Lazarus at the Gate
Lazarus at the Gate is an eight-week Bible study that challenges participants to understand the Biblical foundation for generosity, simple living and just consumption.
Taken straightforwardly, scriptural teachings on wealth are enormously challenging to American consumer culture with its emphasis on immediate gratification, tolerance of vast inequalities, and promotion of anxiety. In this respect, the Bible offers readers an alternative vision of prosperity. Recognizing that we are already blessed by God’s abundance frees participants to make challenging shifts in spending patterns, and inspires them to give a generous collective gift to an organization of their choice at the end of the eight weeks.
Participants in Lazarus groups make four commitments together:
- Live Gratefully! Regularly give thanks for the blessing of what we have
- Live Justly! Make one lifestyle change to consume more justly
- Live Simply! Make one lifestyle change to spend less for ourselves
- Live Generously! Make a gift to fight global poverty
Since 2007, Lazarus at the Gate has engaged more than 500 Christians in groups who have given more than $500,000 to fight hunger, poverty and injustice.
Starting a Lazarus at the Gate Group
Forming a Lazarus group is an incredible opportunity to practice your faith in community while making a concrete difference in the lives of those who are poor. Leadership can be both challenging and fruitful, requiring attention and prayer about your own experience and the experiences of others in your group.
BFJN offers leadership training sessions for individuals and churches wanting to start Lazarus groups.
If you have questions about starting and leading a Lazarus group please email Christa.
To receive an email with a link to a free copy of the Lazarus at the Gate curriculum, please complete the short form below.