By John and Sylvia Ronsvalle with U. Milo Kaufmann

In recent years, several books have offered effective strategies for dealing with the subject of financial stewardship. While each has contributions to make, At Ease stands apart in its value to congregational small groups.

The purpose of the book is not to add to the guilt and discomfort many of us experience when relating our views on money. Rather, it helps readers establish a comfortable setting in which people can discuss their attitudes toward money. The authors provide clusters of questions that help small groups relate the role of money to our pilgrimage of faith. Questions, such as “What did I buy this week?” and “What was the best commercial I saw last week and how did it make me feel?” help group participants assess how they value money.

If you want to have a meaningful exchange of ideas about money and values in small groups with youth or adults, I would recommend this book. The questions provoke spiritual thought, and as the authors contend, if our hearts are in order, money can be a tool for great good.

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Reeves, President, United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, and former Vice President of Stewardship Services for the Texas Methodist Foundation.