkingwithaspecialroleincreation.
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Session3–LearningfromtheStoryofCreation 15
AccordingtothecreationaccountinGenesis,humanworkinthe“Garden”isto:
subdueit(Gen.1:�6,�8),
orderit(nameit)(Gen�:19-�0),
protectandguardit4(Gen�:15),
renderitfruitful(Gen1:�8;�:15).
Small Group Exercise: Ingroupsoffour,listsomequalitiesofGodportrayedintheCreationstory.IfwearecreatedinGod’simage,whatareimplicationsforhumanworkandrelationships?
Characteristics of God as evidenced in the Creation story
Implications for human life and work as people in God’s image
Group Exercise: ScriptureportraysGod’sinitialcreationasfruitfulandharmonious,withalloflifesubmittingtoGod’slordship.AssomeonereadsaloudPsalm 104,drawapicturetoillustrateGod’sintentionsofabundancewherenooneispoororhungry.Youmightwanttopostthesearoundtheroomforotherstoenjoyduringabreak.
Read aloudPsalm�4:1andthefollowingsummaryoftheimplicationsofGod’sownershipofallcreation(seealsoExo.9:�9;Deut.10:14;1Cor.10:�6-�8).
Godisconcernedwitheveryaspectoflife.AlllifebelongstoGod.Ifeveryaspectoflife“belongs”toGod,thenweownnothing.Wearestewardsandguardiansofsomeoneelse’sresources.IfpeopleexistintheimageofGod,thentheyarenotmerecustomers,consumersorunitsofproduction.Theyaretobetreatedwithdignity.Inotherwords,
4 Thecalltoexercise“dominion”overcreationinGenesis1:�6,�8isbalancedbythecallinGenesis�:15toguardcreation.Adamisputinthegardentotillandkeepit.Literally,“tokeep”means to care for.AdamandEvewerecalledtostewardorprotecttheCreation.Unfortunately,anexclusivefocuson“dominion”hasoftenbeenusedtojustifypeopleexploiting,ratherthanprotecting,nature.
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16 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
ineverybusinessencounter,weareencounteringthesacred.Thisdoesn’timplythateverythingisgod.Rather,everythingbelongstoGod.Everybusinessactivityinvolvesthestewardshipoffourcomponents:people, time, resources and money.
Examine thisdiagram,“BusinessasSacredStewardship”.
Ingroupsoffour, discussyourinitialreactiontothisassertion.
• Whatsurprisesyouaboutit?
• Whatquestionsdoesthisraise?
Group Exercise: Asalargegroup,brainstormideasandwritethemonthefollowingchart.Aftereachsession,youwillreviewandexpandonthischarttosummariseideasexploredinthisworkbook.
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Session3–LearningfromtheStoryofCreation 17
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Meaning Implications for life and business
Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
ConcludewithprayerforyourstewardshipofthesegiftsfromGod.
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18 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Session 4
Doing Business in a Fallen World
Objectives for this session Materials needed
Examinetheimpactofsin(theFall)onbusiness.
Discusstheimplicationsofhowweviewandapproach“sin”forbusiness.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
Summarychartfromtheprevioussessionon“BusinessasSacredStewardship”
Flipchart
Session Plan 3 minutes:ReadaloudGenesis3:1-�4andtheintroductorystatement.
7 minutes: Divideintotwogroups(ormultiplesetsoffourpeople)onehalflistingfromGenesis3:1-�4theimpactoftheFallonhumanlife,andtheotherhalfGod’sresponse.Discusspeople’simpressions.
7 minutes: Ingroupsoffour,listtheimplicationsoftheFallforwork,relationsandMED.
7 minutes: Basedonthechartprovided,haveparticipantsidentifyanddiscussthedominantunderstandingof“sin”intheircontext.
5 minutes: ReadaloudRomans8:�0-�3anddiscussingroupsoffourwhathascontributedtothecommonbeliefthatGodisprimarilyconcernedwith“spiritual”matters.HowdoesRomans8depictadifferentviewoftheinterdependencyofthenaturalworldandpeople?
5 minutes:AddideasabouttheimplicationsoftheFallforMEDonyourchart,“BusinessasSacredStewardship”.
3 minutes:ConcludeinprayerforGod’sovercomingtheimpactoftheFallonbusiness.
1. Introduction: Havesomeoneread aloud Genesis3:1-�4andthisintroduction.
ThebiblicalstoryoftheoriginoflifemovesfromGod’sgoodcreationtodescribeourpresent“fallen”condition.PeopleandtheworldarenotnowwhatGodintendedthemtobe.HumankindrebelledagainstGod’swaysandbroughtdisharmonytoGod’sgoodcreation.
TheGenesisaccountnotonlydescribesGod’sgoodcreation–italsodescribesthedisruptionofGod’sintendedharmonybyrebellion.Godplacedboundariesaroundhumanbehaviourtoprotectpeoplefrominflictingharmonthemselvesorothers.Becausepeoplerejectedthoseboundaries,harmonywasdestroyedandconflict,deathandsuffer-ingensued.
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Session4–DoingBusinessinaFallenWorld 19
The Oxford Declaration on Christian Faith and Economicsproclaims:“PovertywasnotpartofGod’soriginalcreation,norwillpovertybepartofGod’srestoredcreationwhenChristreturns.InvoluntarypovertyinallitsformsandmanifestationsisaresultoftheFallanditsconsequences.Todayoneofeveryfivehumanbeingslivesinpovertysoextremethattheirsurvivalisdailyindoubt.Webelievethisisoffensiveandheart-breakingtoGod.”
Group Exercise: Divide intotwogroups.OnegrouplistsconsequencesoftheFallforhumanlifefromGenesis3:1-�4,andtheotherlistsGod’sresponsesasrecordedinthesameverses.(Ifthegroupislarge,divideintosmallergroupswithhalfofthemsummarising“theimpact”andtheotherhalfsummarising“theresponse”).
Genesis 3:1-24 The biblical account of sin and the Fall
Impact on life God’s response
Discuss asalargegroupanythingpeoplefindsurprisingorstrikingaboutresultsoftheaboveexercise.
Ingroupsoffour,listtheconsequencesforhumanrelationshipsandworkthatthispassagedescribesasstemmingfromtheFall.Whatdoesitmeanforustobelivingandworkingina“fallen”worldwithsinfulpeople?
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�0 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Impact of the Fall Implications for human work and relations
Implications for MED and microfinance
OnourrelationwithGod
Onrelationsbetweenpeople
Onourrelationwithcreation
2. Global Perspectives on “What’s Broken in Life”: Everyreligionandcultureintheworldrecognisesthatlifeisnotwhatitshouldbe.Somethingiswrongwiththeworld!Evil,suffering,corruptionandgreedmustbeexplainedsomehow.
Asanentiregroup, discussthefollowingchart.
• Whatarethedominantexplanationsforlife’s“brokenness”inthesocietywhereyouwork?
• Whataretheimplicationsforbusinesspractices?
• Usingthesamesimplisticoverview,howmightaChristianworldviewbesummarised?
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Session4–DoingBusinessinaFallenWorld �1
3. Holistic Redemption: Read aloud Romans8:�0-�3andthefollowingreflections.
Sindidn’tmerelyimpacthumanlifeandpeople’srelationswithGod.Sinimpactedalloflife–evencreationitself.Therefore,God’sworkofredemptionpertainstoeveryaspectoflife–notjusttothesalvationofhumansouls.
Examine thefollowingcharttomakesurethatpeopleunderstandwhatit’sexpressing.
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�� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Ingroupsoffour, discuss commonwayspeoplearetaughttobelieveandactasiftheChurch’s(andbyimplication,God’s)sphereofconcernwasprimarilywithspiritualandinterpersonalaspectsoflife.ListdimensionsoflifecommonlyunderstoodbyyourcommunitytobeoutsideofGod’sprimarysphereofinterest.
• _____________________________________________________________________
• _____________________________________________________________________
• _____________________________________________________________________
Discuss howRomans8portraysadifferentnotionoftheinterdependencybetweentheredemptionofpeopleandthenaturalworld.
Group Exercise: Continueaddingtothelistofbiblicalthemesandtheirimplicationsformicroenterprisedevelopmentthatyoubeganintheprevioussession.As mentioned earlier, you will continue adding to this list throughout the study.
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Session4–DoingBusinessinaFallenWorld �3
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
ConcludeinprayerforGod’sovercomingtheimpactoftheFallonbusiness.
Note: Alert participants that the next session will require 60 minutes because of group exercises.
(Inpreparationforthenextsession,readthearticlebyKershawBurbank,“AChristianPerspec-tiveonMicorenterpriseLoansandthePaymentofInterest”in“AdditionalResources”,pp.61-67).
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�4 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Session 5
Redemption: Part 1 – Exodus and God’s Economic Laws
Objectives for this session Materials needed
ReviewthebiblicalstoryoftheExodus,andexploreinsightsitprovidestothenatureofGod,andimplicationsforbusiness.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
ExamineimplicationsofOldTestamentlawsoftheSabbathandJubileeYearsforcontemporarybusinesspracticesandMED.
Cutthe“PiecesoftheExodusStory”tasksheetintostrips(see“AdditionalResources”,p.60)–ensuringeveryparticipantgetsonestrip
Identifyspecificstepsparticipantswishtotakeinresponsetotheseimplications.
Chartfromprevioussessionson“biblicalprinciples”andMED
Session Plan (Note–thissessiontakes60minutes)
8 minutes:Groupexercisetorefreshpeople’smemoriesoftheExodusstoryandreadingofintroductorymaterialontheExodus.
5 minutes: Personalreflectionandsharinginpairs.
5 minutes:ReadtheintroductorymaterialonGod’seconomiclaws.
10 minutes:DiscussinsmallgroupsthechartsofOldTestamenteconomicprinciples,andLeviticus�5:�3-�4andDeuteronomy15:1-11.
5 minutes:ReadDeuteronomy�4:6-15andtheintroductiontoOldTestamenteconomicprinciplesandcontemporarymarketeconomies.
20 minutes:Groupexerciseandpresentationsonscenarios.
7 minutes:AddideasabouttheimplicationsofOldTestamenteconomiclawsforMEDonyourchart,“BusinessasSacredStewardship”.ConcludebypraisingGodforhisgiftofcreativity.
1. Introduction – The Exodus: Read aloud thisintroduction.
NexttotheCreationaccount,theExoduseventformsthebasisforIsrael’sreligiousbeliefsandsocialpractice.OldTestamentwritersoftenremindIsraelofGod’smightydeliveranceinordertocallthemtoradicalloveforothersandlovingobediencetoGod.GodsaystothepeopleofIsrael:
• I love you – so you are to love others.
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Session5-Redemption:Part1–ExodusandGod’sEconomicLaws �5
• I have delivered you – so you are to seek the deliverance of others.
• You know what it was like to be an oppressed slave people – so do not oppress anyone.
• You know what it was like to be poor – so do not impoverish others.
Group Exercise: Refresh yourmemoryoftheExodusstory.Haveeachpersontakeoneofthestripsfromthe“PiecesoftheExodusStory”tasksheet(“AdditionalResources”,p.60).Ifaparticipantdoesnotreceiveone,havehimorherjoinsomeonewhohasastrip.Thestripsofpaperareintentionallyoutoforder.
• Asagroup,put thestoryinorder bystandinginalinewitheachpersonholdingastripsothatthestoryisinitspropersequence.
• Read aloudthestoryfromstarttofinish,witheachpersonreadinghisorherstrip.
Individual Exercise: ReadsilentlythefollowingsummaryofaspectsofGod’scharacterandwillrevealedthroughtheExodus.
God is a God who liberates the oppressed.Goddoesnotfavourtherichandpow-erful,nordoeshesupporttheminoppressionandexploitationofthepoor.Rather,GodjudgesandpunishesthewealthynationofEgyptbecauseitexploitsandoppressespeople.Godliberatesslavesandrespondstothecriesoftheneedy.
God’s salvation of Israel is not accomplished through military might.Moses,God’sservant,doesnothaveanyweaponsexcepthisconfidenceintheLord.Infact,whenMosestakesmattersintohisownhandsbykillinganEgyptiantaskmaster,heisexiledfor40years.OnlywhenhetrustsinthepowerofGod,andnotinthepowerofanarmy,isheabletoliberatethepeople.ThislessonisoftenrepeatedthroughouttheOldTestament.ThepowerofdeliverancerestsinGod.God’svalues–compassion,justiceandcaringforthepoor–arewhatGod’speoplearemosttovalue.
