Journey of Generosity
As followers of God, we're called to lead generous lives. But how?
By Karin Harper
Aren't we all drawn to generous people - generous with their time, t love, encouragement and what they own? I think generosity is one of the qualities that have the potential to profoundly impact our friends & neighbors who don't know God yet. There is something so attractive about people who don't hold on too tightly to what they have. Those who see themselves as stewards of their gifts, relationships, jobs, time and resources can be such a powerful channel of God's love to the world!
But how do we become more generous? It can start with a conversation. Several at Woodmen (including Pastors, Elders and their spouses) have had the opportunity to participate in a "Journey of Generosity" (JOG). A JOG is a Friday evening and Saturday morning experience in someone's home with a small group of people (no more than 15). A JOG, thankfully, doesn't involve any running! Still, it does include watching stories of people living beautifully generous lives, discussing scripture and considering the joy of giving in a conversational, safe environment.
As someone who has taken a JOG, the most powerful part for me was being inspired by many stories of radical generosity that led to such joy and adventure. Each story involved listening to God & following what He invited people into. It made me want to make every decision a spiritual decision.
Here is what others have said about their experience…
"This was the best thing that has happened to our marriage in years! My husband is not much of a talker, but he will talk about money! And, in those discussions, a lot of other subjects were opened for discussion!" - Gwen
"Journey of Generosity challenged me in my Biblical understanding of generosity and how it ties to God's call on our lives to steward all that is His. As an individual who has a heart for stewardship, being intentional with others in setting this time aside to reflect on and be encouraged in God's generosity toward us was such a joy-filled experience." – Mike
"We were so grateful to have attended a JOG and then to host one. It really inspired us with its many examples of creative ways to give and to be more spontaneous in giving." – Molly
"The JOGs we have attended have blessed us with God's perspective on generosity. It has changed our focus from being an owner of resources to a steward of God's resources. We are excited to be having this conversation in the big "C" church and see what is possible within a community when God changes people's perspectives about resources of time, talent and treasure." - Steve & Marlaine
"Participating in a JOG has caused us to reframe our thinking around how we steward all the resources God has given to us (time, money, our home, etc.). It's really impacted our thinking and helped us have a mindset of being able to freely bless others and experience the joy in giving. We often ask ourselves - Is there a reason not to give?" – Justin & Stephanie
To learn more and register for an upcoming JOG, click below!
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