Book Review: Oikonomics by Mike Breen and Ben Sternke
For years, businesses have primarily focused on measuring two key "capitals": product production and finances. However, in the wake of books like Freakonomics and similar works, the business world has become increasingly interested in analyzing the various types of capital that organizations need to intentionally steward, multiply, and leverage. Traditionally, this approach identifies financial capital, manufacturing capital, intellectual capital, human capital, natural resources (or environmental capital), and social capital as the core pillars of any business.
In Oikonomics, Breen and Sternke take a broader view, examining our lives through the lens of Jesus' ways, works, and words—including his parables. They explore how these biblical teachings highlight the different "capitals" we each have in our lives to steward, invest in, and multiply. This framework not only helps us recognize the various areas of our lives that need to be surrendered to Christ, but also challenges us to invest in and multiply these resources for the sake of God's Kingdom. For In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21, a man hoards his wealth for himself, forgetting that his life could end at any moment. Jesus warns that focusing on accumulating material wealth without considering spiritual value is foolish and ultimately unfulfilling. In the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-9), Jesus tells the story of a dishonest manager who, facing the loss of his job, uses his master’s resources to make friends who will take care of him when he’s unemployed. Jesus teaches that we should use our worldly wealth wisely, not just for personal gain, but to build relationships and invest in spiritual impact. To help followers of Jesus invest their time, energy, and money wisely, the authors suggest that we each have five key areas of 'capital' to steward in our lives.
The book begins by exploring the human desire to "have it all" and contrasts this with the abundant life Jesus promises, which can be attained through proper prioritization. In fact, Jesus taught that abundance is found when you “give up your old life, give all the money away, and come hang out with me. I’ll show you.”[1] Like with the young rich ruler, Jesus taught that “It would cost him everything, but Jesus said the young ruler could have it all, and that it was appropriate to seek this goal.”[2] From there, the authors examine Jesus as a theologian, focusing on Jesus’ approach to prosperity and abundance. In the third chapter, they delve into the economics of Jesus, primarily through the parables, and how Jesus uses economic imagery to illustrate the Kingdom of God and how it operates to relate the reality of capitals in our lives that need to be invested wisely. The authors then outline five key "capitals" that they believe we each possess, discussing what it means to keep them in proper order and how to invest them for the growth of God's Kingdom. The book concludes with practical stories, actionable steps, and guidance on how these principles can be applied in disciple-making. For the authors, the five capitals are Spiritual, Relational, Physical, Intellectual, and Financial (in that order).
To the authors, Spiritual capital is “how much spiritual equity do we have to invest? The currency is wisdom and power.”[3] Next, Relational Capital, is “how much relational equity do we have to invest? The currency is family and friends.”[4] Third, our physical capital is about “how much time and energy do we have to invest? The currency is hours and health.”[5] Following Physical Capital is Intellectual Capital, which is about “how much creativity and knowledge do we have to invest? The currency is concepts and ideas?”[6] Lastly, we have financial capital, which is about “how much treasure do we have to invest? The currency is money: dollars and cents, pounds and pennies, etc.”[7] These five capitals—Spiritual, Relational, Physical, Intellectual, and Financial—serve as essential resources that, when properly stewarded and invested, can multiply to further God's Kingdom and enrich every area of our lives.
Mike Breen is an English church leader, author, and pioneer of the missional community movement, who has led churches in both Europe and the United States. Breen founded 3DMovements and 3DMPublishing. Overall, he is known for his teachings and innovative approaches to church planting and discipleship. Ben Sternke, previously involved with the 3DMovements, is also a pastoral leader at The Table, an Episcopal church in Indianapolis. With over 25 years in Christian ministry, Sternke has been writing about faith, spirituality, and culture since 2005, blending his passion for discipleship with practical insights on spiritual formation.
I first read this book when it was released, and over the years, I’ve re-read it several times. Additionally, I have read other things inspired by these authors (such as Build A Better Life by Brandon Schaefer). It served as a great launching point for my thoughts on stewardship in life. However, I would argue that there are more than just these five capitals, and that they function better as a framework for inventorying our lives rather than for actual investment. I also have some theological concerns with the book, as I feel certain aspects of its theology fall short. Lastly, both authors seemed to have a semi-public falling out that didn’t sit well with me, and then sadly, Breen (one of my prioritized authors in that era) had some very public failings as a pastoral leader later on. Despite these critiques, Oikonomics remains a book I return to for inspiration on how to think about the capitals and currencies in my life, and how they can be stewarded for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Overall, Oikonomics is a short, well-structured booklet that makes its points clearly and succinctly. It is easy to read in one sitting, but also structured in a way that invites reflection and re-reading. The chapters are short, focused, and accessible, with practical applications, clear summaries, and engaging anecdotes that help the reader apply the concepts of "capital" to their own life. The overall tone of the book is conversational, which makes it suitable for both individual reading and group discussion. Oikonomics remains a relevant book for anyone interested in understanding how to steward their resources in a way that aligns with Jesus' teachings. Its focus on five different types of capital—spiritual, relational, physical, intellectual, and financial—offers a holistic approach to personal stewardship that applies to all areas of life. The book is particularly valuable for individuals in leadership, ministry, or anyone seeking to better understand how their time, energy, and resources can be invested for the sake of God's Kingdom. I would advise reading it with a critical eye, especially regarding the theological implications.
[1] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 8.
[2] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 11.
[3] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 50.
[4] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 50.
[5] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 50.
[6] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 50.
[7] Mike Breen and Ben Sternke, Oikonomics, 1st ed. (Pawleys Island, SC: 3DM Publishing, 2014), 50.
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