When we think of generosity, we might look at the size of the gift or the nobility of the cause. We might call someone "generous," for example, who contributes a modest sum to a charitable cause to promote the good of society. But Jesus measured generosity by a radically new standard: the condition of the giver's heart.

The apostle Paul said that even the most lavish donations are empty acts in God's sight if ... read full post

One of the biggest reasons some churchgoers fear sermons about money is that those sermons are almost always tied to an annual stewardship or capital campaign. It's inevitable for members to grumble when they feel that there is an agenda around the preaching. Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Atlanta says it well, "When it comes to stewardship and generosity, do your people know what you want for them ... read full post

Most pastors have developed their own theological view of the tithe and may feel compelled to preach on it during a series. Unfortunately, the message doesn't seem to be getting through because less than 10% of church members actually tithe.

It's often effective to position the tithe as the "training wheels of giving." God desires for us to be truly generous, not bound to any particular formula or number. And ... read full post  |  1 comments