Penny-Wise Generosity: Norman G. Shenk—A Financier's Stories in the Upside-Down Kingdom
For over five decades, Norman G. Shenk served as one of the most trusted financiers in Mennonitedom, spending as a church executive over $1 billion of the “church's money.” He served as secretary, treasurer, or chair of dozens of boards. As an employee, he never took a salary of more than $40,000 a year and never paid a penny of federal income tax. He counseled people on how to get out of debt, wrote real estate deeds of trust, and was called on by church institutions in crisis. This is a memoir narrated in Norman's own voice. (194pp. illus. Masthof Press, 2024.)
Customer Reviews
I initially thought it might be “just another memoir”, but found I was quickly captivated by Norman’s first-person accounting of his history. Beyond simple and innocent voyeurism about another’s life, I was struck by several things:
• He was honest, sometimes almost brutally so, about himself and others around him. This was refreshing, but also somewhat disconcerting to encounter someone so vulnerable and yet strong in his convictions.
• I appreciated a “crash course” in Mennonite history and institutions. I thought I knew quite a bit about Mennonites, but this helped fill in a lot of details and flesh out some of the controversies and achievements of the denomination and institutions that resulted in significant victories for Mennonites around the world.
• The writing/editing done by the two authors kept me engaged in reading the book. I finished it in basically two or three sittings.
it was informative as I only met Norman in recent years
The reader will enjoy learning about Norman Shenk. This was a life well-lived and a model for anyone to follow. You will also learn much about Mennonite life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Beyond expectations with close to 200 packing out High Auditorium at Landis Homes for the November 30 book launch of Penny-Wise Generosity. Some 150 books sold, and autographed. Truly gratifying to see this extraordinary, generous, trustworthy, and financially savvy human being honored. And people love his stories, so well told.
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