Generosity can be a challenging topic to address in the pulpit, especially during economic uncertainty when congregants may already feel financial pressure. Yet, the power of generosity extends far beyond the initial act of giving.
Barna data shows a strong connection between experiencing generosity and practicing it. Those who give have often first received, creating a “virtuous cycle” of generosity that can have lasting ripple effects.
We find that over half of those who report making charitable donations within the past year (54%) also say they’ve received extraordinary generosity from others (compared to 36% of nongivers).
The data suggests that firsthand experiences of generosity can teach recipients how to be generous to others. This paints generosity as a learned skill; sharing what it means to be generous with others becomes a catalyst for generosity.
Our research also reveals that practicing Christians demonstrate higher rates of both experiencing and practicing generosity than the general population. This suggests faith communities serve as natural environments where generous behavior is modeled, taught and reinforced.
These insights offer pastors a fresh approach to talking about generosity. Rather than focusing solely on the obligation to give, consider highlighting how the church and one’s faith community can become places where generosity is both experienced and practiced.
For pastors looking to address this trend from the pulpit, download the sermon slides below, then keep reading for potential angles to help your congregation embrace generosity.
Data-Informed Preaching Prompts:
- Show how generosity spreads. Consider sharing personal stories of how receiving kindness influenced your own giving, or give others the opportunity to do this.
- Frame generosity as learnable. Remind your congregation that generosity isn’t innate but taught and caught. Highlight how Jesus modeled giving and challenge parents to demonstrate generosity for their children.
- Position your church as a generosity hub. Create intentional opportunities for members to both give and receive. The data suggests churches function as natural hubs where generosity flourishes through regular exposure and practice.
- Connect giving to spiritual formation. Help people understand that generosity isn’t just about meeting needs but about becoming more Christlike. The majority of practicing Christians cite Jesus as their model for generosity.
- Expand beyond financial giving. Broaden your teaching to include generosity with time, talents, attention and even forgiveness. This helps everyone participate in the cycle of giving, regardless of financial capacity.
If you use this resource in a sermon, let us know! Mention @barnagroup and #statsforsermons on Facebook, Instagram or X to share how you used this data in your preaching.