Israel is not called simply to leave the land of Egypt, but to leave the ways of Egypt. ScriptureidentifiesancientEgyptnotsimplyasageographicplacebutasawayoflife,awayofthinkingthatmustberejected.AncientEgyptrepresentstheconsequencesoftheFall–theantithesisofGod’sintentionforcreation:ratherthanabundance–scar-city;ratherthanharmony–violence;ratherthanjustice–oppression.Wemaycallittheeconomy of scarcity ratherthansufficiency! This ideologyconflictswiththetrueworshipofGod.MosestellsPharaohthepeoplemustbesetfreesotheycangotothewildernesstoworshipGod.OncefreeofPharoah,God’speoplearenottousetheirfreedomforselfishindulgenceorsuccumbtotrustingtheirownresources.Rather,thecommandmentsGodgivesIsraelonSinaidemarcateapathtothefullnessoflifeinasocietybasedonloveforGodandneighbourthatistheoppositeofEgypt.Later,whentheprophetsarecompelledtocondemnthepeopleofIsrael,itisbecauseIsraelhasbecomejustlikeancientEgypt–unjust,oppressiveandmaterialistic.
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�6 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Personal Reflection: ReflectonyourowninvolvementinMEDorinbusinessandanswerthreequestions:
• What,ifany,relationshipscanyoufindbetweenthesethemesinExodusandyourworkinmicrofinanceandMED?
• WhatisthemostrelevantimplicationforyoufromtheExodusstorythatwillaffectyourlife(towhatextentdoyoustrugglewith“thewaysofEgypt”)andyourwork?
• Whatpracticalactionstepscanyoutaketolivethisout?
Share anyofyourthoughtsthatyouwouldlikewiththepersonnexttoyou.
2. God’s Economic Laws. Read aloudthefollowingsummaryofOldTestamentlawsabouteconomiclifeandbusinessrelations.Asyoulisten,underlinewhatyoufindmostsignificant.5
AfterdeliveringIsraelfromslavery,GodledtheIsraelitesintothewildernesstoteachthemhowtostayoutofslavery,protectthepoorandavoidparticipatingintheexploita-tionofothersandtheworshipofthegodsofthelandsandtheworksoftheirownhands.God’sLawwasagift,sayingineffect,“I’ve saved you from slavery and if you want to continue to live a saved life, live this way. In obedience to my way, you will find abundant life.”ItisnosurprisethatmuchofGod’slawfordailylifepertainedtobusinessandeconomics.Infact,theLawasrecordedinLeviticusandDeuteronomyestablishesanentireeconomicsystem.
InLeviticus�5,thelawcommandstwospecialobservances–theSabbathYear(verses1-7)andtheYearofJubilee(verses8-54).TheseextendtheSabbathdayofrestintowiderculturalpatternsintendedtoexpandeconomicwell-beingtothewholecommunity,especiallytothepoor.ThepassageexplainsthattheSabbath Yearisayearofrestwhendebtwasforgiven,indenturedlabourerswerefreed,andthelandrested.Godincludesthenon-humancreationinhissavinggrace.TheSabbathYearisalsoayearofrestforpeople,fortheydonotneedtotillthegroundorsowcrops.Anyresultingproduceistobesharedalsowithtemporaryresidents,passersby,strangersandsojourners.TheSabbathYearensuredthatneitherdebtnorindenturedlabourcouldpermanentlytrapGod’speopleinpovertyorbondage.Inatimebeforechemicalfertilizers,lettingthelandrest(liefallow)ensuredtheproductivityoftheagrarianeconomy.
TheJubilee YearwastobeobservedattheconclusionofsevencyclesofSabbathYears,inthe50thyear.Inthisyear,dispossessedfamiliesreclaimedtheirland,indenturedslavesweretobereleasedanddebtswereforgiven(Deut.15).Thepurposeoftheselawsistheprotectionofpeoplefromstructuraldisadvantages(suchaslossoflandorindenturedslavery)thatwouldtrapthemintheirpovertyandmakeitimpossibletostartover.Jubileeoffersanew beginningoncealifetimeforeverygeneration.Individualinitiative(orlackof
5 ExamplesofOldTestamentlawsaboutthepoorandtheircareinclude:Ex.�3:1-10;Lev.�5;Deut.15:1-15,�4:17-��,�6:1�-15.
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Session5-Redemption:Part1–ExodusandGod’sEconomicLaws �7
initiative)andprivatepropertyweresupported–butwithinboundariesthatprotectedagainstmulti-generationalpoverty.Everybodygotafreshstartduringhisorherlifetime–withequalaccesstothemeansofproduction.
Leviticus�5closeswithGod’sreminderofthereasonfortheselaws,“Fortome[God]thepeopleofIsraelareservants;theyaremyservants,whomIbroughtoutfromthelandofEgypt”(verse55).
Thoughthesystemitselfmaynotbeapplicabletocontemporarycapital-basedmarketeconomies,itcontainsmanyintriguingeconomicprinciples,including:
1. Privatepropertyandindividualentrepreneurialactivitywereprotectedandencouraged.
�. Safeguardswereestablishedtoprovideforandprotectthosewho–becauseofage,genderorinfirmity–couldnotprovideforthemselves.
3. Aliensandstrangersweregivenprotectionsandrights.
4. Multigenerationalinheritedwealthandpovertywaslimitedbyeveryonegettingequalaccesstocapitalandthemeansofproductiononceinhisorherlifetime.
5. Peoplewhothroughlazinessorpoorjudgmentsufferedeconomicallyhadtoexperi-encetheconsequencesoftheiractions.
6. Thelandandevenanimalswereprotectedfromexploitationandabuse.
7. Labourandtradelawsmandatedthatfairwagesbepaidontimeandthatfairmeasuresbeusedincommerce.
8. Processeswereestablishedtoensurefairarbitrationofdisputesandcontracts.
Small Group Discussion: Ingroupsoffour,discussthefollowingthreesetsofquestions:
1) Examine thischartofOldTestamentbusinessprinciples.
Old Testament Business Principles
Environment and animals are protected
Individual property and initiative are
honoured
Multi-generational debt and wealth are
prohibited
Equal access once a lifetime for
everyone to means of production
Dignity of the poor is guarded
Those who can’t compete because of age or infirmity are
provided for
Equal access once a lifetime for everyone to
means of production
Rights of foreign workers are protected
Those who can’t compete because of age or infirmity are
provided for
DoingBusiness_4.indd 27 6/9/06 8:48:18 PM
�8 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
What,ifanything,surprisesyouaboutthislist?
Howdotheseprinciplescomparetopresentbusinesspracticesinyourowncountry?
2) Read Leviticus 25:23-24, which describes the two foundations of biblical economics.
“The land is mine” God owns all things
Psalm�4:1;Lev.�5:�3
“Remember you are but tenants” We are servants and stewards
Lev.�5:�3
Two foundations of biblical economics
ReflectonhowtheseaspectsoflifeinGod’s“economy”mightimpactyourownapproachtobusiness,possessionsandmoney.
3) Read Deuteronomy 15:1-11. Analyse these verses and discuss what you underlined from the previous section using the following questions. • Verse4says,“…thereshouldbenopooramongyou…”whileverse11says,“…therewill
alwaysbepoorpeopleintheland….”Howdoyouaccountforthisdifference?
• Verses7and8commandGod’speopletoLENDtothepoor.WhatdoesthisimplyabouthowGodseesthecharacterandeconomicpotentialofthepoor?
• Sometimespeoplequoteverse11asjustificationforacceptingpovertyasaGod-givensituationtheyshouldnottrytochange.Basedonthesebiblicalideas,howwouldyourespondtothatkindofthinking?
• WhatarepossibleconnectionsbetweenthisOldTestamenteconomicsystembasedonanagrarianeconomy,andourcontemporarymarketeconomies?
3. Old Testament Economic Principles and Contemporary Market Economies.
Theseversesobviouslyraisemanyquestionsforusaboutbusinessandourengagementinmicrofinance.FurtherdimensionsareaddedinotherprovisionsoftheLaw.Havesomeoneinyourgroupread aloudDeuteronomy�4:6-15.Thenread thefollowingimplicationsofthispassageforthetakingofcollateraltosecureloans.
1. Wecanseethatwenevertakesomethingascollateralthatwouldthreatentheperson’swell-beingorlife,suchasanuppermillstone.Themillstoneswereusedforgrindingwheatintoflour.Withoutamillstoneitisimpossibletomakeflourforbread.Weusethesameprincipletodayinmicrofinance:Whilewewilltakeforcollaterala
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Session5-Redemption:Part1–ExodusandGod’sEconomicLaws �9
person’sequipmentboughtforbusinessexpansion–forexample,acarpenter’snewelectricsaws–wewillnottakehishandtools.Wemustnotrunourprogramssothatfailureonthepartofourclientsmeansthattheybecomedestitute.
�. Weseethatwearenottogointoaperson’shousetotaketheircollateral.Rather,weletthembringittous.Thisprinciplecentersontheissueofdignityandpersonalpride.Godisveryconcernedaboutthedignityofallpeople,andespeciallythedignityofthepoor.
3. Weseethatwedonotkeepthecollateralofthepoorsothattheysuffer.Forexample,acloakcouldbeapledgeforaloan.However,thecloakwasnotonlyacoat;itwasalsoablanketandabedforthepoor.Ourpoliciesmustbeflexibleenoughtomeettheneedsofthepoorest,andensureweseektheirwell-being,andnotjustthe“well-being”ofourloan.
Invite participantstoofferanyreflectionstheyhavefromKerkBurbank’sarticleoninterest.
Small Group Exercise: Divide intogroupsoffourtosixpeople.Eachgroupwillbeassignedoneofthefollowingscenarios(makesurethereisanequalnumberofgroupsforeachscenario.Becauseoftimeconstraints,trytohavenomorethantwogroupsworkoneachscenario).
• Readthescenario.
• Createashortspeech(threetofiveminutes)respondingtoissuesthescenarioraises.DrawingonScripturesandotherprincipleswehavediscussed,youhave10minutestoconstructatheologicallyandculturallyacceptabledefenseofWorldVision’sposition.
• WritemajorpointsofthisspeechonapieceofpaperandselectaspokespersontobetheMFIofficerwhowillgivethespeechtotheentiregroup.
• Theentiregroupwillvoteforthebestspeakerandexplanation.
Scenario One: YouareaChristianWorldVisionmicrofinanceloanofficerinanationthatispredominantlyChristian.ThepastorofyourchurchasksyoutospeakatameetingtoexplainwhyWorldVisiongivesloansratherthangrantstohelppeopleimprovetheirlives.Whatdoyousay?
Scenario Two: YouareinameetingwiththeWorldBankdirectorofyourcountry.HowwouldyouexplainthefundamentaleconomicissueswhichOldTestamentLaw(andespeciallylawsoftheSabbathandJubileeYears)address,andhowWorldVision’sapproachtomicrofinanceaccountsfortheseissues?
(Ifyourgroupislargeandathirdscenariowouldbehelpful,usethescenarioonloanrepaymentandtheSabbathYearin“AdditionalResources”,pp.68-69).
Group Exercise: Asanentiregroup,addtoyourlistofbiblicalprinciplesandimplications–reflectingespeciallyonwaysinwhichMEDcanbeanexpressionoftheJubilee.
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30 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
Concludeinprayer,praisingGodforthegiftofcreativity!
DoingBusiness_4.indd 30 6/9/06 8:48:22 PM
Session6–Redemption:Part�–LearningfromtheProphets 31
Session 6
Redemption: Part 2 – Learning from the Prophets
Objectives for this session Materials needed
ExploreconnectionsbetweenthecriticismbyOldTestamentprophetsofIsrael’seconomicpracticesandourcontemporarybusinesspractices.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
Createapropheticwordforourcurrentcontexts.
Chartfromprevioussessionson“BusinessasSacredStewardship”
DescribewaysMEDcontributestobiblicaleconomicjustice.
Session Plan8 minutes: Ingroupsoffour,readtheintroductionandselectionsfromtheOldTestamentProphetsanddiscusstheseideasusingthequestionsprovided.
15 minutes:ReadsilentlythequotationfromtheThe Oxford Declaration on Christian Faith and Economics,underliningideasregardinghowMEDbringsjusticeforthepoor.Inthesamegroupsoffour,writeabrief,propheticmessageforyourcommunitytoday,basedonthecalltoJubilee,andhaverepresentativesfromseveralgroupspresenttheirmessage.
7minutes: ReadinunisonthepromisesfromtheProphetsandaddinsightsfromthisreadingtothe“BusinessasSacredStewardship”chart.
5 minutes: Prayforthecommunitieswhereyouserve.
1. Introduction: The Call of the Prophets for the Poor
Small Group Exercise: Ingroupsoffour,taketurnsreadingaloudthefollowingintroductionandselectionsfromtheOldTestamentProphetsregardingtheircallforeconomicwell-being).
HistoricalandarchaeologicalevidencesuggeststhatIsraelpracticedtheSabbathYearandthatittookseriouslyissuesraisedbytheJubilee.However,thereisevidencethattheradi-caleconomicsystemoutlinedfortheJubilee–andespeciallyitsemphasisonprovisionforthepoorandaliens–wasneverconsistentlyorfullyimplemented.Thisisnotasurprise,forobviouslytheselawswouldbeathreattothewealthyandthoseineconomicpower.Infact,anelaboratesystemcalledtheprosboulwasdeveloped,wherebydebt-holderscouldgivetheloantotheTempleontheyearbeforeaJubilee–thusrelievingthemselves
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3� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
ofownership.Then,ontheyearaftertheJubilee,theTemplewouldreturntheloantotheholder,andthedebtorwouldretaintheobligation.Inresponse,GodraisedupProphetswhowarnedIsraelthattheyweregoingtoreverttobondageagainiftheydidn’twalkinGod’sways,restrainfromidolatryandprovideforthepoor.
