The Giving Journey

The

Giving Journey A GUIDE TO THE JOY OF GENEROSITY

SM

But just as

One of the f irst memory verses I learned

you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness see that you also excel in this grace of GIVING.

Dear Beth, Mexico is am I can’t wait afzing! come with me nor you to ext time.

The kids he really capturree have I’ll send pictud my heart. res soon.

Miss You! Love, Chuck

“I judge only by all things they sthhe price a in eterllngain ity.”

J OHN

WESLE

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(1 7 0 3 -

91)

2 CORINTHIANS 8:7

First Vision Trip!

Mexico 1981 985 Africa 1 in n io s On Mis

“Yo withuo can give ut lov ing.

But yo love w u cann ithout ot giving Amy Carm .” ichael (18 mis 6 sionar y to In 7-1951), dia

Spiritual growth lifetime. is a journey that unfolds over a

Over the years, there are many things that shape its course but one of the most influential factors is money… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Helping believers understand the connection between their finances and their faith is a common theme between our ministries: Generous Giving, The National Christian Foundation and its local affiliates, Crown Financial Ministries, and Kingdom Advisors.

So we often ask,

Where is your treasure taking you?

Where you are going with your giving is what we call your Giving Journey.

Together, we’ve developed this concept over the years as we have come alongside believers to help them become wise stewards of their resources. And now we offer the Giving Journey as your guide to exploring your own personal course of growth. And while everyone’s path is unique, we have identified some distinct stages that characterize the overall process:

Emerging Giver

Maturing Giver

Generous Giver

Giving Champion

As you walk through these stages in the following pages, there are facts, resources, testimonies, and observations for personal reflection that will help you understand where you are on your Giving Journey, and how to take your next steps. Inspired by the ultimate gift of Christ, our prayer is that God will use this guide to help you discover new heights of giving, beyond anything you’ve ever imagined,“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

1

Emerging

The Emerging Giver An emerging giver is beginning to study what the Bible has to say about stewardship and giving

An emerging giver is considering, or is starting to tithe (setting aside at least 10% of his income for giving)

An emerging giver may at first be primarily motivated by something other than generosity, such as tax savings, or feelings of obligation

An emerging giver often gives without a pre-determined strategy or plan of action

2

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a Giving Stor y: Chapter

1

date” Just got back from a “church . As usual, I can’t quit with ething thinking about her but there’s som ind else I can’t seem to get off my m amount tonight. I caught a glimpse of the passed by on her check as the offering plate w can she me in the service this morning. Ho alary? give that kind of money? On her s I make three times as much and I just throw in some money now and then, whenever I feel like it. e today.

Her silent witness really touched m

Beth

What an exciting moment it is to begin the journey of giving! What begins with a basic understanding of the biblical reasons for giving often grows into a desire to tithe. But actually, this is only the first step. As you gain God’s perspective on ownership, money, and stewardship through His Word, you will learn how and why you are called to give

I want to be as obedient in my walk.

so that you can develop your own personal passion for generosity.

From this day forward,

I’m tithing.

RESOURCES for EMERGING GIVERS: READ The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn to unearth the fundamental truth that should compel us all to greater giving

VISIT GenerousGiving.org, an online resource of what the Bible says about money, generosity, and stewardship

for more information, turn to our Resource Guide on pages 10-11

STUDY Crown Financial Ministries’ “Biblical Financial Study,” an excellent primer on a Kingdom view of finances (Crown.org)

WATCH “Investing in Eternity” on the Giving Library section of NationalChristian.com to learn the basic reasons for giving 3

Maturing

The Maturing Giver A maturing giver has a growing desire to give beyond a minimum of 10%

A maturing giver understands that everything belongs to God and that he is a steward of His assets

A maturing giver is developing an intentional strategy for how much, how, where, and when to give

A maturing giver is willing to listen to respected advisors who share a biblical worldview

4

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I still can’t believe what happened

As you mature in your faith and the principle of stewardship takes root, your sense of freedom from possessions and money will increase, along with your sense of responsibility

ak this news to Beth?

How am I going to bre arry as much as I do, I know she respects L seling us with our finances after all he’s been counmarried - almost 10 years ever since we first got going to believe the dare now. But she is never y. he threw out at me toda

lars next yeayr! l o d 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 $ y a w a e v i G tire salar lmost as much as my en

!

