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10 Top Tips – Encouraging Generosity
Christians believe in a generous God, who has given us literally everything, and longs for us to share his generosity with others. A generous life is a hallmark of our faith; the more generous we are, the more we reflect our generous God. Living generously is about far more than money, taking different forms. We can be generous with our time, gifts, belongings and talents as well as with our money and our outlook.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly
John 10:10
- Talk about it. The best way to encourage a culture of generosity in your church is to make it a normal thing for people to talk about . After church, over coffee, start the conversation and look for ways to be generous in every situation that presents itself; share your ideas.
- Teach and preach. Encourage and support those who preach to embrace generosity, in all its forms, as a topic. Jesus did this often, so there is no reason why we should not do the same. Talk to those you’ve heard preach about generosity for advice.
- Be a disciple. As disciples of Jesus, we are called not just to follow Him but to be like Him (Ephesians 5:1-2). How can we better use what God has given us for the building of His Kingdom?
- Be an example. Model generosity in all that you do as a church and as individuals. Others will see your example and copy, consciously or unconsciously—it’s infectious!
- What does the Bible say? Throughout the Bible we are shown how to be generous in many ways. Read and reflect on what scripture teaches us. Start with the lesson of ‘The Widow’s Mite’ (Luke 21:1-4).
- Pray. Our calling is to love others and to give freely from what God has given to us. Use your prayer to ask for God’s guidance as you seek to be generous .
- Celebrate Generosity Week. This is an opportunity each autumn to focus on matters of generosity and plan for change. There are resources to support you, including downloadable materials and newsletters.
- Share stories. Tell people about times you have experienced generosity from others, seen others being generous or when you have been generous to others.
- Make it easy to give. Although it’s not all about money, this is a key feature of being generous. Consider your own giving and undertake a review of both the amount and the method by which people give to the church, including regular gifts and digital or online giving.
- Take action. Use your prayer, study and reflection to plan real action. What can you do today, next week, over the next year, both alone and together? Think about all that you have and how you can use your skills, time, money and hospitality to support others and be more Christ-like?
What Next?
The Generous Living team is here to support you— you are not alone! We would very much welcome an invitation to visit your church community. Here are some resources to get you started on a journey of encouraging and enabling generosity in your life and in your church community.
Websites
Building a generous church: www.churchofengland.org/ resources/building-generous-church
Preaching about generosity: www.rochester.anglican.org/forleaders/preaching-generosity
Generosity Week: www.churchofengland.org/resources/building -generous-church/generosity-resources/generosity-week
Parish Resources: www.parishresources.org.uk
Parish Buying: www.parishbuying.org.uk
Parish Giving Scheme: www.parishgiving.org.uk/home
Giving in Grace: www.givingingrace.org
Watch
Living and enabling generosity: vimeo.com/507173192
Study Materials
Generosity Fika: www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generosity-resources/generosity-fika
Diocese of Southwark’s materials ‘God’s Generosity: our Response’: https://southwark.anglican.org/2e-gods-generosity-our-response_final
Contact
Andy is the Diocesan Generous Living Advisor, drop him a line at: generosity@lincoln.anglican.org
Edward King House, Lincoln LN2 1PU Tel:: 01522 504050