GodcalledIsraeltobeachosenpeople,speciallysetaparttodemonstratewhatwell-beinglookslikeinacommunityofpeople,bearingwitnessamongthenationsofhowGodblessesthosewhowalkinGod’sways.TheHebrewBibletellsthelong,sadstoryofGod’softenunrequitedloveforIsraelandconfrontationwithIsrael’srebellion.Timeandtimeagain,Israelchoosesothergodsandotherwaysoflife.UltimatelyGodjudgesIsraelbyallowingothernationstoconquerthepeopleandtakethemintoexile.TheProphetswarnedIsraelaboutthejudgmentthatwascoming.EverypropheturgedIsraeltorepentandbefaithful.OneofthemajorsinstheProphetspointedtowasIsrael’seconomicinjustice.6
“HearthewordoftheLORD,yourulersofSodom;listentothelawofourGod,youpeopleofGomorrah! Themultitudeofyoursacrifices–whataretheytome?saystheLORD.Ihavemorethanenoughofburntofferings,oframsandthefatoffattenedanimals;Ihavenopleasureinthebloodofbullsandlambsandgoats.Whenyoucometoappearbeforeme,whohasaskedthisofyou,thistramplingofmycourts?Stopbringingmeaninglessofferings!Yourincenseisdetestabletome.NewMoons,Sabbathsandconvocations–Icannotbearyourevilassemblies.YourNewMoonfestivalsandyourappointedfeastsmysoulhates.Theyhavebecomeaburdentome;Iamwearyofbearingthem.Whenyouspreadoutyourhandsinprayer,Iwillhidemyeyesfromyou;evenifyouoffermanyprayers,Iwillnotlisten.
Yourhandsarefullofblood;washandmakeyourselvesclean.Takeyourevildeedsoutofmysight!Stopdoingwrong,learntodoright!Seekjustice,encouragetheoppressed.Defendthecauseofthefatherless,pleadthecaseofthewidow.
Comenow,letusreasontogether,saystheLORD.Thoughyoursinsbelikescarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow;thoughtheyareredascrimson,theyshallbelikewool.Ifyouarewillingandobedient,youwilleatthebestfromtheland;butifyouresistandrebel,youwillbedevouredbythesword.ForthemouthoftheLORDhasspoken.
Seehowthefaithfulcityhasbecomeaharlot!Sheoncewasfullofjustice;righteousnessusedtodwellinher–butnowmurderers!Yoursilverhasbecomedross,yourchoicewineisdilutedwithwater.Yourrulersarerebels,companionsofthieves;theyalllovebribesandchaseaftergifts.Theydonotdefendthecauseofthefatherless;thewidow'scasedoesnotcomebeforethem.” Isaiah 1:10-23
“ThiswastheguiltofyoursisterSodom:sheandherdaughtershadpride,excessoffood,
6 ExamplesofpropheticpassagesthatspeakofGod’spassionforeconomicjusticeinclude:Isaiah1:10-�3,10:1-4,58;Amos�:6-8,5:11-�4;Micah�:1-5,6:6-16.
DoingBusiness_4.indd 32 6/9/06 8:48:24 PM
Session6–Redemption:Part�–LearningfromtheProphets 33
andprosperousease,butdidnotaidthepoorandneedy.Theywerehaughty,anddidabomi-nablethingsbeforeme;thereforeIremovedthemwhenIsawit.”Ezekiel 16:49-50
“Ifamanisrighteousanddoeswhatislawfulandright–ifhedoesnoteatuponthemountainsorliftupeyestotheidolsofthehouseofIsrael,doesnotdefilehisneighbour’swife…doesnotoppressanyone,butrestorestothedebtorhispledge,commitsnorobbery,giveshisbreadtothehungryandcoversthenakedwithagarment,doesnottakeadvanceoraccruedinterest,withholdshishandfrominiquity,executestruejusticebetweencontendingpartners…–suchaoneisrighteous;heshallsurelylive,saystheLordGod.”Ezekiel 18:5-9
“Youwhoturnjusticeintobitternessandcastrighteousnesstotheground….youhatetheonewhoreprovesincourtanddespisehimwhotellsthetruth.Youtrampleonthepoorandforcehimtogiveyougrain.Therefore,thoughyouhavebuiltstonemansions,youwillnotliveinthem;thoughyouhaveplantedlushvineyards,youwillnotdrinktheirwine.ForIknowhowmanyareyouroffensesandhowgreatareyoursins.Youoppresstherighteousandtakebribesandyoudeprivethepoorofjusticeinthecourts.Therefore,theprudentmankeepsquietinsuchtimes,forthetimesareevil.Seekgoodandnotevil,thatyoumaylive.ThentheLordGodAlmightywillbewithyouasyousayheis.Hateevil,lovethegood;maintainjusticeinthecourts.”Amos 5: 7-15
Small Group Discussion:
• InwhatwaysdothesepropheticrebukesandpromisesrelatetoIsrael’sfulfillmentofOldTestamenteconomiclaws,especiallytheSabbathandJubileeYears?
• WhatcommonconcernsdoyouseebetweentheProphets’eraandourtime?
• Wheremightsuchpropheticwordsbeneededtoday–inyourcommunity,yourcountryandourworld?
Entire Group: Invitepeopletosharefromtheirsmallgroupdiscussionskeyinsights.
2. Prophetic Words for Today: Whilesomeonereads aloudthefollowingsectionsoftheOxford Declaration on Christian Faith and Economics,underlineanyideasthatrelatespecificallytohowyourworkinMEDbringsGod’sjusticeforthepoor.
“38.BiblicaljusticemeansimpartiallyrenderingtoeveryonetheirdueinconformitywiththestandardsofGod’smorallaw.Paulusesjustice(orrighteousness)initsmostcom-prehensivesenseasametaphortodescribeGod’screativeandpowerfulredemptivelove.Christ,solelyingrace,broughtusintoGod’scommonwealth,whowerestrangerstoitandbecauseofsincutofffromit(Romans1:17-18;3:�1-�6;Ephesians�:4-��).InBiblicalpassageswhichdealwiththedistributionofthebenefitsofsociallifeinthecontextofsocialconflictandsocialwrong,justiceisrelatedparticularlytowhatisduetogroupssuchasthepoor,widows,orphans,residentaliens,wageearnersandslaves.Thecommonlinkamongthesegroupsispowerlessnessbyvirtueofeconomicandsocialneeds.The
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34 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
justicecalledforthistorestorethesegroupstotheprovisionGodintendsforthem….OneessentialcharacteristicofBiblicaljusticeisthemeetingofbasicneedsthathavebeendeniedincontradictiontothestandardsofScripture;butfurther,theBiblegivesindicationofhowtoidentifywhichneedsarebasic.Theyarethoseessential,notjustforlife,butforlifeinsociety.
39.Justicerequiresspecialattentiontotheweakmembersofthecommunitybecauseoftheirgreatervulnerability.Inthissense,justiceispartial.Nevertheless,thecivilarrange-mentsinrenderingjusticearenottogobeyondwhatisduetothepoorortotherich(Deuteronomy1:17;Leviticus19:15).Inthissensejusticeisultimatelyimpartial.
40.Justicerequiresconditionssuchthateachpersonisabletoparticipateinsocietyinawaycompatiblewithhumandignity.Absolutepoverty,wherepeoplelackevenminimalfoodandhousing,basiceducation,healthcare,andemployment,deniespeoplethebasiceconomicresourcesnecessaryforjustparticipationinthecommunity.Correctiveactionwithandonbehalfofthepoorisanecessaryactofjustice.Thisentailsresponsibilitiesforindividuals,families,churches,andgovernments.
41.Justicemayalsorequiresocio-politicalactionsthatenablethepoortohelpthemselvesandbethesubjectsoftheirowndevelopmentandthedevelopmentoftheircommunities.Webelievethatweandtheinstitutionsinwhichweparticipateareresponsibletocreateanenvironmentoflaw,economicactivity,andspiritualnurturewhichcreatesthesecondi-tions.”Oxford Declaration on Christian Faith and Economics
Small Group Exercise:Ingroupsoffour,imagineyouarecalledbyGodtodeliverapropheticmessageinourtimetopeopleinyourcountry.InthespiritofthelessonsfromtheCreation,theExodusstories,andthelawsofSabbathandJubilee,writeashortparagraphwithapropheticmessageforyourcommunities.Youhaveeightminutestowrite.
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Session6–Redemption:Part�–LearningfromtheProphets 35
Hear the Word of the Lord:
Representativesfromseveralgroupswillbeinvitedtoproclaimtheirmessage!
3. Prophetic Promises: TheProphetsdidnotjustofferrebukes;theyalsoproclaimedwonderfulpromises.Asanentiregroup,read aloudinunisonthefollowingexamples.
“Thetreesofthefieldwillyieldtheirfruitandthegroundwillyielditscrops;thepeoplewillbesecureintheirland.TheywillknowthatIamtheLordwhenIbreakthebarsoftheiryokeandrescuethemfromthehandsofthosewhoenslavedthem…Theywillnolongerbevictimsoffamineinthelandorbearthescornofnations”. Ezekiel 34:27-29
Thesoundofweepingandofcryingwillbeheardinitnomore,
Neveragainwilltherebeinitaninfantthatlivesbutafewdays,
Oranoldmanwhodoesnotliveouthisyears;
Hewhodiesatahundredwillbethoughtamereyouth;
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36 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Hewhofailstoreachahundredwillbeconsideredaccursed.
Theywillbuildhousesanddwellinthem;
Theywillplantvineyardsandeattheirfruit.
Nolongerwilltheybuildhousesandothersliveinthem,orplantandotherseat.Isaiah 65:19-22
DiscusshowMEDcancontributetobringingaboutthisvisionofjoy,justiceandhopeincom-munitieswhereyouserve.ContinuetolistbiblicalprinciplesandimplicationsforMED–basedontheProphets.
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
Prayforthecommunitieswhereyouserve–thatthekingdomofGodwillcomeintopeople’slivesinthisfullness.
DoingBusiness_4.indd 36 6/9/06 8:48:28 PM
Session 7
Redemption: Part 3 – Jesus Christ
Objectives for this session Materials needed
RelateOldTestamanteconomicLawsandpropheciestothelifeandministryofJesus.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
ExamineJesus’lifeasamicro-entrepreneurandcreatearoleplayofJesusapplyingforaloan.
Post-itnotes
ExpandthedescriptionofwaysinwhichhowwetreatthepoorandengageinMEDcontributetoGod’spurposes.
Chartfromprevioussessionson“BusinessasSacredStewardship”
Session Plan (45minutes)
12 minutes: Asanentiregroup,haveindividualsreadaloudselectedpassagesfromtheNewTestamentregardingJesusandthepoor,andsummariseasagroupkeyeconomicprinciples.Posttheseonthewall.
18 minutes: Ingroupsoffour,readanddiscussideasregardingthelifeofJesusasasmallbusinessman,createandperformarole-playdialoguebetweenJesusandanMFIofficer.
8 minutes:ReadideasontheimplicationsoftheCrossforbusiness,anddiscusshowtheyrelatetocriteriaforsuccessinMED.
5 minutes: AddfurtherthoughtsderivedfromthelifeofJesusforbusinessassacredstewardship.
2 minutes:Concludeinprayer,askingthatyouandyourclientsfollowthewayofJesus–andthewayoftheCross–inMED.
1. Jesus and the Poor: Inviteseveralpeopletoread aloudtheseintroductorythoughtsaboutJesusandselectedNewTestamentpassagesonGod’sintentionsforeconomicwell-being.Aspeopleread,markastar(*)byanyideasthatarenewtoyouorthatrelatetoeconomicsandtheJubilee.
TheNewTestamentamplifiesthemessageofGod’sinterestineconomicsandconcernforthepoor.ThroughJesus,thekingdomofGodbreaksintohumanhistory.Infact,somecommentatorsbelievethatJesus’firstsermonproclaimstheinaugurationoftheJubilee.Isaiah61:1-�wasregardedasamessianicprophecy,andsomecommentatorsassertthatthe“yearoftheLord’sfavour”wasthephraseusedtoannouncetheyearoftheJubilee.Jesusread,‘“TheSpiritoftheLordisonme,becausehehasanointedmetoproclaim
Session7–Redemption:Part3–JesusChrist 37
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38 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
goodnewstothepoor.Hehassentmetoproclaimfreedomtotheprisonersandrecoveryofsightfortheblind,tosettheoppressedfreeandtoproclaimtheyearoftheLord’sfavour.”.…“Today,thisscriptureisfulfilledinyourhearing.’”(Luke4:18-�1).JesuscontinuedbyproclaimingthatoutsiderstoIsrael–andnotjustIsrael–receiveGod’sblessing.HisinaugurationoftheJubileewasaneconomicthreat–andtheannouncementofGod’sblessingonthepoorandonoutsiderstoIsraelwasasocialscandal.Sowhatwastheresponsetohisfirstsermon?Hisownneighbourstriedtokillhim((Luke4:�9).
