Lazarus at the Gate: An Economic Discipleship Guide (Article)
Gary VanderPol, Mako Nagasawa, Rachel Anderson, Authors.  2008.

Holding that "money is a critical object of modern Christian discipleship," the authors have designed this open-source 12-week study enabling small-group participants to support one another in their practices of economic discipleship. The authors draw on the biblical story of Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) to illuminate how we, in the world's wealthiest nation, must recognize and respond to the poor outside our own gates and borders.

Those who participate in this process are encouraged to spend joyfully (giving thanks for their blessings), spend justly (supporting global fairness), spend less (reducing consumption), and give more (alleviating global poverty).

A set of tips for small group leaders is introduced at the beginning, covering advice on group recruitment, administration, building community, developing strategy, and more.

Each session offers an overview that lists goals, materials, a sample agenda, and homework for the following session. After the introductory first session, the following topics are explored: "Wealth as a Blessing"; "Wealth Must be Justly Distributed"; "Wealth is a Potential Idol"; "Wealth is for Sharing with the Poor"; "Living Economic Discipleship"; "The Giving Circle"; "Microfinance and Fair Trade"; "Political Advocacy"; "Choosing Where to Give"; and "Giving Together." Throughout, the small group prays, reflects, studies, and—eventually—contributes together.

The authors emphasize that this is an "open-source" curriculum. Those who use it should check-in regularly at www.lazarusatthegate.org for updates.

Christian congregations, in particular, will be challenged to examine their lives and choices in the light of biblical teachings as they examine the impacts of globalization.
 

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