That’s a

y! But after he I think he’s crcaaz ve away some explained how I n gi ss,

as a steward. To chart the right course for your resources today and for generations to come, you

ily busine appreciation in our aftam I can see a way th possible!

will need the influence of wise counselors,

this might be

experienced professional advisors, and other

re out a way But I still have to figu to convince Beth - already have... or maybe Lord, you

generous givers.

RESOURCES for MATURING GIVERS: VISIT www.KingdomAdvisors.org to learn how to find a Qualified Kingdom Advisor (click on “Resources for Personal Finance”)

ATTEND a Generous Giving conference, an event designed to help inspire and encourage joyful generosity; call 407.650.3663 for details

today!

.00 $ 100,00 0

for more information, turn to our Resource Guide on pages 10-11

OPEN an NCF Giving Fund at www.NationalChristian.com to help you manage your giving

READ Fields of Gold, by Andy Stanley to understand how giving is an invitation for our heavenly Father to get involved in our finances 5

Generous

The Generous Giver A generous giver gives as an outward, material expression of his spiritual commitment to God

A generous giver recognizes God’s ownership of all things and gives out of both his income and assets as led by the Lord

A generous giver gives cheerfully, sacrificially, and at times, anonymously

A generous giver has prayerfully prepared a plan for the transfer of his wealth and the accomplishment of his giving goals

6

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Wow, Lord -

es tonight. you really opened myd eaynd thought I've worked so har , but You are I deserved so muchving, Father. the one who is deser given over the years, As much as I have lly understood I don't think I reaw much my heart until tonight just ho t's not about the needs to change. I ch I've done for you. money, or how mu

When your journey becomes an exciting adventure to the very heart of God, you

t Yromue. Father, Itd'swhaatllyoua'vbeodu one fo

know your heart is truly changed. It’s important at this stage to get involved in a community of like-minded

an , I don't want any creudiste me I just want You to have for Your and use whatever Ian't spend the Glory. Beth and I cying on a beach... rest of our lives la he golf course. or putting around t

givers that encourages one another to love and good deeds. And as your generosity grows in Godly proportions, so do your giving needs. To experience the joy of giving more, you have to give more wisely.

remaining e s e h t e t s a w t o n l l i w e W h. years we have touns bee aurset d,and show us

Tax savings, simplicity, and flexibility in your giving methods can help you give more effectively and

Please, Lord - le how to finish strong

creatively than you ever imagined.

our Life f Don't Waste Y o s e i p o c 0 1 Order p for small grou

RESOURCES for GENEROUS GIVERS: READ Investing in God’s Business, a book

by NCF’s leadership that explains the “Five Triggers of Giving Opportunity” and the principles of Smart Christian GivingSM

ATTEND a Generous Giving Boutique Event; call 407.650.3663 for more information

for more information, turn to our Resource Guide on pages 10-11

VISIT www.NationalChristian.com to try the innovative gifts calculator and learn the power of giving before the sale of an asset

TEACH your children or grandchildren a Crown financial study for children or teens; visit Crown.org for teaching options 7

Giving Champion

The Giving Champion A giving champion has a passion to spread the good news of generosity with his family, friends, and colleagues

A giving champion mentors others and influences them to live more generously

A giving champion looks for opportunities to share his giving story

A giving champion looks for ways to use his spiritual gift of generosity to transform his community for Christ

8

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Just got back from Dallas. wed up!

I can't believe how many men sho first Lord, if you'd had ever told when I giving our e b started this that Beth andI would ds of people, testimony to a room full of hundre still can't I would have said no way! And I h that young believe the conversation we had wit so much of couple afterwards. He reminds me ited and myself at that age. He seems so exc our journey. y b I'm so glad that he was inspired to tithe But when we made the commitment ver knew how e n 25 percent of our business, we ings got hard that could be at times when th sing it has s e l rough. But dear Jesus, what a b faithful to us, been to see how You've always been You've done and to see the awesome things that through our giving.

While we are all called to give, some feel called to devote their lives to championing the cause of generosity. These Giving Champions play an invaluable role in God’s Kingdom-building work, as they challenge others to live more generously.

They are a powerful influence with their peers and the other givers they mentor. And they never hesitate to leverage their gifts, contacts, and experience to

e you!

