Simple Solutions for Intentional Generosity
Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,
These are stewardship days for our congregation—days when we’re asking you to be thinking about what you intend to share with your church in 2024 as a means of expressing to God your gratitude and faith. I’ve discovered through the years that there are very few people who don’t like the idea of generosity. We are indeed a species that loves to help others and confront needs when we see them. Unfortunately, there are also very few people who are content with the level of generosity in their lives. Most people I know wish they were able to give more. And while there are a number of reasons that this may be the case… sometimes the best solution may be the simplest.
To that end, I believe there are a number of simple steps that we can take to make generosity more intentional in our lives. If you have never given away much of any of your money or time, these are a few ways that can help you to get started (no matter what your current economic situation is). On the other hand, if you are just hoping to raise the level of generosity in your life, you may find some of these simple steps to be relevant and helpful.
Consider the benefits of generosity. Here at the Neighborhood Church, the simple truth is: If we have more, we can do more! Generous people report being happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life than those who don’t give, or give little. Generosity produces within us a sense that we are capable of making a difference in the world, that we are actively addressing the needs of those around us, and that we are shaping our faith community into a healthier one.
Embrace gratitude. Make a list of the things in your life for which you are grateful. Your list doesn’t have to be long. It won’t take much time. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be a physical list (in your head will be completely sufficient). Sometimes, the most important step you can take to become more generous is to spend more time thinking about what you already possess and less time thinking about what you don’t. Once you start intentionally thinking that way, you may be surprised just how good you already have it… and become more apt to share your life with others.
Start really small. If you’ve never given away money, start by giving away a few bucks. Of course, the point of this exercise is not to report a $1 tax deduction on your year-end tax return. The point is to get started. No matter what dollar amount you choose, jump right in with something small. You can afford it… and that little push can help build momentum in your life towards generosity.
Give first. When you receive your next paycheck, make your first expense an act of giving to your church. Often times, we wait to see how much we have left over before we determine how much we can give away. The problem is that most of the time after we start spending, there is nothing left over. The habit of spending all of it is too deeply ingrained in our lives. To counteract that cycle, give first. Every payday, do the same. You just may be surprised how you won’t even miss it.
Divert one specific expense. For a month, divert one specific expense to the ministry at the Neighborhood Church. You may choose to bring a lunch to work, cook in instead of eat out, or give up Starbucks on Thursdays. Calculate the money you’ll save and then redirect it to your faith community.
Spend time with people in need. One of the most effective antidotes for non-generosity is to make space in your life for those who actually need your help. After all, it is a very small step to go from knowing somebody in need to helping somebody in need. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to volunteer one meal at your local homeless shelter, or Family Promise. Most shelters readily accept volunteers and have systems in place to get you started. And rubbing shoulders with the poor just may change your impression of them forever.
Spend time with a generous person. One of the most life-changing conversations I’ve ever had about generosity occurred when I found the courage to start asking specific questions of the right person. I remember starting with, “Have you always been generous?” And immediately followed with more: “When did you become so generous? How did it start? How do you decide where your money goes? What advice would you give someone who wants to get started?” It was life-changing. And the other guy paid for the meal… go figure.
Just a few things that have been helpful to me along the way. The leadership of NCPVE is hoping that 2024 will be the most exciting year ever for ministry here. With the startup of some new community partnerships, the calling of a new Senior Minister, and growth in our funding of ongoing ministry initiatives it can be. And your generosity will make it all possible.
Think on these things…pray your way to generous living and giving. God will surely bless our best efforts. After all, even giving is a matter of faith.
Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister