Is generosity the new evangelism? 

A generous life has the power to change lives today, writes Wendy Pawsey, head of giving for the Evangelical Alliance, and author of Generous with a Capital G, part of the 2024 Big Church Read.

When we act with generosity for the benefit of others, it offers the recipient and those watching a clear picture of Christ

‘Is Generosity the New Evangelism?’ is a chapter in my book, Generous with a Capital G, and a subject I want us to briefly dip our toe into within this article.

Before we start, take a moment to consider what your unique gift is?

My unique gift is the ability to recognise certain things about the sectors or geographical areas I’m submerged in.

I know that doesn’t sound particularly impressive, but before you discount my gift entirely, let me elaborate a bit. I spent the first 16 years of my life living in an inner-city council estate called Custom House, situated in the East End of London.

My gift was I could spot the Custom House accent, not the East End cockney accent, but the Custom House accent for years. I could tell the difference between that and any other London accent; for me the Custom House accent stood alone and was instantly recognisable.

I haven’t lived in Custom House for a few decades, and my gift has evolved. I’m now immersed in the charity and Christian world and can normally spot a charity worker or Christian immediately, based on their choice of clothes, stance and language. What a gift! Not sure where or when I’ll ever use this gift, but a gift is a gift, thanks be to God.

And the reason I share this is just as I could distinguish a Custom House accent from any other, or pick out a Christian or charity worker, people should be able to tell that we are followers of Jesus.

The generous nature of our words, actions and behaviours should be an indicator as to whom we belong and at the very least, others should question what is different about us.

Part of that difference should be generous, loving evangelism.

I want to suggest the mark of generous, loving evangelism is true, selfless concern for others’ physical, material, psychological and spiritual needs.

There are thousands of churches, individuals and organisations that generously reach out in love to those in their community. They are serving in ways that make others question their motives and open the doors for them to explain about the love of Jesus. Often this avenue to serve is only possible through the gift of giving generously (Romans 12:8).

As someone who is part of a church that wholeheartedly serves their local community and walks with others who are doing the same, I know it isn’t always easy.

However, that is to be expected as when we look at Scripture, generous, loving evangelism wasn’t always easy, restricted to a sweet, sentimental feeling or an annual event. It meant feeling the cost, stepping out in faith and getting your hands dirty on a regular basis.

We see this in Acts 2:42-47 where the believers met together, ate together, prayed together, shared what they had, practised hospitality and welcomed new believers. These new Christians were positively impacting those around them, they were acting in a way that was counter-cultural and could not be ignored.

In 2 Corinthians 9:13-15, Paul encourages us by sharing:

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

Here generosity is not limited to sharing possessions but has opened the door to sharing the gospel. Generosity should never be used to manipulate or have conditions attached, although it does offer one of the most powerful ways to share the blessings of God for the advancement of His kingdom.


What does love in action, inserted into real-life activities, look like in 2024?

With more food banks in the UK than a certain well-known fast-food chain, and with most of them operating from churches, with 74 per cent of all parents with children under the age of five having attended a church-run activity and with many churches running numerous outreaches and programs, I want to commend all the leaders and helpers that make this possible. Especially as the latest Stewardship report tells us the average Christian gives only 2.5 per cent of their monthly income to a Christian church or charity. With a little you are doing a lot!

You are amazing, making a difference, and impacting lives, as when we act with generosity for the benefit of others, it offers the recipient and those watching a clear picture of Christ. As we’ve seen from scripture, it’s not a new way to act, but remains an effective one.

I wholeheartedly believe God wants to encourage His children to be abundantly generous, to hold the things of this world lightly as a way of witnessing to others, while simultaneously signposting the way for those that are lost to the salvation only He can offer.

My prayer is that as you generously evangelise and stand up and stand out, you will be a light for your community and a means by which many will come to know Him.

Have fun and be fruitful!
 
 

The Revd Wendy Pawsey is Head of Giving for the Evangelical Alliance, an ordained Elim minister, and a trustee for Regents Theological College. She has more than 25 years’ experience of managing and growing finances in the worlds of banking, church leadership and charitable fundraising.

Generous with a Capital G by Wendy Pawsey can be purchased as part of The Big Church Read from St Andrews Bookshop, or alternatively from Waterstones, Eden, or Amazon.

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