The Joy of Generosity: New ELCA Stewardship Resources
The ELCA offers The Joy of Generosity, a comprehensive, customizable four-week stewardship program designed to help congregations celebrate generosity, strengthen community, and support God's work in the world.
Developed by the Rev. Charles "Chick" Lane and the Rev. Tim Brown, the program draws on Jesus' words in Acts 20:35: "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." Rather than focusing solely on financial needs, the resources encourage congregations to explore generosity as a joyful expression of faith and gratitude for God's abundant gifts.
The four-week program includes:
Week One — The Joy of Generosity: Exploring how giving enriches our lives.
Week Two — The Joy of Living in Community: Celebrating the relationships and ministries that sustain congregational life.
Week Three — The Joy of Doing God's Work Together: Connecting generosity with serving neighbors locally and globally.
Week Four — The Invitation to Give: Encouraging members to prayerfully consider increasing their annual giving by 1% of household income.
The toolkit includes planning timelines, sermon reflections, worship talks, bulletin inserts, projection slides, congregational letters, commitment cards, and follow-up materials. Resources can be adapted to reflect each congregation's unique ministries and circumstances, with guidance for engaging online worshipers.
Congregational leaders throughout the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to explore these free resources as they plan stewardship efforts and invite their communities into a deeper understanding of generosity as a response to God's grace.
Explore the resources:
