


What does it look like when pastors cultivate a culture of generosity in the church by actively teaching and mentoring people in the spiritual act of giving?
It's generosity that's contagious. A growing number of leaders are beginning to discover that there are key factors that make some churches thrive with abundant resources while others struggle with shrinking budgets.
Jim Sheppard and Chris Willard have spent years consulting with church leaders across a broad spectrum of church settings and have gathered their observations into this resource, part of the Leadership Network Innovations Series.
Contagious Generosity highlights the best practices gleaned from real-life church leadership situations and shows how church leaders can effectively cultivate a culture of generous giving in the local church. It explains why some churches are experiencing unexplainable ministry growth and unprecedented church funding... even in the midst of tough economic times. Read the foreword by Robert Morris
When I wrote The Blessed Life, it was my hope that Christians everywhere would be inspired to live a life of generosity. Generosity and giving are incredibly important to me. As I've followed God's principles of giving, there are many times I have found myself on the giving and receiving ends of generosity. I've experienced the "blessed life" that results from obeying God in this area, and I find it so important to communicate this truth to others that it has become my life message.
As Gateway Church has grown over the last 12 years, the Lord has directed us to make generosity a core value of everything we do. We know God has called us to wisely manage our finances, as a church and as individuals so we can be the people God has called us to be. I want my congregation to be financially healthy so they can enthusiastically participate in Gods work in the kingdom.
That being said, I want to emphasize that we do not pursue generosity and stewardship as a fundraising strategy for our church. Our main goal is to raise up generous stewards. The point is to give, not to get. When you understand that everything you have comes from God, you'll have no problem using your resources to build His kingdom. He will take care of the rest.
Over the years, I've met many pastors who have asked me for help in this area. There are many churches that spend too much time focusing on making the budget work for their needs, not the needs of the kingdom. Many of their hearts are in the right place, but they need practical ways to grow generosity in their hearts and in the hearts of their congregation.
I am thankful that Jim Sheppard and Chris Willard have collaborated to bring their shared observations to the church. Their advice, which is the result of countless hours with hundreds of churches, is not to be ignored. I loved the chapter, "Follow Me," where they show how generosity has to start with leadership. I know that in order for Gateway to be a generous church, I have to first be a generous leader. The Lord has helped my wife, Debbie, and me to be generous leaders, a standard which is now mirrored in our church. Because of this generosity, God has done and is doing incredible things through Gateway Church.
I know the Lord wants to work the miracle of generosity in your church, too. Contagious Generosity will transform your thinking on biblical stewardship. Take these principles to heart as you seek to encourage and grow the people the Lord has placed under your care.
Jim Sheppard is CEO and principal of Generis. He is an avid student of generosity and is passionate about spreading it throughout the church. For over 19 years, he has devoted his life to helping church people become more generous.
Jim is a frequent writer on generosity and ministry funding. His articles have been featured in NACBA Ledger, Your Church, Church Business, Church Solutions, Worship Facilities and BuildingForMinistry.com. He is co-author of the upcoming book, "Contagious Generosity." He is also an inspirational speaker and he has spoken at national church related conferences including WFX (Worship Facilities), National Association of Church Business Administrators, Christian Leadership Alliance and Leadership Network.
Jim and his wife Nancy have two daughters, Anna and Emily, and live in Atlanta. He is actively involved in his church where he serves as an officer and provides leadership to the Generosity Ministry Team.
Jim is active in sharing his thoughts about generosity:
Twitter: twitter.com/jim_sheppard
Blog: www.jimsheppard.net
Chris Willard is a generosity strategist with more than 25 years of ministry leadership experience. Chris also serves as the director of generosity initiatives and premium services with Leadership Network. Over the years he has coached the leaders of some of the most effective churches in America as they have worked to accelerate generosity in their ministries.
Previously, Chris was executive pastor of Discovery Church in Orlando. During his tenure there, Discovery launched three multi-site venues and experienced dramatic growth. Chris and his family continue to be actively involved at Discovery where he serves as an elder. Prior to serving with Discovery, Chris worked with Campus Crusade for Christ giving leadership to and raising funds for several strategic national and international initiatives.
Chris and his wife Susan have three children, C.J., Hannah and Natalie, and live in Orlando.
Follow Chris on Twitter:
Twitter: twitter.com/chris_willard
Blog: chriswillard.me