Christianity is far more than a set of ideas we believe; it is a beautiful way we follow. Christians do not simply claim Jesus Christ as Lord, we also seek to become more and more like him. Generosity is one hallmark of a living, growing faith in Christ. Generosity and faith are deeply connected: as we grow in generosity, we grow in faith, and as our faith deepens, generosity naturally follows. In this document we set forth our theology of generosity: how our beliefs about God lead us toward an active, growing, and generous faith.

"God said, 'Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness.'"  
Genesis 1:26

We were all made in the image of our unfathomably generous God. There is not one person who lacks God's divine image on their soul. This means God's generous nature is woven into our nature, not just for a select few but for all of us. We were made to be generous.

"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it."
  Psalm 24:1

Everything we see, including everything that seems to belong to us, in fact belongs to God. Sacrificial generosity begins to feel possible when we realize that we are the stewards, not the owners, of all that we have.

Generosity is a release.

"The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7

The world's hold on our minds and hearts seems strong, but it is in fact weak. When we begin to give our lives away – through money, time, and effort – the grip of worldly anxieties relaxes, and the peace of God begins to enfold us.

Generosity brings us closer to God.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."  
Hebrews 13:16

Generosity is not primarily about money, but about our relationship with God. Generosity helps us become less worldly and more heavenly. It makes us holy, because it brings us closer to God. The more we give away, the more God is able to enter in.

Generosity is sustained by community.

"As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you."  
Philippians 4:9

Generosity is contagious, and when we witness others living generously, it inspires us to do the same. We hold one another to the same standard and, with grace and love, encourage each other toward deeper faith.

Generosity is about hearts, not budgets.

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  
Matthew 6:21

Our need to practice generosity is far more important than the church's need for our giving. We give to shape our hearts for the better, yet in God's economy, what strengthens our souls also provides for the life of the church.

Generosity is a journey.

"Command those who are rich in this world to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 
1 Timothy 6:18-19

Generosity is part of the journey of becoming more fully who we are intended to be. We should never feel settled in our giving, as though we have "mastered it," but rather embrace opportunities to grow in generosity day by day.

Generosity takes planning.

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income." 
1 Corinthians 16:2

Generosity requires intention and effort. We invite everyone to practice the Biblical standard of giving called the tithe (10%), but achieving such a goal requires planning, patience, and persistence—just like all bold goals that have the power to change us for the better.

Generosity does not end when we die.

"They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever."  
Psalm 112:9

Just as when we die our life is changed, not ended, so too is our capacity to practice generosity. We cannot take our material wealth with us into the life that awaits us, but we can behave richly toward those who will live on after us, including the Church.

Generosity doesn't flow in one direction.

"So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith."
Galatians 6:10

The Church should be the highest priority for our generosity, and we also understand that the kingdom of God is present in many places. Truly generous people do not limit their giving to one recipient, but practice generosity wherever Christlike work occurs.