The Giving Equation (Revised Edition) - Adventist Book Centre Australia [with ABC Christian Books, Better Books and Food and Christian Life Resources]

The Giving Equation (Revised Edition)

Working out your relationship with God and money

by Ken Long

It’s logical that if I give a certain amount of money, I have less money left to live on, right? That’s simple mathematics. But it’s also an equation that makes many people reluctant to give.

The Giving Equation provides a fresh way of thinking about stewardship, explaining two different mindsets towards our personal finances: the G-economy and the Me-economy. Far from causing us to lose out, giving has things to offer us that lead to an abundant life—now and for eternity.

This book has a unique and logical perspective on giving that helps break down prejudice and promote generosity.

It contains case studies from the Bible and examples from real life.

Bible studies for use in small groups are included in an Appendix.

This revised edition contains new life-application lessons

Ken Long is a highly experienced business consultant, based in Sydney, Australia. He holds a Doctorate of Business Administration, along with qualifications in Law and Commerce. Ken is a stewardship champion and is passionate about helping people understand how generous giving benefits them.

Reviews and Endorsements


Sharon

Excellent read. I am inspired by the clarity, challenge and beauty of Biblical principles on stewardship presented so succinctly in this small easy to read book. Transformative. Blessed. Thank you Ken Long!


[ Bookshelf review ]

As author Ken Long mentions in the opening chapter of The Giving Equation, “For many, the word stewardship triggers an immediate defensive reaction and a closed mind.” Think about your own reaction when you saw the title of this book—a book on giving hardly feels like a riveting read. I’d like to challenge that perception because The Giving Equation will disrupt your preconceived ideas about stewardship. The Giving Equation confronts a common, worldly view of finances that many of us in the church are subconsciously living with—called the “Meeconomy”— that the more we give, the less we will have. Dr Long questions that mindset and provides a strong biblical and practical basis for a new economy, the “G- or God-economy.” With a G-economy mindset, we find freedom to trust God and experience the abundant life that He promises. When we move away from the “me” mindset, we develop a character that reflects the generous heart of God. Dr Long writes with a simple yet engaging style, and his passion and practical experience come through with engaging illustrations and personal stories. Each chapter provides a short summary for personal reflection and, toward the end of The Giving Equation, are a series of biblical case studies that draw out principles of giving to help make the concepts practical. These case studies are presented in study-guide form, and are a great little resource for family worship, small groups or Sabbath school classes. This is a book for anyone who interacts with money! It will challenge your preconceived ideas about how giving works and will reframe your thinking around your relationship with money and your relationship with God. The Giving Equation will open your eyes to the abundance of God’s love and His willingness to give “bonus and blessing” in the G-economy. As a result of reading this book, I hope you are able to experience the peace that comes from living with the life-changing freedom of dependence that Dr Long talks about. —Lyndelle Peterson, Director of Stewardship, Australian Union Conference


[Endorsement]

Ken Long’s insights into biblical stewardship are exciting, fresh, transformative and hope filled. The Giving Equation shows that we don’t need to clutch our wallets, afraid of what we might lose, because giving has a lot to offer us. Filled with practical examples and illustrations from the Bible, this book will inspire individuals and families to better understand the heart of the Giver—and to give joyfully themselves! The more households there are living out this transformed mindset, the more powerful the impact of the church will be. Christina Hawkins, Discipleship Ministries—Stewardship, South Pacific Division