Faith & Economics Workshop

Money is a hot topic. It's a hot topic in the news and blogosphere with the recent economic downturn. It's also a hot topic in Scripture, all the way from the Genesis and it's command that we stop working on the Sabbath to Numbers and the proclamation of Jubilee to Luke and Jesus' admonishment to trust God rather than Mammon. How do these two worlds, today's global capitalism and Scripture's vision of jubilee and care for the poor, meet? Besides asking these big worldview questions, we want to bring in some simple, practical tools to help us live simply, generously, and well.

So, on Februrary 7th we'll be having a half-day conference from 9am - 2pm at Quest Church on the subject of faith and economics. We'll offer two large group sessions, one on a Philosophy of Stewardship and the other on Budgeting. In the afternoon we'll have several smaller, interactive, groups on Investing as Stewardship, Buying vs. Renting vs. Co-Housing, Steps to Get Out of Debt, and Hands-on help Developing a Budget. Lunch will be included and we have a bargain recession rate of $4.99 per person. Childcare will be provided..

Synopsis of the Workshops

• A Balanced Budget by Alan Klug: We will learn about the basics of personal finance, and apply that understanding to focus on making and keeping a budget. With tips, tools and common sense we can move towards achieving positive cash flow while preparing for today and saving for tomorrow.
• A Theology of Stewardship by Ray Bartel: In this overview, we will consider the meaning, purpose, scope, principles, dynamics and characteristics of Christian stewardship from a biblical perspective. And reflect on the issues of tithing and "downward mobility.
• A Place to Live: Renting, Buying, and Co-Housing by Chris & David Leong: Choosing where to live and when/how to buy a home are some of the most significant decisions we make in life. Yet we rarely consider the ethical and spiritual implications beyond the issues of comfort, convenience, and financial investment. Come learn some of the basics of home buying and also consider some creative perspectives on real estate, community, and place.
• Faithful Investing by Andy Liu: How giving is not only a good investment in your professional and personal life, but also a reflection of your faith. The top 10 mistakes savers and investors make and how you can be better stewards on a day-to-day tactical level.
• Credit, Borrowing, and Debt by Rebecca Garrett: The hows and whys of getting out of debt. We'll look at how to build (or abuse) equity, practical ways of getting out of debt, and the relevance of the Biblical concept of Jubilee for thinking about debt in our society at large.