It would be so simple if it was just one thing that could prove to be the “magic potion.” I sure wish it was so. However, the beauty of a multi-pronged approach is that you will be helping the people in your church to
- become more open,
- accept incremental change, and
- embrace the gifts of all generations who come through your doors.

Proclaiming the Good News of a risen Christ goes hand in hand with proclaiming generosity. We have been provided a fantastic gift of new life and, in turn, that requires action on our part.

Inspiring generosity is a holistic adventure. It is not solely about money. It is about developing a culture of gratitude and gratefulness for what God has done in your life. That’s means welcoming those who walk through your doors, thankful that they have chosen to spend an hour with you to explore their faith.

Here’s the good news: there’s already a handy list of “strong suggestions” of things to do to avoid that pit-in-your-stomach feeling when someone asks, “Hey, what’s the password to get into our Treasurer’s computer?”

A calendar like this would have helped in my work as the Finance Chair at my local church. We may not have checked every box in the calendar, but it would have helped to know what things should have been done and when.

Moving beyond numbers and developing Guiding Financial Principles means thinking about your committee’s purpose and vision. About what God might be calling your committee to do and how it might make decisions.

While the Spelman donation might seem like a “miracle” gift, it is not.

- The need was evident.
- The impact of the gift was made clear.
- It was carefully nurtured over the years.

Ash Wednesday is just the beginning...the beginning of repentance as we move toward the glorious new beginning of Resurrection Sunday. Let your light continue to shine during these next 40 days because generosity – in all its forms – should never take a break.

By providing people the space and opportunity to give away their money to fund life-changing, potentially world-shaking ministry, you are participating in a subversive act that is counter cultural.

Undoubtedly, you will be changed just by making other people feel good. Years ago, I had a pastor tell me, “When I wrote those Valentine’s Day cards, I fell in love with my congregation all over again.”