A Baylor University professor has been preaching a message some may consider radical in American society — even during the holidays: generosity.
It’s also a concept close to the hearts of pastors struggling to convince shrinking memberships to tithe at consistent and increasing levels. Individual giving to either charity or church must become a way of life, not a one-and-done deal, experts on philanthropy and tithing say.
Tithing is a beginning point for Christian response to the grace of God, said George Bullard, a church consultant and president of the Columbia Partnership.
“Generosity as an act of gratitude really begins to take shape once the foundational concept of tithing has been achieved,” he said.
At Baylor scholar Andy Hogue has focused on philanthropy and generosity — and he’s been sharing that message with students in his “Philanthropy and the Public Good” course.
“What does it mean to be a generous person?” asked Hogue, director of Baylor’s Civic Education and Community Service Program.
Spirit of generosity
“Whatever our station, however much money or resources we have, we all have something to share and something to give,” he said.
Hogue offered four ways individuals and families can develop a spirit of generosity in the new year.
- Generosity starts with gratitude. “That is the very first step, just being grateful for what we have, but also realizing that to those given much, much is expected, and to begin thinking about not possessing things but stewarding things,” Hogue said. “Think of the many things we have that might benefit others, whether that is our time, our talents or our finances.”
- Generosity is more than just a transaction. “Think of philanthropy, generosity and giving as more than writing a check. Think of it as something that can be transformative and realize that there is no such thing as an unhappy generous person.”
- Generosity is a muscle you have to exercise. “If we can’t give of ourselves when we have limited means, what makes us expect that we would do it when we have more means? We all … have resources that can be put to use for the benefit of someone else.”
- Generosity can be creative. There are inspired ways to give birthday or Christmas gifts in honor of a family member or friend that bring about a beautiful thing Hogue likes to call the “philanthropy of collaboration.”
“Imagine the many things that come together in this one simple act: you, the giver, are enriched by the series of events you set into motion while the person you honor with the gift appreciates your generosity and imagination,” Hogue said.
“You can go the traditional route — make a donation and give the person a piece of paper (acknowledging the gift) — or there are amazing web-based resources that can help people make very impactful gifts even with limited amounts,” Hogue said. “You give five dollars and … it can go toward fighting disease in Africa, providing books for a teacher’s classroom or buying someone in a poor country a goat or a cow … that can be a source of … income.” (Baptist News Global)
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