ManybiblicalscholarsbelievethatmuchofJesus’life,teachingandministryannouncedandembodiedinaugurationofapermanentJubilee.Money,economicsandjusticeforthepoorwerecentralthemestohisteaching.AsintheOldTestament,Jesus’concernfortheseaspectsoflifewasnottoestablishwaystoearnGod’slove–ameansofsalvation;buttoexpressourresponsetoGod’slove–awaytokeeplivingasavedlife.Jesusdidnotonlyteachabout“heavenly”and“spiritualthings”.HisteachingreflectedtheOldTesta-mentemphasisonhowourfaithinGodimpactsourdailylifeandespeciallyourresponsetothepoor.JesuscallshisfollowerstoliveaccordingtotheeconomicpatternproclaimedintheOldTestamentlawsoftheSabbathandJubileeYears.
Jesus lived among the poor and identified with them.Hefreelygaveuptheoppor-tunitytomakeadecentlivingasacarpenterforthesakeofhisministry.(Notsurprising,consideringJesusgaveupthe“privileges”ofGodtotakeonhumanlimitationsforourredemption!)Whilehetraveledwithhisdisciples,hedependedonthegenerosityofothers.Heoncesaidthatthesonofmanhasnoplacetolayhishead(Matt.8:�0).(Read�Corinthians8:9–Thoughhewasrich,foryoursakeshebecamepoor.)
Jesus emphasized the need to be a good borrower, a good lender and to provide for the poor.(ReadMatt.5:�5-�6;4�;Matt.6:9-1�;Luke6:34-35;seealsoDeut.15:7-8–JesusendorsedtheOldTestamentmandates).
Jesus empowered the poor and defended the cause of the powerless.(ReadLuke7:18-�3andMark1�:41-43–Thedeafhear;thedeadareraised;thepoorhavegoodnewsbroughttothem.Jesuscommendedthewidowforgivingupherlastcoinstothetempletreasury.JesusdenouncedTempleleadersfordevouringwidows’houses.)
Jesus challenged the wealthy not to trust in their riches for salvation.(ReadLuke18:18-30–Jesustoldtherichrulertosellallheownedanddistributethemoneytothepoor,andhewouldhavetreasureinheaven;thenhewastocomeandfollowJesus.)
Jesus taught that how we treat the poor is an indication of the nature of our relationship with God. (ReadLuke19:1-10andMatt.�5:31-46–ZacchaeussaidhewouldgivehalfhispossessionstothepoorandfollowthelawofEx.��:1-�and�Sam.1�:6bypayingbackfourtimesasmuchtothosehecheated.Asaresult,Jesussaid,todaysalvationcametothishouse.)
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Jesus warned against ignoring the poor.(ReadLuke16:19-31–InthestoryoftherichmanandLazarus,AbrahamtellstherichmanthatifhisfivelivingbrothersdidnotlistentoMosesandtheProphetsaboutnotignoringthepoor,theywouldn’tbeconvincedevenifsomeonerosefromthedead.)
Group Exercise: Call out itemsyoumarkedwithastar(*). Write onPost-itnoteskeyprinciplesderivedfromJesus’lifeandteachingabouteconomicsandthepoor. Postthemonthewall.
2. Jesus and Abundance: Asanentiregroup,havesomeoneread aloudthefollowingthoughtsabouthowJesustransformslivesandplacesofscarcityintolivesandplacesofabundance–andcallstheChristiancommunitytodothesame.
JesuscalledpeopletolivewithtrustingconfidenceinGod’sgraciousprovisionandforoureconomiclifetomodeltheprinciplesexpressedintheSabbathrestandJubilee(for a review of the principles of the Jubilee, see p. 26).HislifeonourbehalfredeemsworkfromthedisruptionoftheFall.Jesus’followersaretobeasignofabundanceintheworldwheresinhadturnedGod’screationintoaplaceofscarcity.InJesus,weencounterGod’sabundantprovisiontotransformscarcityintoabundance.Weseethisinmanystories.Forexample,whenwinerunsoutataweddinginCana,Jesusturnswaterintoabundantandfinerwine.Whenpeoplelackfood,thedisciplesthinkitisbeyondhopetofeedsolargeacrowdinthisplace.Butwithjustafewfishandloaves,Jesusfeedsthemallwithplentyleftover.Thesestoriesarefamiliar,butbecausetheyareutterlymiraculous,don’toffermuchguidancefortheday-to-daydemandsofrunningabusiness.Therefore,itishelpfultothinkofanotheraspectofJesus’life–Jesusthesmallbusinessman.
Small Group Exercise: Ingroupsoffour,readthefollowingcase studyon“JesusasaMicro-Entrepreneur”developedbyKerkBurbank.
“WhenwereadaboutJesusintheGospels,weseethestoryofhisbirth,childhood,andthenhisministry,deathandresurrection.TheGospelstellusclearlythestoryofJesusastheChrist,theSonofGod,buttelluslittleaboutJesusasamanbeforehewascalledintoministry.WeknowverylittleabouttheyearsbetweenhistriptotheTemplewithhisparentsattheageof1�(Luke�)andthestartofhisministrywhenHewasbaptizedbyJohnintheJordan.
ForthoseofuswhoworkinMED,thisomissionissadbecauseJesuslikelyspentabout18yearsofhislifefirstasaworkerorapprenticeinamicroenterpriseandthenpossiblyasanownerofthatenterprise.Asamaturingyoungmanof1�,Jesuswouldalmostcertainlyhavebeguntoworkwithhisfatherasacarpenter.WhilecontinuingtheeducationalandreligioustrainingsovaluedinJewishculture,astheeldestsonhewouldlikelyhavegoneontorunthebusinesswhenhisfatherdied(probablysometimebeforeJesuswasbaptizedbyJohnaroundtheageof30).WhiletheBibledoesnottellusmuchaboutthoseyears,
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40 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
scholarsresearchingwhatlifewaslikeinthosetimescangiveussomeinsightintoJesus’workasacarpenter.WhilesomescholarsquestionwhetherJesusactuallyrana“carpen-trybusiness”,itisundisputedthatheworkedwithhishandsatatrade.
HenriDaniel-Ropp7providesthefollowingdescription:‛Thewordforcarpenter,naggarinAramaic,liketektoninGreek,meantbothcarpenterandjoiner,andinageneralsense,“thebuilderofhouses”.Andtothismaybeaddedcabinet-maker,carver,wheelwrightandplough-andyoke-maker,aswellaswoodcutter,tobeginattheverybeginning…Theworkshopofthecarpenter,ofthenaggar– aworkshoplikeSaintJoseph’s,forexample,atNazareth–hadtobeequippedforallthekindsofworkthatwouldbeordered.Onemanwouldcometohavethestiltorthecoulterofhisploughrepaired;anotherwouldaskforapergolatobesetupalongthesideofhishouse;awomanmightcometobuyachestorpossiblyabusheltomeasureherwheat,anotherakneading-trough,andstillanotherasupportforstrawpallets;oramasonwouldcometoorderjambsandlintelsfordoors.’”
Discussthefollowingquestions,usingyourimaginationandyourknowledgeandexperienceofsmallbusinessesamongthepoor:
1. WhatdoyouthinkJesus’wageswerewhenhewasayoungapprenticeworkingwithhisfatherinthefamilybusiness?
�. WhattemptationsandproblemsmightJesushavefacedasaworkerwithhisfatherJosephashisboss?
3. WhatchallengesdoyouthinkJesusmighthavehaddealingwithcustomers?Wouldhehavehadtobargainandnegotiatepriceswiththecustomers?
4. WhatdoesJesus’experiencerunningasmallbusinesscontributetoyourperceptionofhisabilitytounderstandtheneeds,problemsandprayersofownersandemployeesinmicroenterpriseoperations?
5. IfyouwereanMFIofficerinNazareth,whatrequirementswouldyouputonJesusinor-derforhimtoqualifyforaloan?
6. Howcouldyouusetheseideaswithsmallbusinesspeople?
Createashortroleplay(threetofiveminutes)thatportraysadialoguebetweenJesusandanMFIloanofficerreviewingJesus’applicationforaloantoexpandhiscarpentrybusiness.
Severalgroupswillpresenttheirdramabeforetheentiregroup.
3. Jesus, the Cross and Business: Read silentlythefollowingsummary,andunderlinethoughtsyou’dliketodiscuss.
IthasbeenassertedinthisstudythatGodhasordainedprinciplesbywhichbusinessshouldbeconducted. Ifbusinessisdone“God’sway”thenitshouldprosper.However,
7 HenriDaniel-Ropp,Daily: Life in the Time of Jesus(AnnArbor,MI,ServantBooks)1961:pp.�41-�43.
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weliveinafallenworld,oneinconflictwiththewaysofGod.BothJesusandtheOldTestamentprophetsmakeclearthatthereisnorighteouscultureornation.Therefore,itisalsoassertedthatwhenbusinessisdone“God’sway”itmayfaceopposition.
Infact,thereisaconflictbetweenGod’skingdomandthekingdomsoftheworld.Jesuswasalmostkilledafterhisfirstsermon–whenpossiblyheannouncedtheinaugurationoftheJubilee.Hefinallywaskilledthreeyearslater.ThoughGodintendedthisforhumanredemption–fromahumanperspective,Jesuswasexecutedforupsettingthereligious,politicalandeconomicstatus quo.
BusinessesoperatinginaccordancewithGod’skingdomvaluesthereforeshouldexpectthattheywill“gototheCross”.ToengageinbusinessistobeattheheartofthestrugglebetweenthekingdomofGodandthekingdomsofthisworld.Thisaddsonemoreinsight:whybusinessisbestviewedas“full-time”Christianservice–standingonthe“frontline”manifestingsignsofGod’scomingkingdom.
ReviewthissummaryoftheeconomicprinciplesoftheJubilee.
1. Privatepropertyandindividualentrepreneurialactivitywereprotectedandencouraged.
�. Safeguardswereestablishedtoprovideforandprotectthosewhobecauseofage,genderorinfirmitycouldnotprovideforthemselves.
3. Foreignworkersandstrangersweregivenprotectionsandrights.
4. Multigenerationalinheritedwealthandpovertywaslimitedbyeveryonegettingequalac-cesstocapitalandthemeansofproductiononceintheirlifetime.
5. Peoplewhothroughlazinessorpoorjudgmentsufferedeconomicallyhadtoexperiencetheconsequencesoftheiractions.
6. Thelandandevenanimalswereprotectedfromexploitationandabuse.
7. Labourandtradelawsmandatedthatfairwagesbepaidontimeandthatfairmeasuresbeusedincommerce.
8. Processeswereestablishedtoensurefairarbitrationofdisputesandcontracts.
Group Exercise: DiscussasalargegrouphowtheseprinciplesandJesus’deathonthecrossredefinesuccess.Whatimplicationsaretherefor:
• howyouengageinmicrofinance,
• howyouhelpaclientdevelopabusinessplananddeterminewhetheraclientqualifiesforaloan,and
• criteriayourboard(andfunders)shouldbeencouragedtousetorevieweffectivenessofyourMFI?
ContinuetolistbiblicalprinciplesandimplicationsforMED–basedonthelifeofJesus.
Session7–Redemption:Part3–JesusChrist 41
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4� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
Concludeinprayer,thatyouandyourclientscouldfollowthewayofJesus–andtheCross–inMED.
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Session8–NewCreation:TheSpiritandtheChurch 43
Session 8
New Creation: The Spirit and the Church
Objectives for this session Materials needed
Picturewayschurchestodayfaithfullyexpressbiblicaleconomicmandates.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
OutlinewaysMEDprogramscancontributetocharacterandmoraldevelopment.
Paperandcolouredpens/pencils/crayonsfordrawing
CelebratewaysourowneconomicvalueshavebeenshapedbytheSpiritofGod.
Chartfromprevioussessionson“biblicalprinciples”andMED
Session Plan 10 minutes: HaveonepersonreadtheIntroduction,andinviteparticipantstocreateadrawingoftheirexperienceoftheChurch’seconomicpractices.Invitethosewhowishtoexplaintheirdrawingstothegroup.
7 minutes:Divideintogroupsoffour,witheachgroupreadinganddiscussingoneoftheBiblepassageslisted.
10 minutes:Asanentiregroup,haveonepersonreadaloudthesummaryofpossibleimplicationsanddiscusstheroleofMED/MFIstaffmembersinhelpingclientsunderstandandpractice“Jubilee”economics.
5 minutes:Addtoyourgroup’ssummarychartofbusinessassacredstewardship
5 minutes:Giveparticipantstimeforpersonalreflectiononthetransformationoftheirownvaluesandbehavioursinbusiness.
