Giving it all away: seven Christians living out radical generosity

What would it look like if we lived with the kind of radical generosity that shaped the early Church?

From the beginning, followers of Jesus have modelled breathtaking generosity, holding "everything in common" and giving to anyone in need (Acts 2:44–45). While not all are called to live exactly as the first believers did, many Christians throughout history have embraced sacrificial giving that transforms lives and communities. Here are seven inspiring examples—from the days of the apostles to the present—demonstrating what happens when we choose to live with open hands.

Barnabas

We don't know much about Barnabas beyond what Luke records in Acts, but his simple act of selling a field and giving the proceeds to the apostles made him one of the earliest examples of sacrificial giving (Acts 4:36–37). At a time when many were liquidating their possessions to meet needs, Barnabas stood out. His generosity probably meant giving away a considerable inheritance and it earned him a new name. Originally known as Joseph, he was thereafter known as Barnabas, meaning "son of encouragement".

His generous attitude enabled him to play a vital role in ministering to the rapidly expanding community of believers in Jerusalem and in the growth of Christianity. From Barnabas we learn that the gift of generosity is not just about offering financial support but also about helping and encouraging others.

What would it mean for you to be a ‘son or daughter of encouragement’ to those in need today?

St Francis of Assisi

Adopting a generous lifestyle is the hallmark of Francis of Assisi. Born into a wealthy family in 12th century Italy, Francis experienced a profound conversion that led him to reject his entire inheritance, take a vow of poverty and live a simple life serving the poor.

Following Jesus’ teachings on poverty and generosity Francis chose to take “Lady Poverty” as his bride, wearing rough robes tied with a rope and begging for food and shelter. Francis' radical generosity in giving up everything inspired others to join him, forming the Franciscan order of friars known for taking vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. His joyful embrace of poverty challenged rampant materialism in the Church and helped further the gospel.

Would you be willing to embrace simplicity to lift up the poor?

John Wesley

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, demonstrated radical generosity by living simply and giving away much of his substantial income from book royalties. Though he had no high living costs as a single man, Wesley reported that his giving regularly exceeded his income, illustrating the paradoxical power of radical generosity.

Wesley famously instructed Methodists to "earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can". By his own example, he embraced that principle wholeheartedly. Wesley used his money to fund missionaries and ministers, to pay church debts and to care for widows and orphans. His generosity flowed out of his value that "money must not be hoarded but kept in constant circulation".

George Müller

The German-born George Müller was another pioneering philanthropist who relied solely on faith and the provision of donors to fund his network of orphanages across England. Over the course of nearly 63 years of operating his first home for orphans in Bristol, Müller recorded that unmistakable answers to prayers allowed him to take in nearly 10,000 orphaned children and to distribute over 300,000 Bibles – all without asking anyone for money.

Müller took literally Jesus' command to "sell your possessions and give to the poor" (Matthew 19:21). He started out with just a few shillings and never owned property, a house or belongings of significant value. Müller was able to house, feed, clothe and educate orphans through God's abundant supply to those who trust and depend on divine provision. His life gloriously modelled Jesus' teachings on radical generosity and trust in God.

Do you trust that God can provide abundantly if you choose to give radically?

Lord and Lady Kinnoull

In the 1800s, this Scottish noble couple epitomised radical philanthropy by using their vast wealth to aid vital Christian ministry at home and abroad. Inheriting a fortune from coal mines and estates, Lord and Lady Kinnoull directed large amounts of money towards the construction of churches and schools. Historical records also show the Kinnoulls gave generously to overseas mission.

Their philanthropic legacy demonstrates a commitment to generosity and investment in Christian ministry from a privileged social standing. The Kinnoulls’ example shows how you can be a rich Christian, using inherited wealth to bring about significant change for good.

What would it look like to use your own resources to bless your local community and beyond?

Millard and Linda Fuller

Millard and Linda Fuller are more recent examples of radical generosity, especially in the areas of affordable housing and alleviating poverty. As a millionaire entrepreneur, Millard had achieved the American Dream until a re-commitment to Christ led him to donate all of his possessions – multiple homes and millions of dollars – to start Habitat for Humanity in 1976.

Over the next three decades of leading Habitat, the Fullers embraced a very simple lifestyle, living off of a small salary and donations while hosting small groups in their home. As Millard said, "The economics of Jesus' way is indescribably freeing ... When you have little or no equity in the things of this world, you experience an immense liberty for kingdom righteousness." The Fullers modelled what it means to sacrifice affluent lifestyles and dedicate resources fully to serving others.

Could giving away your comforts unlock a deeper freedom for you?

Sir Peter Vardy

Another modern example of radical generosity is Sir Peter Vardy, a Scottish entrepreneur and car dealer, also known for his impactful charitable work. He became a Christian at the age of 14, a commitment that would later shape his business ethics and philanthropic focus. He took over his father's car dealership in 1976, expanding it into Reg Vardy plc, one of the UK's largest car dealership groups.

Sir Peter channelled his financial success into structured charitable initiatives through the Vardy Foundation, which has funded education projects, church building initiatives, and mission work. Among his most notable projects is Safe Families for Children, established in the UK to support families in crisis and reduce the number of children entering state care. This initiative, alongside his work with schools and evangelistic projects, showcases his commitment to practical generosity rooted in his Christian faith.

Rather than giving away his fortune in a singular act, Vardy's approach has been strategic and sustained, using his resources to make a long-term impact across education, family support, and Christian mission.

Radical generosity can start with a Stewardship Giving Account

Radical generosity is a powerful testament to God’s love and provision. These seven stories remind us that sacrificial giving isn’t reserved for the wealthy or famous—it’s a calling available to each of us, right where we are. Whether it’s a field sold for the sake of others, a mansion turned into an orphanage, or simply a commitment to give faithfully from what we have, every act of generosity reflects the heart of Christ.

If you’re looking for a practical way to start, consider opening a Stewardship Giving Account. It’s a simple, impactful way to support the causes you love, with the added benefit of Instant Gift Aid, boosting each eligible gift by 25%. Together, we can continue this legacy of generosity that began with the early Church and still changes lives today.

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