One of the main reasons that people do not give to their church is simply that they are not asked. This ask needs to come in many forms, individual and personal, but also within a church’s general preaching and teaching.
We know how important it is for our churches to embrace a culture of generosity, both financial and beyond, and that this can take a lot of prayer, care and work. However, by starting with the simple things, such as making sure that generosity is mentioned in sermons and intercessions, we can start to see it bloom within the church’s life.
As we begin the new liturgical year, we wanted to share some of the excellent resources that other dioceses have created to help with the discussion of generosity in churches.
Diocese of Exeter - https://exeter.anglican.org/resources/generous-giving/
Some great resources that particularly focus on rural settings and engaging the village community in your fundraising.
Diocese of Liverpool - https://liverpool.anglican.org/making-it-easier-parishes/talking-money/
Resources on talking about generosity as part of Advent, with a particular focus on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King and the first Sunday of Advent.
Diocese of Newcastle - https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/mission-ministry-discipleship/growing-in-faith-discipleship/generosity/teaching-nurturing/
A range of resources, including advice for encouraging donations at Christmas and a Lent course that explores generosity in different ways.
Diocese of Rochester - https://www.rochester.anglican.org/for-leaders/preaching-generosity/
A weekly thought, based on the lectionary, about how that week’s Sunday readings relate to the theme of generosity.
If you have any questions or would like to talk about any of the resources, please contact Chris Boden (cboden@cofe-worcester.org.uk) or Robyn Rooney (rrooney@cofe-worcester.org.uk) in our Stewardship Team.