3 minutes:PraytogetherasagroupfortheSpirittocontinuetotransformyouandyourMEDprogram.
1. Introduction: New Life in Christ. Asonepersonreads aloudthissummaryoftheimpactofChrist’sresurrectionandthegiftoftheSpiritontheeconomiclifeoftheearlychurch,underlineideasthathavespecialrelevanceforMEDtoday.
Thebiblicalstorydoesn’tendwithJesus’deathontheCross.TheCrossledtotheresurrection.Jesusdiedtodefeatthepowerofsin,deathandtheadversarythatkeptpeoplefromlivingGod’swayandkeptcreationgroaninginlabour.HerosefromthedeadtousherinthepowerofGod’snewkingdom.TheCrossbrokethegripoftheeconomicsofscarcityanddeath–throughtheresurrection,theeconomicsofsufficiencyandlifebreakintohumanexistence.TheresurrectionledtonewlifebytheSpiritofGodforall
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44 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
whofollowedJesusastheirLordandSaviour.It’sonlynatural,therefore,thatoneofthewaystheearlychurchwouldunderstandtheirnewlifeintheSpiritpertainedtohowtheydealtwitheconomics.
Fortheearlychurch,materialresourceswerestewardedforthegoodofthewhole(Phil.�:3-4)andnotjustforpersonalgain,suchthattherewasnoneedypersonamongthefirstbelievers(Acts4:3�-34).NeglectoroppressionofthepoorwasviewedasindicativeoflackofbeliefinGod(1John3:16-18).ThisisexpressedbytheOxford Declaration on Christian Faith and Economics, articles37-38,whichproclaim,“ItistheresponsibilityofeverysocietytoprovidepeoplewiththemeanstoliveatalevelconsistentwiththeirstandingaspersonscreatedintheimageofGod…Inacontextofsocialconflictandsocialwrong…thejusticecalledforthistorestoregroupssuchasthepoor,widows,orphans,aliens,slavestotheprovisionGodintendsforthem…Justicemayalsorequiresocio-politicalactionsthatenablethepoortohelpthemselvesandbethesubjectsoftheirowndevelopmentandthedevelopmentoftheircommunities.”
Individual Reflection: Thinkforafewmomentsonyourchurchexperience.InwhatwaysdoestheChristiancommunityofwhichyouareapartalreadydemonstratefaithfulpracticeofeconomicjusticeandtransformedeconomicrelationships?Draw apicture–usingimages,symbols,scenes,andsoon–toillustrate.
Invitethosewhowishtoexplaintheirdrawingstothegroup.
Small Group Exercise: Ingroupsoffour, haveeachgrouptakeoneofthefollowingpassagesofScripture:
• Acts 4:32-37 “there was no needy person among them”
• Acts 5:1-11“wasn’t the money at your disposal?”
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-15“our desire was that there might be equality”
Discussthefollowingquestions:
• WhataspectsofJubileeeconomicswastheearlychurchapparentlypracticing?
• What,ifany,aretheimplicationsoftheirpracticesforoureconomiclifetoday?
Group Discussion:Readandevaluatethefollowingstatementofimplicationsregardingtheeconomicpracticesoftheearlychurch.
TheearlychurchwasempoweredbytheSpirittopracticeaspectsof“Jubilee”economics.ThoughtheliteralcommandsoftheJubileewerenotpracticed,itseemsapparentthatmanyofitsintentswere.Wecandrawthreeimplicationsfromthis:
1. EarlyChristianssoughttoliveaccordingtotheneweconomicpatternofthekingdom.
�. TheeconomicvaluesandbehaviourscalledforinGod’skingdomneedtobelearned.
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Session8–NewCreation:TheSpiritandtheChurch 45
3. InvolvementinmicrofinanceandtransformationaldevelopmentisanexpressionoftheeconomicsofGod’skingdom:
• lendingtothepoor,
• enablingthosewithresourcestoprovideforthosewithout,
• helpingthepoortogainaccesstothemeansofproduction,
• minimisingthe“slavery”ofmulti-generationalpoverty.
Discussthefollowingquestions:
1. Sincebiblicaleconomicpracticesrequireteaching,modelinganddiscipleship,whatistheroleofmicrofinanceprogramsinenablingindividuals(bothdonorsandclients)notjusttogiveaccesstoandgeneratewealth,buttounderstandandpractice“Jubilee”economics?
�. Whatistheroleofeachindividualmicrofinancestaffmember’scharacter,relationshipwithGod,andattitudetowardandrelationshipwiththepoorinhelpingclientspractice“Jubilee”economics?
Asanentiregroup,continuetolistbiblicalprinciplesandimplicationsforMED–basedontheworkoftheSpiritofGod.
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
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46 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Personal Reflection Questions:ReflectsilentlyontheimpactofGod’stransformingSpiritonyourownvaluesregardingbusinessandmoney.Youmightwanttowritedownafewthoughts.
“IfanyoneisinChrist,thenewcreationhascome:Theoldhasgone,thenewishere!AllthisisfromGod,whoreconciledustohimselfthroughChrist”2 Corinthians 5:17-18.
• Whathascontributedtotransformationofyourownvaluestowardmoneyandwork,conformingthemmoreandmoretothevaluesofGod’skingdom?
• Inwhatwaysdoyoudesireforyoureconomicvaluesandbehaviourstobestillfurthertransformed?
• InwhatwayscouldyourworkinMEDbeadjustedtoenablemoreholisticengagementwiththepeopleyouserve?
ConcludebyprayingtogetherfortheHolySpirittocontinuebothyourowntransformationinChrist,aswellasthetransformationofyourMEDprogramandthepeopleyouserve.
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Session9–Hope:NewHeavenandNewEarth 47
Session 9
Hope: New Heaven and New Earth
Objectives for this session Materials needed
ExaminewaysinwhichMEDcanpointtothefulfillmentofGod’spromisesinanewheavenandearth.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
Summarisekeystoengenderinghopeinpeople.
Chartfromprevioussessionson“biblicalprinciples”andMED
ReflectpersonallyonhowGodisglorifiedthroughworkinMED.
Session Plan7 minutes: InviteparticipantstoreadsilentlytheintroductorystatementonMEDandhope,andthenreadaloudthethreeBiblepassageswithparticipantsunderliningphrasesthatspeaktohopeandlivelihood.
10 minutes:Ingroupsoffour,discussthisstatementandthesepassages,usingthequestionsprovided.
7 minutes:Asalargegroup,inviteparticipantstosharewaysthey’veseenMEDengenderhope.InvitesomeonetoreadVinaySamuel’sstatementonhopeandthendiscussasagroupthediagramonthecomingofthekingdomofGod.
7 minutes:Inviteparticipantstoreadsilentlyreflectionsonwayswebringevidenceofthefutureintothepresent,andponderthequestion–howisGodglorifiedthroughtheirworkinMED?
7 minutes:Ingroupsoffour,discusshowyouwouldexplainthenatureofyourhopetoaclient,andhowthisrelatestoMED.
5 minutes:Asalargegroup,addtoyourchartthoughtsabouthowhopeimpactsbusinessassacredstewardship.
3 minutes: Concludebyprayingforclients,thatGodwouldinspiretheirvisionandhope.
1. Introduction – Good News about the Future: Read silentlyasindividualsthefollowingintroduction.Then,asanentiregroup,taketurnshavingpeopleread aloudtheselectedScripturepassages.
ThenewlifewhichfollowersofChristreceivebytheSpiritempowersthemtoliveinhope,anticipatingthedaywhenJesustheMessiahwillfullyrestorecreationtoGod’soriginalintentioninanewheavenandearth–onceandforalleradicatingtheravagesof
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48 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
sin,sufferingandevilintheFall.Thebiblicalpromiseofafuture,finaljudgmentisgoodnewsforthepoor.Oneday,allsorrowswillcease,andallinjusticeswillend.Onedaywealthwillbeadequatelydistributedsothatnoonewillhungerorthirst,ornotbeabletoenjoythefruitoftheirownlabour.
Thisisgoodnewsforthepoor(and,inaway,fortherich).Ourpresentglobalapproachto“trickledown”economicshasbroughtsomebenefittotheverypoor,butthe“driprate”isverysmallandslow.Theperiodof1989-1997sawthelargestgrowthinglobalwealthintheworld’shistory–a40%increase!Yet,therealincomeofover1billionoftheworld’spoorestpeopleislessin�000thanin1990.Manytransnationalcorporationscanworkoutsidetheboundariesofaparticularnation’swagelaws,taxstructures,occupationalsafetyandhealthrequirementsandenvironmentalprotectionstandards.Thoughtheymaygener-atesomeemploymentandincomeforthepoor,andnurtureemergingmiddleclasses,the“trickledownrate”ofthesebenefitsbarelyreachesthepoorestofthepoor.
Microenterprisedevelopment,whenintegratedintoacomprehensivecommunitydevelop-mentprogram,canreachthemostvulnerableofthepoor.MEDprovidesfamiliesandcommunitiesnotonlywithsustainablelivelihoods,butwithindicatorsofGod’scomingfuture.MEDdependsonpeoplehavingavisionthatisfilledwithenoughhopeforabetterfuturetojustifytheirpresentrisksandhardwork.Ourvisionofthefuturewilldetermineouractionsinthepresent.ThefirsttaskofanMFI,therefore,istofindpeoplewithsomehopeforthefuture,andempowerthemtoinspireothers.Thisiswhymostmicrofinanceprogramsdon’tinitiallyfocusonthepoorestofthepoor–fortheyoftenarewithouthope.Assistingtheeconomicallyactivepoorcanstimulatetheeconomy,generatehopeandprovideopportunitiesforthepoorest.ThisalsoiswhyMEDmustbeintegratedintoanoveralltransformationaldevelopmentstrategy–sothatthosewithouthopecanbeinspiredandthusbereadytoengageinMED.Thedurabilityofourhopewilldependonourcertaintyregardingthefuture.Biblically,weareassuredofanunshakablehope.
Whileindividualsread aloudthefollowingpassages,underlinesectionsthatrelatespecificallytoourhopeandeconomiclivelihood.
“ForIamabouttocreateanewheavenandanewearth…begladandrejoiceinwhatIamcreating…Nomoreshallthesoundofweepingbeheardinthecityorthecryofdistress.Nomoreshalltherebeinitaninfantwholivesbutafewdays,oranoldpersonwhodoesnotliveoutalifetime…Theyshallbuildhousesandinhabitthem;theyshallplantvineyardsandeattheirfruit…Mychosenshallenjoytheworkoftheirhands.Theyshallnotlabourinvain,orbearchildrenforcalamity…Thewolfandthelambshallfeedtogether,thelionshalleatstrawliketheox…Theyshallnothurtordestroyonmyholymountain.” Isaiah 65:17-25
“Wehavereceivedakingdomwhichcannotbeshaken.”Hebrews 12:28
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Session9–Hope:NewHeavenandNewEarth 49
Wehavereceived“ahopewhichisareliableanchorforourlives,”aneternalfuture,whereJesusthehighpriestadvocatesandintercedes.” Hebrews. 6:19-20
“ThenIsawanewheavenandanewearthforthefirstheavenandthefirstearthhadpassedaway,andtherewasnolongeranysea.IsawtheHolyCity,thenewJerusalem,comingdownoutofheavenfromGod,preparedasabridebeautifullydressedforherhusband.AndIheardaloudvoicefromthethronesaying,‘Look!God’sdwellingplaceisnowamongpeople,andhewilldwellwiththem.Theywillbehispeopleandhewilldwellwiththem.Theywillbehispeople,andGodhimselfwillbewiththemandbetheirGod.Hewillwipeeverytearfromtheireyes.Therewillbenomoredeathormourningorcryingorpain,fortheoldorderofthingshaspassedaway.’…‘Iammakingeverythingnew!’…Thenationswillwalkbyitslight,andthekingsoftheearthwillbringtheirgloryintoit…Peoplewillbringintoitthegloryandthehonourofthenations.”Revelation 21:1-5, 24-26
Small Group Discussion.Ingroupsoffour:
ListthewaystheseversesportraythefulfillmentofGod’sintentforhumankind.
Discusshowtheseversesportraytheinter-relationbetweenspiritualandsocio-eco-nomictransformation.
DescribehowourworkinMEDasanexpressionofOldTestamentJubileeeconomicscanactuallybeprophetic–expressingGod’soriginalintentforcreation,overcomingsomeconsequencesoftheFall,andpointingtoGod’sfuturefulfillmentinthenewheavenandearth?
Group Discussion: Ourworkinthepresentgivesevidenceofwhatwebelieveregardingthefuture.MEDparticipatesinGod’swillbydiminishingsuffering,povertyandinjustice.Whenwedothis,weencouragehope–andwepointpeopletoGodandtoGod’snewheavenandearth.
Share examplesofwaysyouhaveseenMEDengenderhopeinpeople.WhatfactorsmustbepresentforpeopletogivethankstoGodforthis–andnotjusttotheMFIortheirownhardwork?
