If you’re looking for a gift for a book-lover or anticipate some extra reading time yourself over the holidays, here’s four book recommendations from Stewardship colleagues which could inspire a new outlook for 2026.
A joyful first look at counter-cultural generosity
'The Treasure Principle', by Randy Alcorn
“This little book beautifully sets out what it looks like when men and women take Jesus at His word when He says it is better for us to store up treasure in heaven than hoard it in our lives now. Randy uses scripture principles and examples from Christians across history to invite us into the adventure of radical generosity. It lays out a counter-cultural approach that we can have in our relationship with money.
It's an accessible read, but the content is profound and challenging, and one that you'd come back to again and again. As you read it, you'll catch a sense of the joy that comes from giving and will be encouraged to experience that joy yourself too!”
Recommended by Mark Cowley, CRM Product Manager
A generosity deep-dive
'Practicing the King’s Economy', by Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt and Brian Fikkert
“I’ve been reading this and have found it a refreshing, practical and often challenging look at what it means to follow Jesus with our money and everyday financial choices. It explores six biblical 'keys' that reframe stewardship as something bigger than charitable giving, touching on how we work, spend and save.
It's not light reading, but if you’re looking for a deeper dive into how Christian generosity fits into your daily discipleship, this one’s well worth reading.”
Recommended by Matt Holderness, Head of Marketing
For the mission-focused visionary
'A Spirituality of Fundraising', by Henri Nouwen
“This book transformed my thinking about fundraising and developed an understanding that asking for support is an invitation into a shared mission, helping others participate in God’s work – so much more than simply asking for money.
Nouwen invites us to see giving and asking as opportunities for mutual growth in faith, rooted in trust in God’s abundance. Seen in this light, fundraising is a spiritual practice where both giver and receiver grow in faith and gratitude through the act of generosity."
Recommended by Clare Walker, Relationship and Events Manager
A Christian’s practical guide to creation care
'L is for Lifestyle', by Ruth Valerio
“This was my lockdown read and is written from the Christian perspective of participating in God’s creation, rather than being consumers of it. This book immediately inspired me to action, starting with washing my hair less, using bars of soap to reduce plastic, growing my own veg and moving my bank and utilities to more ethical organisations.
The A-Z chapters cover global issues such as money, plastic, recycling, refugees and water. It might seem overwhelming, but it’s an easy-to-read format and provides helpful action points that encourage you to examine your own situation to see where positive changes can be made to live a more ethical lifestyle. This is not just for eco-warriors but a good guide for anyone who wants to have a few new ideas on simple changes they can make to engage with global issues on a practical level.”
Recommended by a member of our Accounts Examination team
Lock-in your new year generosity now, with 40acts
40acts is the Stewardship campaign that puts a joyful twist on the tradition of giving things up in Lent. This community of 40,000 members chooses instead to give things away.
From chocolate bars and kind notes to bigger, sacrificial acts, sign-up today to hear more about the campaign and receive daily reminders of each challenge.
Learn to live more generously
Join thousands receiving insights and reflections that encourage a life of generosity. Sign up to Generous today and receive a free digital copy of Money and the Gospel.
James Bishop
James is our Digital Marketing Manager and works within our Purpose team to connect Christians to the causes they care about and to inspire them to live out the freedom that active generosity offers. He works on website content and email newsletters, advertising on social media and making sure people using search engines can find us. James also contributes to campaigns such as 40acts and the Generosity Report.
Before joining Stewardship in 2025, James worked in marketing departments of all sizes, from a biotech startup to a large civil engineering consultancy and most recently a learning disability charity.
James lives in Surrey and serves in a local church as a director of their non-profit community café and on their AV team. James is reluctantly making a middle-age transition from football to golf and loves making homemade pizza and good coffee.
