One of the key takeaways from the Stewardship Generosity Report was that those who discuss their giving tend to be more generous. This is because generosity, like most spiritual disciplines, is enhanced when it is shared within a close community (Proverbs 27:17).
This discussion guide is designed to help you and your group of friends engage in a meaningful conversation about generosity. Together you will explore biblical perspectives on giving, share personal experiences and encourage each other in your giving journeys.
We've also created the following discussion guide as a download that you can use on your device, print out and share with others.
Read three key Bible passages
Spend some time reading the following Bible passages together and allow the truth of God’s word to direct the conversation from the outset.
2 Corinthians 9:5–15
Mark 12:41–44
Luke 10:30–37
Start the conversation
Once you’ve read through the Bible passages, take some time to answer the following questions based around the passages.
- In the 2 Corinthians passage, why do you think it’s important that God loves a cheerful giver?
- What does the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12 teach us about the heart of giving?
- How can we apply the lesson of the Good Samaritan in our community today in relation to generosity and giving?
Consider the wider questions
- How have you experienced God's provision in your life?
- How does recognising God as the source of all we have impact your view on giving?
- What motivates you to be generous and what are some factors that might demotivate you from giving?
- Share a time when you felt prompted to give generously. How did it feel?
- Have you ever felt like your contribution was too small to make a difference? How might Jesus respond to that assumption?
Take the next steps
Set some personal giving goals
Reflect on your current giving practices. What changes or steps do you feel called to make?
Consider setting a specific goal for your giving, such as a percentage of your income or a commitment to support a particular cause.
Create a group commitment
As a group, decide on a cause or project to support together. This could be a local charity, a church initiative or an international mission.
Plan regular check-ins to discuss your progress and share stories of impact.
Finish in prayer
Spend time in prayer, asking God to guide your decisions about giving, and pray for the causes and individuals you feel led to support.
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant provision in our lives. Help us to be cheerful and generous givers, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us. Guide our hearts and minds as we seek to honour You with our resources. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Further reading and resources
The Stewardship Generosity Report
We've also created the above discussion guide as a download that you can use with your friends either on your device or print out. You can also share it with the group as you work through it together.
Generous Newsletter
Monthly emails for supporters. Inspiration, practical tools and guidance to support the causes you love in more meaningful ways.
Matt Holderness
Matt joined Stewardship in 2022 with over twenty years of marketing experience from roles at Kendal College and Capernwray Bible School. He has degrees in Business and Marketing, Theology, Management and most recently a Masters in Hermeneutics.
Through raising awareness of Stewardship’s services, Matt helps people explore the impact their generosity can have on the church and Christian charities. He’s passionate about supporting Evangelism and Bible causes, and has a particular interest in charities that are helping people in Poverty and Debt in the UK.