Read aloud thefollowingthoughtsbyVinaySamuelontherelationshipbetweenourhopeforthefutureandcommitmenttothepresent.
“Withoutakingdom-centeredhope,ourlifeintheworldwilleitherbeexhaustingorirrelevant.We’lleitherwearourselvesoutthinkingwearetheoneswhomustsolvetheworld’sproblemsandbringtheKingdomtoearth.Or,we’llmakeourselvesirrelevantbythinkinghopemeanswesimplywaitforheaven.Inthefirstapproach,wetendtouniver-salizeourownsocialvaluesandtrytoimposethemontheworld.Inthesecond,wetendsimplytoconformtothevaluesofthesocietyaroundus.
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50 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Weneedavisionfortheearthlycity,drivenbyhope.Ourhopeisnottobuildacity,buttobuildapeopletoliveouttheexperienceoftheheavenlycityintheearthlycity.Hopeistheexperienceoftheheavenlycityinthepresentlivesofpeoplewhothoughresidentintheearthlycity,reflecttherealityoftheheavenlyone…Ourcallingistolivethevaluesofthefutureheavenlycityinthemidstofthecitiesofthisearth.WeholdontothehopethatGoddoesinterveneincontemporaryhistory,leadingtowardsthereturnofChristandtheNewHeavenandEarth.WealsoexpectthatGodwillconfirmhisreignnow,sometimesthroughsignsandwonders,andassureusthatheismovinghistorytoitsfulfillmentandconsummation.”
VinaySamuel,“BiblicalReflectionsonMissionforthe3rdMillennium”inTransformation 2001 (Vol.18, No. 3, page 139)
Discuss thefollowingdiagram.Whatdoesitexpressaboutthesignificanceofourworkinthepresent,inlightofthebiblicalpromiseofthenewheavenandearth?8
Drawonitanyadditionsyouwouldmaketoconveymoreadequatelythenatureofourhope,especiallyasitrelatestobusinessandMED.
2. Bringing the Future into the Present–Personal Reflection: Review silently thefollowingthoughtsanddiagramsdescribinghowGodusesustobringevidencesofthefutureintothepresent.
8 SeealsoRev.5:6-14;7:15-17;Matt.�5:31-46;Matt.4:17;8:11;�Pet.3:13
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Session9–Hope:NewHeavenandNewEarth 51
Whenwealleviatesuffering,diminishpoverty,andgivepeoplereasonsforrejoicinginthepresent–weareprovidingtheworldwithaglimpseofthecomingfuture.Ratherthanfightingagainsttheoppressivetidalwaveofpovertyandcorruption,wearestandingonthesideoffutureinevitabilities–expressingGod’sovercomingofsin,sorrowandsuffer-ing.Infact,becauseofourhopeforthefuture,weareempoweredbytheSpiritofGodtoprovideevidencesofthatfutureinthemidstoftheproblemsofthepresent.
GodworksthroughMEDtoprovideevidencesofthekingdomandthecomingnewheavenandearthinfourways.WewitnesstothecomingkingdomofGodthrough:
1. ourlives expressingGod’sgrace,truthandlove(GreatCommandmentMatt.��:37-39)
�. ourdeedsofservice,justiceandmercy(GreatRequirementMicah6:8)
3. ourwordsofdialogue,testimonyandinvitation(GreatCommissionMatt.�8:18-�0)
4. andsignsofGod’smiraculousinterventionthroughtheSpirit(God’sinterventionJohn16,1Cor.4:�0-�1.
ThusMEDexpressesourChristiancommitmentsandourfuturehopebytheverydeedswedo–bytheloansweoffer;bythewaysourstaffrelatetoclientsandthecommunity–theircharacter,competenceandkindness;andbythewordsweusetogiveglorytoGodinallthings.
Reflect personallyonthequestion:HowisGodglorifiedthroughyourworkinMED?
Small Group Discussion:Ingroupsoffour,discusshowwouldyouexplaintoaloanrecipient:
• whyyoupersonallyhavehopeforthefuture?
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5� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
• whythisleadsyoutobeinvolvedinMED?
• whytheclientcanhavehope?
ContinuetolistbiblicalprinciplesandimplicationsforMED–basedonourfuturehope.
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
Praytogetherforthepeopleyouserve,thatGodwouldinspireinthemhope–andanentre-preneurialvision.
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Session10–PuttingItAllTogether 53
Session 10
Putting It All Together
Objectives for this session Materials needed
ReviewthemajorthemesofthisstudyofbiblicalfoundationsforMED.
CopyofworkbookandBibleforeachparticipant
RevisepersonalshortstatementsonhowMEDcontributestothepurposesofGod.
Chartfromprevioussessionson“biblicalprinciples”andMED
Clarifypersonalimplicationsresultingfromthisstudy.
Largesheetofpapersandmarkingpens(onesetforeveryfivepeople)
Celebratewhathasbeenlearned.
Session Plan8 minutes: Readaloudtheintroductorysummary,anddivideintogroupsofeighttocreate“alphabet”lists.
7 minutes: Reviewyoursummarysheetson“BusinessasSacredStewardship”.Discusswhatyouobservefromthis,andwhatyoumightwanttoadd.
20 minutes: Inviteparticipantstoengageinpersonalreflectionusingthetwochartsprovided.
10 minutes:Concludingcelebration.
1. Introduction – Summary of What We’ve Studied: Read aloud thefollowingsummaryofthisstudy.
Throughoutthisoverviewofthebiblicalstory,wehaveencounteredaGodwhocaresdeeplyaboutthewell-beingofhiscreation.Godisnotconcernedsimplywiththewell-beingofourheartsandsouls,butwiththewell-beingofourwholelives,includingoureconomiclife.God:
• providesanabundantcreationasagiftofjoy,sustenanceandmeaningfulwork,
• liberatesslavesfromoppression,
• givescommandmentsfororderingajustsociety,
• comesintheIncarnateSontoembodyandmakepossibleabundantlifethroughthegiftofhislife,and
• sendstheHolySpirittoempowerthechurchtobeacommunitythatmodelstheeco-nomicwell-beingofthekingdomofGod.
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54 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
GodisthedivineeconomistwhoinstitutedinIsrael,andnowthroughJesusandtheChurch,aneconomicorderthathonoursindividualcreativity,initiativeandproperty,whileensuringprovisionforthepoor.ThisGodistheonetowhomallthenationsoftheearthbelong;whoisowneroftheearthandallitsfruit;whosekingdomwillcome;andwhosewillshallbedone.
Divideintoteamsofeight,givingeachteamalargesheetofpaperandmarkingpens.Haveeachteam createatwo-columnchartbywritinglettersA-M(A,B,C…)downtheleftsideofthesheetandthelettersN-Zdownthemiddleofthesheet.Whenthefacilitatorcalls,“Start”,eachteamwillhavefiveminutestowritenexttoeachletterawordfromthisstudythatcorrespondstoit,relatinginsomewaytoMED.Forexample,fortheletterCyoucouldwrite“credit,creativity,creation”.BeespeciallycreativeforX,YandZ!Postyourchartsonthewallforafunreview.
Group Discussion: Review the“BusinessasSacredStewardship”summarysheetscompiledfromeachsession,focusingonthecolumn,“ImplicationsforMED”.Asanentiregroup,discuss theseideasandmakeanyadditions.Youmightwanttotake notes, addingothers’ideastoyourownlist.
2. Personal Reflection: Onyourown,reflectonwhatmadethemostsignificantimpressiononyoufromthisstudy.
Business as Sacred Stewardship
Biblical principles Meaning for life Implications for MED
People
Time
Resources
Money
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Session10–PuttingItAllTogether 55
Usingkeywordsorshortsentences,create asummarysheetontheformbelowsothatyoucanretaintheseideas.Ifyouwantsuggestions,seetheoverviewchartattheendofthissession(pp.57-58).List practicalwaysyoucanapplythislearningtoyourworkinMEDandmicrofinance.
Biblicalprinciples ImplicationsforMED Personalapplications
CreationandtheFall
••
Redemption:Exodus,LawandtheProphets
••
RedemptioninChrist
••
LifeintheSpiritasthenewCreation
••
Hopeforanewheavenandearth
••
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56 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Write aoneparagraphsummaryandpersonalmissionstatementregardingyourinvolvementinMED.
WaysIwantmyChristiancommitmentstodirectmyapproachtomicrofinance.(Refertowhatyouwroteearlieronpp.1�and45).
Summary and Celebration
Form acircleasagroup.Inviteparticipantstodescribe,inashortsentence,somethingvaluablelearnedfromthisstudy.
Pray together,askingforthecourageandgenerositytoliveoutGod’spassionforthepoorandforeconomicwell-beinginourworld.
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Session10–PuttingItAllTogether 57
Linking Biblical Convictions and Theological Implications with Current Programs in MED
Dimensions Practices Principles Biblical texts
Restoration of creation
Organicfarming,creationoforganicstandards
Increasedcultivationoflandandcropyield
Enhancednutrition
Treefarms,nurseries,reforestation
Recyclingbusinesses
Fairtradeexports
Accesstomarketsfororganicproduce
Producefoodinwaysthatneitherharmscreationnorpeople
Encouragebalancebetweenindividualinitiativeandcommunityneeds,regulationandempowerment
Loaneligibilitystandards:Don’tsupportbusinessesthatharmtheenvironmentordamagethewell-beingofpeopleandcommunities
Deut.15Sabbathregulations
Psalm�4:1“TheearthistheLord’sandthefullnessthereof.”
Transformation of people and relationships in Christ
Peoplevaluecreationandenvironment
Peopleacthonourably–demonstratingintegrityandreliability;fulfillingcommitmentsevenwhennottotheirimmediateeconomicadvantage
Peoplecareforoneanother
Emergenceofhopeanddignitywithpeopleassumingleadership
PeoplegivethankstoGod;churchesemergeand/orarestrengthened
PeoplevaluewhatGodvalues
PeoplerealisetheirGod-givenpotential
PeopledependonGodfortheireconomiclifeandnotonlyontheirownactivity
Well-beingdependsonrelianceonGod
Deut.8:17-18Rememberthatwealthdoesn’tcomeonlyfromtheworkofyourhandsbutthattheLordgaveyoutheabilitytoproduce
Deut.�4:14Donottakeadvantageofpoorandneedy;payfairwages
Ezek.18individuals,andnotjusttheirfathers,areresponsible
Matt.5:37Honouryourcommitments
�Cor.8:1-3Outofpovertygivegenerously
Col.3:�3DowhateveryoudofortheLord
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58 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Dimensions Practices Principles Biblical texts
Reconciliation and empowerment of communities
Communitybankscontributetocommunitycooperationandempowerment
Communitiestakeresponsibilityforpoor(orphans,elderly)
Changeinsocialvaluesaddressingchronicsocialproblemsthroughdialogue,advocacy(domesticviolence,alcohol)
Accesstomarketsandtradelinkagescontributetoreconciliationofdiversegroupsandcommunities
Througheconomicdevelopmentthereissustainablehealthcare,cleanwater,accesstoeducation
Seekandusemethodologiesthatstrengthenandsustainqualityofcommunitylife
Peopleareresponsiblefortheirowndevelopment
Peoplehavetherighttoentrepreneurialchangeandaccesstomarkets
Communitieshaveeconomicresourcesthatcouldbestewardedforenhancedwell-being
�Cor.8:1-3Churchgavemorethanitwasable
1Thess.4:11Workwithyourhands
Well-being and empowerment of children
Thewell-beingofchildren(nutrition,health,education)isenhancedthrougheconomicactivity,especiallyofwomen
Childrenhaveenhanceddignityandconfidencethrougheconomicopportunity
Businessactivitythatinterfereswithchildren’sschoolingisdiscouraged
TheexploitationofchildreniscontrarytothewillofGod
Preferentiallytargetthosepeopleandenterpriseswhichbenefitwomen
Deut.�4:19-�0Lawsofgleaningtoenablepoortoworkfortheirlivelihood
Ps.7�:4Godwilldefendtheafflicted,savethechildrenoftheneedyandcrushtheoppressor
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Session10–PuttingItAllTogether 59
Dimensions Practices Principles Biblical texts
Transformation of systems and structures
Commerciallendersandbusinessesseethepooraslegitimateinvestment“risks”andmarkets
Governmentandbusinessleadersareheldaccountabletoactresponsibly
Thepoorhaveaccesstomarkets
Addressneedforlandreform,inheritancerights
Educationandemploymenttrainingprogramsservethepoorestcommunities
Targetedentrepreneurialopportunitiesforthepoor
Democraticprinciplesareencouragedthatenableequalaccessandopportunity
Systemsandstructuresserveandbenefitthepoor,ratherthanexploitorignorethem
Preferentiallytargetsystemicandstructuralinjusticesandimpedimentstotheeconomicdevelopmentofthepoor(landownership,access,lenders,businesses,debtpractices)
Lev.19:15Donotpervertjusticebyshowingpartialitytothepoororfavouritismtotherich
Lev.19:35;Deut.�5:13-16Usehonestmeasurements
Lev.�5:8-55LawofJubilee:landreform,multi-generationaldebtandpoverty
Deut.15:1-6Canceldebtsofpoor
Deut.15:7-8Freelylendwhatpeopleneed
Deut.�4:1�-15Endbondedlabour
Deut.�5:1Settledisputesincourtwithjudgesenforcingjustice
Rom.13Governmentsexisttopunishwrongdoersandrewardgood
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60 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Additional Resources
Pieces of the Exodus Story
[Copythispage.Cutthesheetintostripsalongthedottedlinesandmixthepiecesup.]
