Generosity header

Generous Thinking 

 

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

 

    ~Winston Churchill

 

In This Issue
Generosity is a Willing Spirit...
Webinar
Fearless Generosity
Book Review
Footprints of Generosity
Quick Links

Generous Disciples
 

American Baptist Churches USA

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This e-resource
is a ministry of
American Baptist Churches USA
July 2014
 

Generosity is at the heart of Christian discipleship.  Generosity is more than just being financially gracious, it is a way of life, a spirit, a grace.  Generosity is the way in which Jesus called his followers into the world, pouring out compassion, hospitality, companioning presence, and courageous justice.  Through this newsletter and our Generous Disciples webpage, my hope is we can be in conversation about nurturing generosity in our congregations, our communities, our families, and most importantly, ourselves.  Last time, I shared the first of three articles on Generosity, entitled,

In this issue of Generosity, I invite you to muse with me on how

 

 

 

 

~Rev. Stacy Emerson

Stewardship Facilitator, Mission Resource Development

American Baptist Churches USA

 
Generosity is a Willing Spirit...

Generosity is about a willing spirit.  In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Paul writes that during their affliction the Macedonians voluntarily gave "according to their means and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry."  Their generosity was not the product of mind games, cajoling, arm bending, or savvy marketing practices.  Paul did not show up with a power point presentation, lining out a strategy for the growth of their investment.  He presented them with a need found somewhere else.  He did not deny their own need-Paul did not even want to put a burden on an already burdened community, but they pleaded with him to get involved.  Which has to make us ask, why?  Why when your own resources are limited would you want to offer up what you do have to someone else?

            Generosity is a "grace" according to the Macedonians and to Paul...  

 

Generosity is a Willing Spirit 

Webinar: How to Lead in Stewardship - Raise More Money with Less Stress

Stewardship does not have to be the hardest thing you do at church.

Presented by Rev. Margaret Marcuson, this Webinar includes an alternative to non-stop fundraising, convincing people to give more - or simply cutting the budget. It's what you bring to stewardship that you already have and not about learning the latest technique. Marcusen works with churches who want to create a ministry that lasts and clergy who want to have more impact on the people they serve best.

This Webinar, "How to Lead in Stewardship - Raise More Money with Less Stress," was produced by Mission Resource Development, American Baptist Churches USA. This ministry is made possible because of your generous support of United Mission.

View the webinar here

Fearless Generosity
"Fearless Generosity" is a four- week that invites your congregation to consider fearless living, service, sowing and giving. It encourages you to learn and grow together by inviting persons to share their testimonies and by engaging in congregational challenges that can strengthen your ministry throughout the year. 
Click here for Judson Press Fearless Generosity
Book Review

Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation by Charles R. Lane, Augsburg Books, 2006.  

Churches need to know 3 verbs and do them over and over again: Ask. Thank. Tell. In this book, Charles Lane reflects on current challenges congregations are facing in their stewardship ministry as well as the simplicity of learning how to ask, thank, and tell as we grow disciples in Christ. He suggests breaking up the stewardship team into 3 parts so each verb receives the attention and focus it needs for a healthy stewardship ministry.  This book offers both an opportunity for reflection and practical suggestions for pastors and stewardship teams.

 

Footprints of Generosity

Check out our website for "Footprints of Generosity": bulletin inserts for use in worship.  This month, Phyllis Goodyear shares reflections on "What is Abundance?" Footprints can be found under the "Resources for Worship" subheading...

 

www.generousdisciples.org 

  
Peace,

Rev. Stacy Emerson, Stewardship Facilitator
Mission Resource Development
American Baptist Churches USA

American Baptists serving as the hands and feet of Christ


2014 Mission Resource Development, American Baptist Churches USA 
This resource is provided to you as a ministry of American Baptist Churches USA
 because American Baptists are united in mission through United Mission. 
Thank you for your gifts to United Mission!