Year-end Generosity

Did you know that people naturally tend to be more generous at certain times of the year?

American culture tends to be more generous in October, November, and December than at any other time of the year. Think about it. October is the month of harvest, so we celebrate by giving away candy. November is the month of gratitude and thanksgiving. December is the month of holiday gift-giving. During these three months, people are less likely to be offended by requests for generosity because they naturally want to be more generous.

Statistics show that people are 25% more generous with their money in the last three months of the year, which is no different in the church. Vanco Payment Services reports that up to 31% of a church’s annual giving comes in December. This may explain why many churches hold Missions Weeks, Harvest Parties, and Community Impact events during this time. It is also the season when we bless our church staff with Christmas gifts; if you’re looking for a special way to bless your team this Christmas, read Tiffany Henning’s article titled Top Ten Christmas Gift Ideas for Pastors and Staff.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” As spiritual leaders, we understand that where we put our treasure doesn’t only show where our heart is; it determines where our heart goes. During the last few months of the year, Americans’ hearts seem more aligned with what God treasures. This makes it an excellent time to promote and develop a lifestyle of generosity in our church family, as we see on display in Exodus 35:29, where “every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the LORD had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the LORD.” We live a lifestyle of generosity when we live with open hands and give freely to the Lord.

James wrote in his letter, “You have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2). Since this is the season to be generous, it is also a great time to ask His church to be generous by reminding them of special projects or mission work you hope to accomplish before the year’s end. Remind them of year-end tax benefits. Remind them of your Christmas office hours and the easy ways they can give before midnight on December 31. Remind them by sharing stories that communicate the impact of their generosity over the years. For additional ideas, read this helpful article by Tithe.ly titled Ten Ways to Maximize Your End-of-the-year Offering.

Friends, I’ve discovered we can live open-handed or closed-handed. Living closed-handed means holding our possessions tightly, being reluctant to share, and trusting only in our abilities. Living open-handed means holding things loosely, being willing to share, trusting God as our provider, and experiencing His goodness. Which way do you desire your church to live?

Leadership Lesson: Your values direct your decisions.