ThepeopleofIsraelareslavesinEgypt.
ThepeopleofIsraelsufferpovertyandhumiliation.TheyareforcedintohardlabourbytheEgyptians.
ThepeoplecryouttoGodinanguish.Godhearsthem.
ThroughhisservantleaderMoses,GodconfrontsthePharaohwithdemandsofliberationforhispeople.
GoddemonstratesthathispowerisfargreaterthanthePharaoh,theEgyptianmagiciansandallthefalsegodstheyworship.
GodleadsthepeopleoutofEgyptandacrosstheRedSea.
ThepeopleofIsraelwanderinthewilderness.
ThepeoplecomplainthattheywishtheyhaddiedwiththeirstomachsfullinEgyptinsteadofhungryinthedesert.
Godhearsthecomplaintsofthepeople.Godpromisestoprovidemeatattwilightandtorainmanna(bread)fromheaveneachmorning.Anditisso!
Godcommandspeopletogatheronlyasmuchmannaastheyneedforthatday.(Onthesixthday,theyaretogathertwiceasmuch,sotheydonothavetogatherorcookontheSabbath.)
Somepeoplegathermorefoodthantheyneed–butthefoodspoils.
Ontheseventhday,somepeoplegoouttogatherfood,butthereisnone.Sothepeoplerestontheseventhday.
TheIsraeliteseatmannafor40years,untiltheycometoalandtheycanlivein.
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AdditionalResources–AChristianPerspectiveonMicroenterpriseLoansandPaymentofLoanInterest 61
Additional Resources
A Christian Perspective on Microenterprise Loans and the Payment of Loan Interest
Kershaw Burbank, Jr., Ph.D.Eastern College, Graduate Economic Development Program
[Note:Thisisanextractfromalongeressayreprintedbypermissionoftheauthor.]
W hatisstartlingaboutchurchesbeinginvolvedinloanfundsisthatfromtheLawintheOldTestament(OT)untilthe16thcenturyADandthewritingsofJohnCalvinand
otherReformers,itwasaxiomaticamongmostJudaeo-ChristiansthattheobedientpeopleofGoddidnotchargeanyinterestonloans.
The Definition of Interest. “Interest”isthemoneypaidtotheownerofthatmoneyfortheuseoftheirmoneyforaspecificperiodoftime.Assuch,interestisthe“rent”paidforusingsomeoneelse’smoney.
Old Testament Economies
Inagriculturalsocieties,land,buildings,livestockandlaborwereseenasthemajorproductivecapitalinvestmentsthatapersoncouldmake.“Rent”mightbepaidforanyofthese.Mostpeoplehadverylittlemoney;exchangeorbarterofgoodsweretheprincipalformofac-complishingeconomictransactions.TheOldTestamentissilentabout“markets”andmarketbehaviorinthemacrosenseasweknowtheminmoderneconomics.…DonaldHayinEconom-ics Todaycommentsonthissilenceandprovidesanexcellentrationale:
Theabsenceofanyfinancialmarkets(nomoney-lendersevidently)impliedthatafamily’sprosperitydependedentirelyonthesuccessorotherwiseofitsfarmingenterprise.Eachfamilyhadtodecidehowmuchefforttoputintothatenterprise.Thereturnsarereturnstothewholeenterpriseandaccruetothefamily;thereisnodivisionbetweenwagesandprofits.Intermsofmoderneconomicanalysis,thesystemapproximatedtothekindofsubsistencefarmingwhichcharacterizesmuchoftheruraleconomyinthethirdworld(1989:36-37).
TheOldTestamenteconomieswereprimarilyagrarianandpredominantlyruralwithtribalandclangroupslivingtogetherinextendedfamilyunits.“Inflation”asweknowittodayduringpeacetimewasnon-existent,exceptintimesofwar,droughtorfaminewhereincropandlive-
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6� DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
stocksupplieswouldbereducedand“prices”wouldriseveryrapidlycommandinglargesumsofgold,silver,orothervaluablecommodities.
TheHebrewwordfor“interest”wasneshekandtherootforthewordisnashaktranslated“tostrikewithasting(asaserpent).Tooppresswithinterestonaloan–bite,lenduponusury”(ibid).SuchapracticeiscommontodayinMuslimcountrieswhere“interest”isforbiddenbytheQu’ranbutnotthepaymentof“commission”(whichnotoddlymayhaveacorrelationtointernationalinterestrates).Similar“commissions”arechargedtodayinadvancebysomemicroenterpriseloanfundsandbybanksinmortgageagreementsas“points.”
a)Broad prohibitions against interest of any type to another Israelite.Thebroadest,clearestprohibi-tionagainstrequiringinterestfromanIsraeliteisfoundinDeuteronomy�3:19-�0:“Donotchargeyourbrotherinterest,whetheronmoneyorfoodoranythingelsethatmayearninter-est.Youmaychargeaforeignerinterest,butnotabrotherIsraelite,...”LoanswerenotunlawfulbutwereexpectedandevendemandedtothepoorasdiscussedinLeviticus�5especiallyverses36and37whichsetsuprulesforloansandenjoinslendingtothepoor.“Ifoneofyourcountrymenbecomespoorandisunabletosupporthimselfamongyou,helphimasyouwouldanalienoratemporaryresident,sohecancontinuetoliveamongyou.Donottakeinterestofanykindfromhim,butfearyourGod,whobroughtyououtofEgypttogiveyouthelandofCanaanandtobeyourGod.”(Lev.�5:36-37)
b) Prohibitions specifically aimed against oppressing or hurting the poor.ThefirstexampleofthistypeisfoundinExodus��:��-�7:“Donottakeadvantageofawidoworanorphan.Ifyoudoandtheycryouttome,Iwillcertainlyheartheircry.Myangerwillbearoused,andIwillkillyouwiththesword;yourwiveswillbecomewidowsandyourchildrenfatherless.Ifyoulendmoneytooneofmypeopleamongyouwhoisneedy,donotbelikeamoneylender;chargehimnointerest.Ifyoutakeyourneighbor’scloakasapledge,returnittohimbysunset,becausehiscloakistheonlycoveringhehasforhisbody.Whatwillhesleepin?Whenhecriesouttome,Iwillhear,forIamcompassionate.”
c) Exhortations and prophecies against certain groups who were oppressing the people through taking interest.ThesepassagesandothersmakeitclearthattheIsraelitesdidnotobeyGod’scommandsforbiddingcharginginterestandthattheyweretakentotaskbytheprophetsfortheiroppressionofthepoorespeciallyduringfamineandhardtimes.Nehemiah5givesusagoodexampleofwhatcouldhappeninatimeofconflictwhentheIsraeliteswereexperiencingfamine:
NowthemenandtheirwivesraisedagreatoutcryagainsttheirJewishbrothers.Someweresaying,“Weandoursonsanddaughtersarenumerous;inorderforustoeatandstayalive,wemustgetgrain.”Othersweresaying,“Wearemortgagingourfields,ourvineyardsandourhomestogetgrainduringthefamine.”Stillothersweresaying,“Wehavehadtoborrowmoneytopaytheking’staxonourfieldsandvineyards.Althoughwe
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AdditionalResources–AChristianPerspectiveonMicroenterpriseLoansandPaymentofLoanInterest 63
areofthesamefleshandbloodasourcountrymenandthoughoursonsareasgoodastheirs,yetwehavetosubjectoursonsanddaughterstoslavery.Someofourdaughtershavealreadybeenenslaved,butwearepowerless,becauseourfieldsandvineyardsbelongtoothers.”WhenIheardtheiroutcryandthesecharges,Iwasveryangry....Itoldthem,“Youareexactingusuryfromyourowncountrymen!...”
SoIcontinued,“Whatyouaredoingisnotright.Shouldn’tyouwalkinthefearofourGodtoavoidthereproachofourGentileenemies?Iandmybrothersandmymenarealsolendingthepeoplemoneyandgrain.Butlettheexactingofusurystop!Givebacktothemimmediatelytheirfields,vineyards,olivegroves,andhouses,andalsotheusuryyouarechargingthem–thehundredthpartofthemoney,grain,newwineandoil.”(5:1-1�)
Therearethreeimportantobservationshereforourdiscussion.First,theborrowerswerefeelingdesperate,oppressedandpowerless(1-5)asonemightexpectduringafamine.Secondly,theloansgivenresultedinthe“slavery”ofthepoor’schildrenalthoughitisnotclearwhetherthatslaverywasliteralorfigurative.Thirdly,theinterestratebeingchargedwas1%(seeverse1�)butthe“period”orlengthoftheloanwasnotstated…Irrespectiveoftheloanrateandperiod,thecircumstancesshowaclearemergencyconditionwhenopportunisticprofit-takingshouldbethelastpriorityofanycommunity.
d) The ideal is consistently shown as someone who does not take interest. InPsalms15:1-5,Davidwritesof“Hewhosewalkisblameless...”anddescribessuchapersoninpartas“...wholendshismoneywithoutusury....”Isaiah�4:�,Jeremiah15:10;andEzekiel18:8-17alsodescribetheidealasonewhodoesnottakeinterestforloans.
Insummarythen,theOldTestamentspeakstousofwhatGod’screationwasmeanttobeandHiswillforeveryonetohaveenough.ProsperityandnotpovertywereGod’swillforIsrael.Personalrelationshipsweremoreimportantthanprofit.WithinthecommunitylifeofIsraelatthistime,mostcommercialrelationshipswerepersonal.
New Testament Contexts
BythetimeofJesus,Israelhaddevelopedagrowingcommercialeconomyinvolvinginternationaltradewiththegentiles(alongsidethemorecommonagrarianmodel)andwasliterallythecrossroadsfortradebetweenAfrica,SouthernAsia,andEurope.Galileewasastrideoneoftheprimarycaravantraderoutes.Daniel-RoppsdescribestheeconomiclifeofIsraelinDaily Life in the Times of Jesus:
Alltheseimportantdealings[internationaltradebetweenIsraelandothernations]calledforcapital:thatistosay,itwasessentialthatthereshouldbemenwhocoulddisposeofandmanagelargesumsofmoney…Butexchangewasnottheintelligentbanker’sonlyactivity.Therewerethosewhospecializedinmakingmoneyoutofmoney,Christhimselfspeaksoftheseoperations.Whenthemasterblamesthetimidservantwhohadburied
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64 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
thetalententrustedtohim,hereproacheshiminthesewords‘...allthemorewasitthyparttolodgemymoneywiththebankers,sothatImighthaverecovereditwithinterestwhenIcame.’(Matt.�5:�7)(1961:�51-�5�)
“Interest”asaneconomicconceptisdiscussedonlytwiceintheNewTestamentinthefamiliarparablesofthe“talents”inMatthew�5:14-30andintheparableofthe“minas”inLuke19:11-�7.Inbothparables,Jesusgivesexamplesofrichpeopleentrustinglargesumsofmoneytotheirslavesorstewardswhoareexpectedtomakeproductiveuseofthatmoney.Inbothparables,twoofthestewardsareproductivedoublingthecapitalentrustedtothemwhilethethirdstewardpreservesthemoneybutreturnsnogainforit.Inbothparables,theunproductivestewardisberatedbytherichpersonuponhisreturnandaskedwhyhedidnotatleastlendthemoneytothebankersinordertogain“inter-est”(Gk.“Tokos”–“theinterestonmoneythathasbeenloaned”[Louwetal.1988:58�]).SomemighttrytoinferthatJesusisdirectlyapprovingthepayingofinterestthroughtheseparablesbutthiswouldbeariskydirectinferencebecauseparablesareillustrativestoriesofgreatertruthsorprinciplesratherthandeclarationsofdoctrines.InthecaseoftheMattheanparable,commentators(Tasker,1979;Boring,1995)generallyagreethattheprincipleisthatthedisciplesofJesusneedtobeproductiveforthekingdomofGod.
WhiletheNewTestamentissilentdoctrinallyonthespecificissueof“interest,”itisnotsilentaboutlendingandgiving.InMatthew5:4�andLuke6:30,Jesuspositivelycommandshisfollow-ersto:“Givetoeveryonewhoasksyouandifanyonetakeswhatbelongstoyou,donotdemanditback.”ThisversesimplyextendstheDeuteronomicalteachingtolendtothoseinneed,butgoesevenfurthertosuggestthatthelendershouldnotevenexpectrepaymentletaloneinter-estofanykind.Luke6:35extendsthecommandevenfurthercallingonChrist’sfollowerstolendtotheirenemieswithoutexpectingtogetbackanything.