Oh Father, we can't otuot-tegaivch Please help me Lordill know thtehat to Jim..so that he w ity. blessing of generos

multiply giving efforts.

555-0406 perty e of his pro l a s e h t t u o ab

th follow-up wi

RESOURCES for GIVING CHAMPIONS OPEN a “Joy of Generosity Giving Fund” through NCF for your children, family, or friends by visiting NationalChristian.com/joy

READ The Freedom of Simplicity, by Richard Foster to learn how to live in the moment and let go of the need for control

Jim

for more information, turn to our Resource Guide on pages 10-11

TRAVEL with your family on a mission trip to change their perspective about the needs of the world; visit www.stmsherpa.com for ideas

ATTEND The Gathering, to network with others on the same journey as you learn about wise stewardship (GatheringWeb.com) 9

RESOURCE GUIDE

MATURING GIVER CONSIDER giving a non-cash asset such as real estate or business interests; learn more at NationalChristian.com

VISIT WWW.GIVINGJOURNEY.COM FOR LINKS TO ALL THE RESOURCES LISTED ON THESE PAGES AND THROUGHOUT THIS BOOK.

COMPLETE

the “Eternal Investment Decisions” worksheet, a process of discovery and reflective evaluation to develop your personal giving strategy (available at the “Giving Library” section of NationalChristian.com)

ENROLL in the Crown Financial Ministries Biblical Financial Study,

EMERGING GIVER ORDER “Generous Giving 101,” an audio CD available from Generous Giving that explains the Biblical rationale for a generous life

LISTEN

to “How to be Rich,” a four-part audio series from Andy Stanley at Atlanta’s NorthPoint Community Church; go to www.resources.northpoint.org, click on “For Individuals” then “Messages”; you may purchase under, “Series by Andy Stanley” or download at “Downloadable Messages”

VISIT

Generous Giving’s “Stories & Testimonies” section of their website for countless encouraging examples

READ • Stott on Stewardship: Ten Principles of Christian Giving, by John

R.W. Stott – a classic from the man Rev. Billy Graham called, “the most respected evangelical clergyman of the 20th century” • God and Your Stuff, by Wesley Wilmer to learn how to build the vital

Special Edition – a version of the popular 10-week stewardship course designed to address the unique needs of high-capacity givers, or visit Crown.org and click on “In My Area” to find a class near you

READ • A Life Well Spent, by Russ Crosson – the primary theme of financial planner Russ Crosson’s book is that we need to be deliberate about training our children in finances according to scriptural principles • Money: The Currency of Hedonism, by John Piper – a booklet that examines the concept of Christian motivation as delight, rather than duty; available at GenerousGiving.org • Generous Living: Finding Contentment through Giving, by Ron Blue with Jodie Berndt – respected financial advisor and NCF founder, Ron Blue shows what happens when you become a giver, and helps you start right where you are, to cultivate a generous lifestyle • Secrets of a Generous Life, by Gordon MacDonald – offers fresh insights on an underappreciated and often overlooked aspect of the Christian life, explaining why we are called to generous living, how to live that way, and why it brings such joy

link between your earthly possessions and your eternal soul • The Generosity Factor, by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy – best-selling author, Ken Blanchard (The One-Minute Manager) and fast-food entrepreneur S. Truett Cathy (Chick-fil-A®) create a parable that demonstrates the virtues of generosity • Celebration of Discipline (specifically, Chapter 6), by Richard Foster – this Christian classic is a comprehensive guide to all the basic biblical spiritual disciplines

10

• Wealth Conundrum, by Ralph Doudera – Doudera, a money manager who handles millions, takes you along on his surprising personal journey over the Class 5 Rapids of Mammon

• Raising Money-Smart Kids: How to Teach Your Children the Secrets of Earning, Saving, Investing, and Spending Wisely, by Ron and Judy Blue – This easy-to-understand guidebook shows how parents and children can enjoy a lifetime of financial wellbeing and security that results in financial independence and family harmony • Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt, by Howard Dayton – addresses the profound impact that handling money has on a person's relationship with God • Sound Mind Investing, by Austin Pryor – experienced investment advisor Austin Pryor offers this practical guide to investing from a Biblical perspective

GENEROUS GIVER DOWNLOAD “Designing a Family Stewardship Philosophy," a short PDF from the “Giving Library” section of NationalChristian.com

