WE DON'T JUST "DO CHURCH", BUT GIVE OUR LIVES TO GOD'S PLAN BELIEVING THAT GENEROSITY IS WORSHIP. WE SEEK TO BE GENEROUS WITH OUR TIME, TALENTS, AND TREASURES, THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY BE EXPANDED IN AND THROUGH US.

BEING DISCIPLED IN GENEROSITY

As disciples, our end goal is to grow more in the image of Christ -- to be more like Him not only in what we do but how we do it, and why we do it. The 'what' we're called to do is vast (though it can be summed up in the Great Commission in Matt. 28:18-20!), but 'how' we do these things is equally as important. Our greatest command is to love the Lord with all of our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength (Mark 12:30), in many ways encompassing the 'how' and 'why' of our walk with Christ.

Though it's easy to only worship God in part, or more with certain portions of our being, we want to love and worship God with all of our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength (Mark 12:30). 

soul strength mind heart generous worship

So, what does this have to do with generosity? If you step back and reflect on the four quadrants of the pie chart, you may notice that you are motivated to give from a specific area more than another. Maybe it's from a place of obedience because you know you're 'supposed to' as a Christian, but you have no joy in it. In that case, you're loving the Lord with your strength (producing obedience) but not with your heart (producing joy).

This tool is meant to help you self-reflect; to diagnose how you're doing with each measure, and give direction into which area you want to (or need to) grow more in your pursuit of Jesus when it comes to generosity.

YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Often, we just give and don't really think about what happens with our giving. Or, we don't give because we don't realize the difference our giving could make. Your giving really does make a difference! Virtually every form of ministry at The Well (and in every movement around the world) requires financial backing. Our vision to plant hundreds of churches will take lots of sacrifices relationally, with our time, our talents, and our financial treasures. Our Staff Team is supported through giving; our ministries, events, spaces we gather in, material we print, coffee to help our guests (and you!) feel welcomed...everything takes giving! This means when you give, no matter the size, it's being used to exalt Christ, make disciples, and impact the world all for the glory of God!

STEPS OF SELF-REFLECTION

  1. Self-Assess which portion(s) motivate your giving.

  2. Pray and ask God which portion(s) He wants you to grow in.

  3. Commit to taking specific next steps on Commitment Sunday (as outlined in a Commitment Card) to grow in your specific portion.

  4. Consider giving over & above what's usual as the Lord leads you.

pie chart with strength
OBEDIENT GIVER - STRENGTH

I give from a willingness to obey what the Scriptures call me to do with my finances. I know the Bible talks about tithing as a general baseline, so I'm going to follow God's commands and give as a discipline and an act of obedience as best as I am able.

Potential Pitfalls: Sometimes I can become robotic and move out of habit or obligation.

pie chart with heart
JOYFUL GIVER - HEART

I give from my heart; my emotions are involved in my giving. I love the feeling of giving and getting to be a part of the mission of God. It brings me joy to know I get to be a part of this.

Potential Pitfall: Sometimes I can be overly emotional and not very consistent or sacrificial when I don’t feel good about giving.

pie chart with mind
THOUGHTFUL GIVER - MIND

I give with intention and purpose in mind. I give regularly and thoughtfully, knowing this is something God has called me to do. I want to be a good steward of my finances, which means being fully aware of my spending, my giving, and my saving.

Potential Pitfall: Sometimes I can be skeptical and overthink things, not allowing faith or submission to leadership to help guide me.

pie chart with soul
SACRIFICIAL GIVER - SOUL

I give from a deep conviction inside, by faith, when I consider how Jesus paid it all, so I owe everything to Him. I want to give above and beyond so that I can make as much of an impact in the Kingdom as possible.

Potential Pitfall: Sometimes I see entitlement creep in and I feel like I'm owed something because of all of the sacrifices that I’m making.

RESOURCES

generosity
GENEROSITY AT THE WELL

Take a look at this 1-page document covering the basics of what we hope that generosity at The Well will look like following this heart, soul, mind, and strength format.

vision fund
Vision Fund

Over and above giving that is made during this period will be allocated to our Vision Fund for our largest need, vision, impact, and focus. Check out this infographic to find out more!

discipleship
DISCIPLESHIP REFLECTION TOOL

This heart, soul, mind, and strength format doesn't only apply to generosity. This is how we should be as disciples of Christ. Use this reflection tool to consider other applications in your spiritual life.

study test
CG Curriculum

Each week of our Generous Worship series, our Community Groups (CGs) walked through a discussion-based curriculum and worksheets to deeper engage with the Sunday sermons and reflect together on their generosity.