PaulfleshesoutthisteachingamongtheNewTestamentchurchesinwritingtothechurchinCorinthaboutacollectionforthechurchesinJerusalemthatwerehardpressedatthetimeandneededhelp:“Ourdesireisnotthatothersmightberelievedwhileyouarehardpressed,butthattheremightbeequality.Atthepresenttimeyourplentywillsupplywhattheyneed,sothatinturntheirplentywillsupplywhatyouneed.Thentherewillbeequality,asitiswritten:‘Hethatgatheredmuchdidnothavetoomuch,andhethatgatheredlittledidnothavetoolittle.’”(�Corinthians8:13-15)
WemayconcludefromthispassageandtheotherslikeitintheNewTestamentconcerningwealththatGodspeakingthroughPaulisnotagainstproductivityandwealthcreationbutisagainstthehoardingofwealthwhenothersinthechurchareinneedduetopersecutionorexternalconditionsandproblemsnotoftheirownmaking.(Elsewhere,Paulisquiteclearthatthosewhocausetheirownproblemsbynotworking,bylaziness,drunkenness,orlackofinitiativeshouldsufferfromtheirsins.)PaulenjoinstheCorinthiansofhisdaytobesurethat
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AdditionalResources–AChristianPerspectiveonMicroenterpriseLoansandPaymentofLoanInterest 65
theydonothave“toomuch”whileothersareinneed.Sharingofourbountyisimportantandagodlyvirtue.Wearenottogivetothoseinneedwithanassumptionthattheywillreturnourgift.Quitetothecontrary,wearetogiveexpectingnothinginreturnandcertainlynotinterest.
The Modern Situation
Someofthemoralargumentsinfavorofcharginginterestwhichdevelopedwithmoderneconomicthoughtandpracticetojustifythechargingofinterestamongthepoorincludesomealreadydiscussedbutsummarizedbelow:
1.Opportunity Cost. Asmentionedpreviously,aloandeprivesthelenderoftheuseofhiscapitalduringtheperiodoftheloan.Somecompensationfortheuseofthemoneyequaltothereturnsfromotherinvestmentsthatmightbemadewiththemoneyisjustifiable.A“just”compensationisnormallycalculatedbyusingtheaveragereturnsofsimilarinvestmentswithsimilarrisk.
�. Risk.Anyonelendingmoneyrunsarisk(evenifverysmall)thattheloanprinciplewillneverberepaidandthatthelenderwilllosehismoney.Somepaymentequaltothecostofinsuringtheloanwhetheractuallyinsuredornotisjustifiabletocompensatethelenderforthisrisk.
3. Maintaining Purchasing Power. Thereisanotherrisk,ofinflation,whichinmanycountriesisveryreal.Ininflationaryeconomieswheremoneyislosingitspurchasingpowerovertime,loanprinciplewillhavereducedpurchasingpowerwhenrepaidcomparedtoitsinitialvalue.Interestequaltotherealinflationaryrateisnotonlyjustifiablebut“fair”giventhelossthatalenderwouldotherwisesustaininaninflationaryeconomy.
3. Interest on Productive Capital(ShareofProfits).Withtheeconomists’andchurch’sacceptanceoftheconceptthatcapitalcouldalsobeadirectproductiveinput(aslandorlabor)duetoitsfungiblenature,therenaturallyarosetheassumptionthatthesupplierofcapitalshouldalsopartakeoftheprofitseveniftherewasnodirectownershipintheproductiveprocessbutsimplythelendingofcapital.Theargumentwasadvancedthatasthelenderofapieceoflandmightexpectashareoftheprofitsfromatenantfarmersoacapitalistmightexpectashareoftheprofitsfortheuseoftheirmoneyforaseason.Thissharewascalled“interest.”
4.Abstinence.Ryanaddressesthe“claimofabstinence”tojustifythepayingofinterest:
“Thisargumentisbaseduponthecontentionthatthepersonwhosaveshismoneyandinvestsitintheinstrumentsofproductionundergoesasacrificeindeferringtothefuturesatisfactionsthathemightenjoytoday....Thissacrificeofpresenttofutureenjoymentwhichcontributesaservicetothecommunityintheformofcapital,createsajustclaimuponthecommunitytocompensationintheformofinterest.Ifthecapitalistisnotrewardedforthisinconvenienceheis,liketheunpaidlaborer,subordinatedtotheaggrandizementofhisfellows.”(1996:51)
5. Recovery of Reasonable Organizational Costs of Lending.Ifanorganization’spurposeistocon-
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66 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
tinuetoservethepoor,itisreasonableforthepoortoassumeallorpartofthecostsofthatorganizationovertimeinordertoperpetuatehelptothepoorinacommunity.Experiencehastaughthowfickledonorsare,andthatpoorcommunitiescannotexpectexternalaidforever.Whiledonorsoftenarewillingtogivemoneyforthestart-upofalocaldevelopmentorganiza-tion,theyexpectthatorganizationtobegintodeveloplocalresourcesovertime.Likewise,manydevelopmentpractitionersbelievethatlocalfundingisproofpositivethatanorganizationisdoinggoodandneededwork.
Conclusions: The Poor and Microenterprise Loans
TheScriptureshavemadeclearreferencestonotcharginginteresttothoseinimmediateneed,andweshoulddifferentiateasfaraspossiblebetweenthosewhoare“atimmediaterisk”andneedmoneyforrelieforrehabilitationandthosewhoarenotatriskbutneedadditionalworkingcapitaltoincreaseincomeandtogrowtheirbusinesses…Today,asinthepast,creditisoftennotavailabletothepoorexceptatexorbitantlyhighinterestrates.Thepoorstilloftenacceptthehighinterestratesofferedbyinformalmoneylendersbecausetheycanstillmakeaprofitwiththesmallamountofcreditextendedortheymayhavenootheroptionwhenemergenciesarise.Withoutcredit,thepoorareeconomicallyevenmoredisadvantagedbecausetheirbusinessenterprisesarelimitedintheircapacitytogrow.…
So what do we conclude?
1.WeconcludethatGoddoesNOThateinterestinandofitself(orhewouldnothaveallowedtheIsraelitestochargeinteresttoforeigners)…God’sclearmessageintheScripturesisthatHedoesnotwantHispeopletobeoppressingotherseconomicallyorinanyotherway.Themajorconsiderationformeiswhetherloanrecipientsperceivethemselvesasbeingoppressedorliberatedbycredit.Thereisalargepopulationof“entrepreneurial”and“self-employed”poorwhoasbusinesspeopleeverywherewantcreditforworkingcapitaltoexpandandstabilizetheirbusinesses…Wherealoanwithinterestisseenaspositivelybeneficialbytherecipientandnon-threatening,IbelievethatGodatleastallowsinterestifnotpositivelycondonesit.
�.Economiesandcultureshavesochangedoverthecenturiesthattheeconomicand/orculturalbasesformuchoftheScripturalinjunctionsagainstinteresthavealsochanged.WewouldbesimplistictooverlookthedifferencesbetweenthepersonalrelationshipsoflenderandborrowerintheOTandthecorporaterelationshipsthatexistbetweenlenderandmanyborrowerstoday…Nevertheless,whilesomeoftheconditionshavechanged,humanbehavior,sin,greed,andpowerlusthavenot.WecannotsimplydisregardtheBiblicalinjunctionsagainstinterestasbeingrelicsofanagegonebybutmustlookbeyondtheletteroftheLawtotheintentionoftheSpirit.
3.Theopportunitytobuildself-sustainingloanprogramsthroughcharginginteresthasbroughtfreedomandeconomicadvancementtothousandsofpooraroundtheworldwhonowhavea
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hopeandameasureoffinancialsecuritypreviouslyunknown.WecannotdisregardtheimpactofsuchprogramswhendecidingwhetherornotGodispleasedwiththemornot.
Inthispaper,wehavepresentedthecasesforandagainstcharginginterestonloanstothepoorandfoundthatinterestchargescoveringreasonablecosts,andrisksincludinginflationanddevaluationareacceptableChristianpracticewiththepoorwhoalreadyhavebusinessesandareintendingtousetheloansforproductivebusinesspurposes.However,wherethepoorareindirestraitsneedingimmediatereliefandrehabilitation,weargueforChristiancharityandlovethroughoutrightgiftsorloanswithnointerest.
ReferencesChristenR.P.,What Microenterprise Programs Can Learn From Money Lenders.Washington,D.C.:
ACCION,1986.
Daniel-Ropps,H.,trans.ByP.O’Brien,Daily Life in the Time of Jesus.AnnArbor:ServantBooks,1961.
Hay,D.Economics Today: A Christian Critique.GrandRapids:WilliamB.Eerdmans,1989.
Higginson,R.Called To Account.Guildford-Surrey,U.K.:Eagle,1993.
Novak,D.“EconomicsandJustice:AJewishExample”inBerger,P.Ed.The Capitalist Spirit,SanFrancisco:InstituteforContemporaryStudies,1990.
Remenyi,J.Where Credit Is Due: Income Generating Programmes for the Poor in Developing Countries,London:ITPublications,1991.
Ryan,J.A.,ed.ByH.R.Beckley,Economic Justice: Selections from Distributive Justice and A Living Wage,LouisvilleKY:WestminsterJohnKnoxPress,1996.
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68 DoingBusinessintheKingdomofGod
Additional Resources
Scenario: Loan Repayment and the Sabbath Year
Kershaw Burbank, Jr., Ph.D.Eastern College, Graduate Economic Development Program
YouareaChristianWorldVisionmicrofinanceloanofficerinanationthatispredominantlyChristian.Yourjobistocollectloanrepaymentsandtotraingroupsinmicroenterprise
development.Theyearis�009andyouareattendingthelastmeetingofamicrofinancegroupfortheyear.Manyofthepeopleinyourgroupof50arekeenChristiansandhaveenjoyedyourteachingaboutbiblicalprinciplesofeconomics.ManyhavetakenoutnewloanstoexpandtheirbusinessesjustbeforethebusyChristmasseason.Asthemeetingbegins,thereisanunusualexcitementandanticipationinthegroup.Theykeeplookingatyouinastrangewayasthoughtheyareexpectingsomethingspecialfromyou.Youwonderwhattheyexpect.
Finally,themeetinggetsunderwaywithachorusofferventChristiansingingandthentheChair-manoftheGroupstartstopray:“OLordJesus,wepraiseyouandthankyouforbringingustotheendofthisspecialyear.Weappreciatesomuch,Lord,themarvelousministryofWorldVisionanditsMicrofinanceInstitution.ThankyouLordfortheirwonderfulobediencetoyouandyourword.WethankyouLordforWorldVision’scareforthepoorandfortheirwonderfulhelpingivingusloansforourbusinesses.WethankyouLordforyourwordandyourcom-mandsinDeuteronomythatattheendofeveryseventhyearyourpeoplemustforgivetheloansofeverybodywhoowesthemmoney.ThankyouLordJesusforthisyourSabbaticalyear,aseventhyearwhenallgoodChristiansinobediencetoyourWord,forgivethedebtsthatareowedtothem.WethankyoutooLordJesusforyourcommandthatweshouldlendtoanyonewhoaskswithoutexpectingrepayment.AndsoLordwethankyouforthisyearwhenyourtwocommandsaregoingtobeobeyedbyyourWorldVision.
LordJesus,weespeciallythankyoufortheloanofficerfromWorldVisionandthewayshehashelpedusinthepast.WethankyouforsheiswithustodayandwillbringusthegoodnewsofhowWorldVisionisgoingtoforgiveourloansattheendofthisSabbaticalYear.NowblessherLordasshespeakstousandbringsusnewsoftheforgivenessofourloans.Amen!”
Ashesits,youdothecalculationquicklyandrealizethat�009isdivisibleby7andthereforeisaSabbathYear.YoumustsaysomethingthatsupportstheirkeenbeliefintheBibleandWorldVision’sChristiancommitments.ButyouknowthatWorldVisionhasnotplannedtoforgivetheirloansandcannotaffordtoforgivethemwithoutbringingthemicrofinanceinstitution
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toahalt.YoualsoknowyouwillbeindeeptroublewiththeMicrofinanceDirectorifyoudon’thandlethisissuecorrectlyandsensitively.Youwanttokeepthiswell-performinggroupfunctioningwell.Whatcanyousaythatwillbeencouraging,morallyright,ethicallycorrectandstillbeobedienttoScripture?
1. Ingroupsoffour,constructaspeechoffiveminutesorlessthatwillhandlethisissue.Youhave�0minutestodevelopatheologicallyandculturallyacceptabledefenseofWorldVision’spositionfornotforgivingtheloansandexplainwhyWorldVisionisnotobservingtheSabbathYear.
�. Writethemajorpointsofthisspeechonanindexcardforreferencebythepersonyouselecttobeyourspeakerbeforetheentiregroup.
3. Aftereachrepresentativehaspresented,theentiregroupwillvoteforthebestspeakerandexplanationofWorldVision’sresponse.
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