Fields of Gold Book Discussion Guide

Introduction Do you consider yourself a fearful giver or a cheerful giver? Explain.

Chapter 1: Dust in the Wind Discuss the Dust Bowl story. Did you, or any of your relatives, live through the hard times of the 1930s? What stories have you heard about the Great Depression? How do you think experiencing such a catastrophe might affect a person’s giving, spending, and saving habits?

At what times in your life have you felt like Jeremiah Clark?

Explain how fear and faith go hand in hand.

Chapter 2: A Growing Ambition Do you believe that God rescues those who seek Him and His kingdom first? Why or why not?

Discuss the story of Milton Scott. What impact did this story have on you? Did it cause you to rethink the nature of giving in general, and your own giving in particular?

What do we forfeit by being fearful stewards of God’s money?

When you consider increasing your giving, how do you feel? What “what ifs” come to mind?

Andy Stanley asks if it is irrational to trust God for your eternal destiny, yet decline His invitation to direct your finances. If you trust God for your salvation, why is it hard to accept His invitation allow Him to direct your finances?

What “experiment in generosity” can you try this week?

Chapter 3: Trading Places What, if anything, do you have in common with Billy Ray Valentine when it comes to your stewardship of God’s resources?

What is the Law of the Harvest, and how does it apply to personal finances? Is it some kind of get-rich-quick scheme?

Any Stanley writes, “True wealth is having everything you need when you need it”(page 56). Do you agree with this statement? Do you accept that God will come through for you?

Chapter 4: The New Deal What’s wrong with “trusting your gut” when it comes to your finances? Why do you think the subject of finances is so emotional?

What does God promise us in return for making His kingdom our number one priority?

Have you ever directly experienced God’s provision? If so, explain.

Name one risk that you are willing to take in trusting God with your finances.

Chapter 5: Sowing Lessons Why is it important to God that you be a cheerful giver, not a duty-bound or guilt-driven giver? As long as you give, why does your attitude matter?

Do you find God’s plan too simple? Why or why not?

Discuss each of the three Ps of giving and how it applies to your personal situation: • Priority giving • Percentage giving • Progressive giving

Chapter 6: Fear This What fears have you overcome in your life (not necessarily related to money)? What have been the benefits of overcoming these fears?

Since you can’t get rid of fear entirely, what can you do with it?

Tell God what you have done so far with His money. How do you feel? Are there any changes you think you should make?

Which do you fear most: not having enough, or not having your Heavenly Father involved in your finances?

What can you learn about giving from the example of Oskar Schindler?

In the story of Mike Kendrick’s financial nightmare, which investments continued to pay big dividends?

Chapter 7: The Joy of Giving Have you ever experienced the joy of giving? How did it feel?

Discuss the story of Donald Rauer. How did he get around his initial fear of giving? What was the end result of his giving—both on others and on himself?

How do you imagine your life would change if you gave the way Donald Rauer gave?

Epilogue What did you think as you read the end of Jeremiah Clark’s story? Did the outcome surprise you?

Has reading Fields of Gold changed anything about the way you think about money and giving? If so, explain.