This summer, during the Euros and the Olympics in particular, we have witnessed several high-profile UK athletes sharing their Christian faith with the watching world.
Adam Peaty, already sporting a sizeable Christian chest tattoo, said this to reporters when he had just lost by the narrowest of margins: “I asked God just to show my heart, and this is my heart. I couldn’t have done more.” Bukayo Saka, after scoring a redemptive penalty in a shoot-out that England surprisingly won, credited his assured spot kick to his faith in the plans of God. Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, immediately after clinching bronze in the 3m springboard synchro for Britain, breathlessly but simply declared, “I give the glory to God.”
It has often been a British taboo to talk about Christian faith in any public setting outside a church, let alone in a TV interview that is being beamed around the planet. But not any more. It is a sure sign that being a Christian and talking about our faith is no longer considered to be something that is only done behind closed doors, and it’s also a sign that people will listen when we talk about the difference that it makes.
The power of talking about our faith
The courage of athletes like Peaty, Saka and Spendolini-Sirieix to talk about their faith publicly can have a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same. In an England football squad, whose faith is more reminiscent of Victorian times, there are players with Christian tattoos (Ivan Toney), whose family members serve as lay preachers (Marc Guehi), who share their faith regularly on social media (Raheem Sterling) and who cite their Christian faith as the direct inspiration for their social action (Marcus Rashford).
Discussing faith openly like this clearly fosters a sense of community and mutual support, breaking down barriers and uniting people from different social and ethnic backgrounds. It also allows individuals to connect on a much deeper level. Sharing personal stories and experiences that might otherwise remain hidden has the power to change outcomes.
Moreover, this trend is not just confined to sports. Our recently launched Generosity Report highlights another dimension where talking about faith makes a significant impact: according to the report, individuals who discuss their giving are more generous. This finding underscores the powerful relationship between faith, generosity and the act of sharing our beliefs and experiences with others.
Over 1 in 5 (22%) of those who give more than 11–15% of their income discuss their giving with friends or family more than every few months. Over 3 in 5 (61%) of those that give less than 1% never discuss their giving. Practising Christians are more than twice as likely as Cultural Christians to discuss their giving with others.
Let’s talk about faith and money
The Stewardship Generosity Report 2024 offers many valuable insights into the patterns and motivations behind charitable giving. But one of the five key takeaways is that people who talk about their giving practices tend to give more. This is no doubt linked to the encouragement and accountability that come from sharing one's actions and motivations with others.
When individuals discuss their faith and the role it plays in their generosity, they inspire others to reflect on their own giving habits. This shared dialogue can create a culture of generosity, where people are motivated to give more and support various causes. The act of talking about one's faith and generosity also helps to normalise these behaviours, making them more accepted and widespread.
Sharing your faith can make a real difference
In light of these cultural developments and insights, it is clear that openly discussing our faith and the impact it has on our lives can lead to positive outcomes for others. If as Christians we share what we believe about Jesus and how it influences our generosity, it is no longer just a personal act of faith, but it becomes a communal one, something that can inspire other people.
By talking about our faith, we demonstrate the transformative power of belief in Jesus Christ and the tangible difference this makes to our lives. This can manifest in numerous ways, from peace and assurance, as exemplified by Bukayo Saka, to the strength and determination shown by Adam Peaty and the humility demonstrated by Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix.
When we share how our faith guides our actions, we provide a witness to others, showing them the real value of living a life grounded in faith.
Moreover, sharing our experiences of generosity in particular can encourage others to give more freely and joyfully. As the Stewardship Generosity Report suggests, those who talk about their giving inspire others to do the same, creating a virtuous cycle of generosity. This is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just a private matter but one that can have a profound impact on our communities and beyond.
Let us be inspired by these examples to share our beliefs about Jesus and how they shape our actions, particularly our generosity. In doing so, we not only strengthen our faith but also inspire others to live generously and authentically. By talking about our faith, we can create a more compassionate and supportive world, reflecting the love and generosity that Jesus taught us.
More on the Generosity Report
If you're interested in learning more, dive into the full report to explore the rich data and inspiring stories of generosity within the Christian community.
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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.
