Interaction

Welcome to the Interaction home page. By Interaction we simply mean creating space and providing resources for church members to learn and grow together in this area of financial discipleship. Discipleship is always a journey that we take and make together. Most of the significant moments on our spiritual journey, moments of change, challenge, of Gospel choice have involved the witness, encouragement or presence of other people.The resources accessed from this page complement the preaching and written communication resources in Giving in Grace. For further reflection see the Word document Thinking about Interaction

Money and possessions are very emotive issues for people. In today’s world you are what you possess. The need to be counter cultural, to understand the biblical messages about money as a means of worship, of justice, and of blessing are a huge issue for many Christians who may be struggling with money issues. A chance to explore, share and question is essential to real growth in understanding and in application of the gospel message. Interaction is built around three complementary approaches, one or more of which can be used in the local church:

• Small group or cell group resources: these resources offer creative opportunities for church members to read what the Bible has to say about giving, to think about our own story in a “money autobiography” and discuss and share together. Alongside three bible studies on Exodus, Luke and Second Corinthians 8 and 9 there is also an important study series on the issue of personal debt published by Keith Tondeur of Credit Action, the national money advice charity. [more…]
• Parish Visiting: personal visiting offers the chance to make effective and sensitive contact with a wide range of church members. Experience in non - cell churches suggests that at best 50% of a congregation will choose to take part in small groups. Parish visiting potentially can reach everyone and most significantly it enables lay members of the church to be effective advocates of the importance of giving as part of our discipleship in following Jesus. [more…]
• Social functions can be used in many parishes which have a vibrant fellowship and social life. These occasions can be used to great effect to interact with people on Giving in Grace in a less formal setting. [more..]

By creating opportunities for genuine discussion and personal engagement interaction makes possible not only a personal response from individuals but also a change in the cultural climate of the entire church.