Reframing Our Generosity Practices
A recent study on the idea of Christian generosity, conducted by Thrivent, in conjunction with Barna, shares some intriguing insights in a report titled “The Generosity Story.”
- The study found that 91% of pastors surveyed agreed that churches have a responsibility to teach generosity. I’m a little surprised that number isn’t 100%. If the church doesn’t teach (true) generosity, where will people learn it?
- One out of three pastors doubt their ability to “preach or teach on generosity.” This is perhaps the most disheartening aspect of the survey.
- Most respondents, which included both pastors and congregation members, said that the biggest area of generosity they would like to experience is emotional or relational support, not financial gifts. This reminds us that generosity is more than just financial.
While MB Foundation deals primarily in areas of financial generosity, we also realize the multi-faceted diamond of generosity God provides in Scripture. Even our theme verse from 1 Timothy 6 reminds us to be “rich in good works.” Much like those looking for emotional and relational support, the work of the church should help people experience the generosity of God.
That’s why I love that we promote Championing Stewardship. God wants all of our “heart, soul, mind, and strength” in worship and service to Him.
In my own church, Heritage Bible Church, we’ve worked hard to reframe these conversations. For example, at our fall mission festival, we publicly stated that the goal was 100% participation. We wanted everyone to contribute something. We made the expectation, not do a dollar amount, but a heart-level buy-in. Some gave generously out of their wealth. Others began to make handmade jewelry, donating their time and profits. We asked people to focus not on a dollar amount, but on a heart ready to serve through generosity. The result? We more than doubled our goal, leading to more chances for generosity. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
A second example: we’ve also worked hard to frame our annual budget meetings. Again, our pastor has helpfully reminded us that these meetings are not to be boring meetings, but exuberant celebrations of the opportunities God has blessed us with. These meetings are really chances to practice increased generosity and faithfulness.
We’ve tried to bring that focus even into our budgetary planning. As we create our budgets, do we focus on “what we’ve always done” or “what God wants to do through us”? While that may mean we end up doing similar ministry opportunities every year, it leads our people down two entirely different paths. One teaches boring, rote processes where it is easy to tune out the new thing God wants to do. The other gives the Spirit room in our hearts and minds, finding new ways to bring people into the Kingdom.
If your church is also seeking this kind of reframe, I’d invite you to check out the Championing Stewardship section of our website. There, you will find resources and tools to help your church practice a full-Gospel understanding of generosity.