Climbing the Sycamore Tree: A Study on Choice and Simplicity

Warning: This book could change the way you live.

"Although I've experienced what it's like to get overextended, I've never been poor without options or help," writes Hagmann. "My faith tells me that being a Christian must affect who I am and how I behave with my wealth. Christ has something to say about the way I live my daily life, from how I treat others to how I spend my money."

Do you make everyday economic decisions that reflect your Christian faith and values? Or are you "living large" in a material world?

Using the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9) as its inspiration, Climbing the Sycamore Tree is a 6-week study of faithful stewardship.

Hagmann uses both scripture and consumer statistics to show how our buying habits often marginalize certain people and perpetuate systems that contradict good stewardship and love for God's creation. Following the experience of the tax collector Zacchaeus, the study seeks to deepen the link between the faith we profess and the lifestyle we live.

Designed as a study for individuals or groups, Climbing the Sycamore Tree

The study is divided into three sections of two weeks each. Each week's readings consist of five lessons and a group session that includes scripture, discussion questions, guides for reflection or activity, and prayer.

Open yourself to transformation that more clearly reflects the daily living of the faith you profess!

Ann Hagmann is a chaplain for Hospice Austin (Texas) and the founder of Whispering Hope Ministries for Healing and Wholeness. Hagmann served 10 years as a United Methodist Church pastor. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Arkansas and a DMin from Perkins School of Theology of Southern Methodist University.