Take time to reflect on your position in the world and how it influences your interpretations, values, and understanding of money and wealth:

• Where do you live and where have you lived in your life?
• What is your race and/or ethnicity?
• What is your social and economic status now? What was it at other times in your life?
• Have there been economic class changes in your life or in your family of origin? Are there mismatches between your economic circumstances and the personal or cultural expectations of someone in your financial circumstances?
• What is your religious background?
• In what ways have these aspects of your background and identity offered teachings about money and wealth? What messages have you retained? Rejected?

Notice the emotions that go along with the messages for you. Use this self-awareness to plan ways to guide and make space for others in the workshop.

More broadly, consider what values are most important to you in your economic life. If you were invited to preach a “gospel,” or good news, about money and wealth, what would you say? How would your good news about money help people live more fulfilled lives? How would your good news help create beloved community in your congregation and beyond? Take time to reflect on any tensions or difficulties your message might evoke in others.