After introducing Multiply, SMI’s new video-based small-group/workshop resource about taking a biblical approach to investing earlier this year, it’s been exciting to see more and more churches and individuals making use of it.
A few of the churches we’re aware of that have either recently begun Multiply classes or are planning to begin them soon include White Stone Community Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (pictured at right), NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas, and Calvary Chapel in Aiken, South Carolina. Based on sales, we know there are many others as well.
An essential part of good stewardship
When you think of stewardship, what aspects of money management come most readily to mind? Many people probably think of generosity or getting out of debt. Of course, both are important. But so is investing wisely. And as we often report, there are countless indications that far too few people are doing so. That’s why we created Multiply.
It’s our desire to help the Christian community fulfill our biblical mandate to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and not just while we’re working, but throughout our later years as well. As we mention in the introduction to the Multiply discussion guide, the cultural view of retirement as an extended time of leisure has no biblical basis. At the same time, it is highly likely that most of us will one day retire from full-time paid work, whether because of health issues, the need to care for a loved one, or because God redirects us to unpaid work. An essential part of good stewardship is having a nest egg sufficient to provide for our families during that last season of life.
Of course, how that nest egg is built matters greatly. Multiply teaches a biblical approach, which means everything from embracing a patient, long-term perspective (Proverbs 21:5) to navigating the fear many people experience when the market falls (Isaiah 41:10), and from managing risk (Proverbs 22:3) to making use of wise counselors (Proverbs 15:22). Multiply unpacks all of that and more, helping people become more knowledgeable, confident, faithful investors.
If you’d like to take the study on your own, you’ll find the digital bundle most cost-effective. If you’d like to lead a group through the material, whether in a small group format or as a workshop, a DVD of the videos and hard copies of the discussion guide are available as well. All of the ordering information is at this link.
If you’ve already purchased Multiply materials, there are free marketing materials available here.
Our great hope is that this new study will impact many generations of Christians, helping them improve the effectiveness of their witness by investing with an uncommon level of effectiveness and peace, fueled by their motivation to glorify God, provide for their families, and live generous, impactful lives.
If your church uses the Multiply study, we’d love to hear about it! Shoot us an email to let us know how it goes and any feedback you have.
