2. Generous churches are led by generous leadership.
Generosity always flows from the top down.
“Generous pastors lead generous churches. Stingy #pastors lead stingy churches.”
But it’s not just up to the pastor. All leadership must model generosity.
Look at the biblical model for generosity in 1 Chronicles 29.
When it came to rebuilding the Temple, King David gave generously first. Then the commanders and officials of the nation of Israel gave generously. Then and only then were the people asked to give generously.
As a result, the Temple was fully funded.
It’s no different today.
3. Generous churches are outwardly focused—and their budgets reflect it.
When I consult with couples and individuals about their personal finances and the topic of giving comes up, I often hear this statement:
“You just don’t understand. I can’t afford to give.”
My response is similar each time:
“You’ll never be able to afford to give until you simply start giving. When you are faithful and generous with the first of your income, God is bound by His Holy Word to protect and bless the rest.”
If you’re a pastor who just read the above statement, you probably agree 100 percent.
Then why is it so hard to grasp this concept when it comes to the finances of your church?
First and foremost, the church is commanded to love the “least of these”—the widow, the orphan, the homeless, the hungry and the hurting.
Always make missional giving a priority. Budget for it, then follow through.
