The Generosity Challenge
"Test me in this … and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10 NIV
why give?
When we look in Scripture, we find God's generosity filling the pages. In the ultimate act of generosity, it says that "He did not spare his own son but freely gave him up for us all" (Romans 8:32). There’s nothing more radical that God could have done. There's no greater gift God could have given.
The Gospel is the story of God's radical generosity. We received what we did not deserve through Jesus’ journey to the cross. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
And the invitation for every follower of Jesus is to become like him and do what he did. To reflect the generosity of God to a lost and hurting world.
We realize that financial generosity especially is a challenge. With bills, student loans, daily expenses, and the reality of our current economy, there are so many things competing for our dollars. When it feels like you're barely making it each month, the thought of giving some of it away can feel impossible.
But here's the thing...everything we have comes from his hand (see Deut. 8:17-18), and the Bible invites us to give back to Him a portion of our income and also promises to take care of us as we give in faith (see Prov. 3:9-10). Are you willing to take Him up on his promise?
Remember—generosity is about heart posture, not an amount (see Luke 21:1-4).
We want to invite you to join our church family in this challenge; to take Jesus at His words and practice joyful, sacrificial giving.
Join us and see what God will do!
"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24-25
The challenge
WHEN: 8 WEEKS, FEBRUARY 4 - MARCH 31, 2024*
THE GOAL: To walk in open-handed obedience to the teachings of Scripture, be formed into generous people, & experience freedom from anxiety around finances.
Recall the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the church at Corinth.
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
what to expect
1. Decide
Complete this simple form to accept the challenge.
This lets us know you’re participating and allows us to email you details and some encouragement along the way. Specifically, you’ll receive 1 email each week for 8 weeks that includes a specific practice for that week!
2. Give
The challenge will incorporate three categories of giving: 1) To the church, 2) to the poor, and 3) above and beyond.
To the church: We believe that giving to your local house of worship is one of the primary ways we are invited to practice generous giving in Scripture. You’ll be invited to commit to giving a regular gift for the duration of the challenge.
To the poor: Scripture talks extensively about giving to the poor and marginalized. You’ll be invited to prayerfully consider giving a gift or series of gifts to one of several local organizations serving underprivileged communities, as well as some other creative ways to be generous in your daily life.
Above and beyond: Finally, after giving to the local church and the poor, above and beyond giving is an opportunity to enter into the sacrificial but also fun and joyful aspect of giving! You’ll be invited to consider giving to causes you are passionate about or carry a burden for, and also some ways you can practice this kind of generosity in your daily life.
3. Evaluate
During your 8-weeks of practicing the grace of generosity, we encourage you to keep a record of your experience. What work do you notice the Holy Spirit doing in your heart? What are practical stories of impact, “big” or “small” that you’ve encountered during the challenge (there is no such thing as small giving in the Kingdom economy!).
Note: Relflection will also be among the series of weekly practices over the 8 weeks.
Some Ideas:
Journal - Start a note in your phone. Record moments of giving and the thoughts, feelings, and experiences you have related to the practice.
Testify - Share your testimony with us using the form below. We’d love to know what God is doing in and through you during the challenge!
"Test me in this … and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10
Additional tips:
Do it together - Consider doing the challenge with other people: friends, family, your lifegroup, etc. This can help you stay focused and create opportunity to celebrate impact together!
Steward well - Please do not take on debt to practice generosity. Instead, find ways to sacrifice non-essential expenses for the sake of generosity.
*These dates are simply a framework to help our church family begin a journey of generosity together. These dates are not required; you can begin or end the challenge however you wish! We encourage you to take up this challenge between you and God.
For assistance with managing our updating giving to the church, please email admin@antiochfullerton.com.