MEET YOUR GENEROUS FOLKS

          Last week, I talked about sharing the stories of a church’s generosity in the past and currently, learning about the history of ministry—particularly as it relates to a new pastor joining a congregation as of the new appointment year, and for current pastors to learn (or re-learn) some of the history.

          Sharing stories and talking about the past can often be encouraging and fun to remember. But it’s not the end of the work that should be started (or continued) around generosity. This is an important step for a new pastor starting with a congregation, but is something that could be helpful for a current pastor who has been with a congregation for some time.

          Learn who the top ten most generous people are in the congregation. That is not necessarily the highest monetary donors.

The Widow’s Offering

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

 

          Ask around. Who do others think are the most generous. They may be big money givers, but they may people who are true servants in the church. Learn who they are and meet with them. Learn their WHY?

• ·        Why do they love the church?
• ·        What does the church do that they generously support?
• ·        What are the stories that resound with them?
• ·        Why do they support their church?
• ·        Why are they generous?

          This information from your most-generous, getting to know your most-generous, and hearing the stories will help you help others to be generous, and help you direct the congregation in their WHY as a church, in doing the work that God has called them to do, and in being the church God has called them to be.