Healthy churches encourage people to clear away the clutter in their lives so they can love boldly, give generously, serve joyfully, and honor God with their time, talent, and treasure.

Books

	Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples: A Lifetime Approach to Spending, Saving and Investing by Larry Burkett (Chariot Victor Publishing, 1993). Without a solid financial and spiritual foundation on which to base sound decisions, problems—and not just money problems—tend to multiply in a marriage. Whether you are about to marry or are still working through the early years, author Larry Burkett can steer you around the pitfalls that result from mishandling your money.
	How to Manage Your Money by Larry Burkett (Moody Press, CD-ROM Edition, 2000). People often try managing their money apart from God's plan. But until you have an attitude change about money, it will continue to control and confuse you. How to Manage Your Money is an excellent tool to get readers on track toward a liberated financial life.
	The Power of Enough: Finding Contentment by Putting Stuff in its Place by Lynn Miller (Herald Press, 2003). A message of stewardship that needs to be heard by a culture brainwashed by the gospel of materialism. Lynn is a popular conference and congregational speaker and has been a pioneer in the study of first fruits theology and its application to a life of faith.
	Prodigal Sons and Material Girls: How Not to Be Your Child’s ATM by Nathan Dugan (Wiley, 2003). In today’s society many young people have lost sight of the value of money and seem to believe that money really does "grow on trees." Part exposé and part survival guide, Prodigal Sons and Material Girls addresses the nagging issue faced by many parents today—why do their children have such unrealistic expectations about money?
	The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn (Multnomah 2005). Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity in The Treasure Principle. Because when Jesus told His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven," He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure.

Multimedia

The Plate - This three-minute video is a powerful illustration of how God uses the church’s tithes and offerings to build His kingdom and meet needs in the world around us.

The Power of Giving - A great lead-in to a sermon, this short video asks the question "do we give with an attitude of joy?" This clip challenges us to explore the motivation behind our giving.

God Pie - Obligations and opportunities of all sorts continually vie for our time, money, and energy. Yet as this short clip reminds us, we need to remember to faithfully offer the first of our fruits to God.

Study guides

Living Simply Study Guide

by Fred Miller
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This five-session study guide developed by Fred Miller, pastor of the Cumberland Valley BIC Church, explores the biblical basis for living simply. It can be downloaded at no charge from the website or print copies are available at a nominal charge through the denomination office.

Money: We Love It, We Hate It

by Discipleship Journal

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Through a combination of questions and innovative learning activities, small group participants discover how to handle finances and possessions—whether few or many— in ways that bring honor to God and advance His kingdom.

 

What’s It All About?

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The title question in this whole-church stewardship curriculum is answered through themed sermons, daily scripture and devotional readings, and lesson plans for Sunday school classes or small groups. What’s It All About? materials are available at no charge to BIC congregations.