Managing Our Finances God's Way is a 7-week, video-based, small group study co-produced by Crown Financial Ministries and Purpose Driven Ministries (Rick Warren) that helps people understand and apply biblical money management principles in their life. 

Strengths:

• Builds on Crown's successful small group format (Bible study, prayer, memory verses) and enhances it with practical, engaging teaching, both in the workbook and on video.
 


• The video lessons are taught by a variety of well-known stewardship leaders (i.e. Rick Warren, Ron Blue, Howard Dayton, Chip Ingram, etc.).
 


• The video lessons do a nice job of combining personal stories, some humor, and practical, Bible-based teaching.
 


• Each lesson connects with one of the five purposes from Rick Warren's popular Purpose Driven Life book. 
 


• CD enclosed with workbook contains worksheets which do calculations automatically.
 


• Each lesson combines Bible study, discussion questions, prayer focus, practical exercises, and homework assignments. 
 


• The format is flexible. The classes are structured to run 90 minutes, but can easily be tailored to accommodate shorter class times. 
 


• Excellent support for small group facilitators, with 12-pages in the workbook devoted to help for "hosts."

Things to Be Aware of:

• As with the Crown financial Bible study, "Managing Our Finances God's Way" may be best suited as a discipleship tool for those who are already following Christ, as the program is built on numerous scripture references, prayer, and the general assumption that people want to grow in their relationship with God. Having said that, there is a special DVD clip included where Pastor Warren gives a clear and compelling invitation to unbelievers to follow Christ. 
 


• The video lessons are devoted entirely to the teaching portion of the lesson and do not explain the practical exercises or homework. While a brief explanation is offered in the workbook for what to do with the practical exercises and homework, this area could have been enhanced with a little more emphasis.