• Eternity Portfolio, by Alan Gotthardt – respected CPA and financial advisor Alan Gotthardt combines biblical teaching with modern investment-portfolio theory and offers fresh, practical how-tos for strategic and satisfying giving • How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy – the classic tale of a man who was never satisfied with what he had, his life wasted by greed and envy; this simple, engaging text is still as powerful as it was when it was written over a 100 years ago • Master Your Money, by Ron Blue – combines the Bible's timeless teachings on stewardship and responsibility with up-to-date advice on financial management and cash control • Family. Money. The 5 Questions Every Family Must Answer, by David Wills, Terry Parker, and Greg Sperry – this book from NCF’s leadership team explores the dynamic of family money and how to avoid the common pitfalls of wealth and inheritance

GIVING CHAMPION

LEAD a Crown Financial Ministries teaching solution in your church or workplace; visit Crown.org for teaching options

HOST a

TRAVEL

SERVE on the board of a Local Christian Foundation

on a Vision Trip to a ministry locale to experience firsthand the effectiveness and potential of their work

Generous Giving boutique event (call Generous Giving at 407.650.3663)

CONSIDER READ • Money, Possessions, and Eternity, by Randy Alcorn – a classic

best-seller that addresses the issues of materialism, stewardship, prosperity theology, debt, and more; an excellent choice for group study as well as individual financial guidance • Don’t Waste Your Life, by John Piper – a passionate call to make our lives count for eternity. Piper says, “The wasted life is the life without this passion. God calls us to pray and think and dream and plan and work not to be made much of, but to make much of Him in every part of our lives” • Splitting Heirs, by Ron Blue – explains how to pass along an inheritance without leaving your children with an unhealthy dependence on money

starting your own local affiliate of The National Christian Foundation (call NCF at 800.681.6223 to discuss)

READ • Half-Time: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance,

by Bob Buford – instead of a transition to be feared, Buford makes midlife an introspective journey of abundance that will unleash God's best for you • Heaven, by Randy Alcorn – from this biblical scholar who has spent years studying what the Bible has to say about heaven comes a refreshing description of an afterlife where people lead task-oriented lives with greater mental and physical acuity than ever before and look forward to seeing loved ones, including pets, who are still on earth • Four Lessons on Money: From One of the World’s Richest Preachers,

by Charles Edward White – tells the story of legendary evangelist, John Wesley, a man who knew how to make money, and how to spend it; available at www.givingjourney.com 11

THE GIVING JOURNEY AT-A-GLANCE Emerging

Maturing

Generous

Champion

An emerging giver begins to study what the Bible says about stewardship and giving

A maturing giver has a growing desire to give beyond a minimum of 10%

A generous giver gives as an outward, material expression of his spiritual commitment to God

A giving champion has a passion to spread the good news of generosity with his family, friends, and colleagues

An emerging giver is considering, or is starting to tithe (setting aside at least 10% of his income for giving)

A maturing giver understands that everything belongs to God and that he is a steward of His assets

A generous giver recognizes God’s ownership of all things and gives out of both his income and assets as led by the Lord

A giving champion mentors others and influences them to live more generously

An emerging giver may at first be primarily motivated by something other than generosity, such as tax savings, or feelings of obligation

A maturing giver is developing an intentional strategy for how much, how, where, and when to give

A generous giver gives cheerfully, sacrificially, and at times, anonymously

A maturing giver is willing to listen to respected advisors who share a biblical worldview

A generous giver has prayerfully prepared a plan for the transfer of his wealth and the accomplishment of his giving goals

An emerging giver often gives without a pre-determined strategy or plan of action

The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn to unearth the fundamental truth that should compel us all to greater giving

READ

VISIT www.KingdomAdvisors.org to learn

GenerousGiving.org, an online resource of what the Bible says about money, generosity, and stewardship

VISIT

ATTEND a Generous Giving conference,

STUDY Crown Financial Ministries’

OPEN an NCF Giving Fund to help manage

“Biblical Financial Study,” an excellent primer on a Kingdom view of finances (Crown.org)

your charitable giving (NationalChristian.com)

WATCH “Investing in Eternity” on the Giving Library section of NationalChristian.com to learn the basic reasons for giving 12

how to find a Qualified Kingdom Advisor click on “Resources for Personal Finance”

an event designed to help inspire and encourage joyful generosity

READ Fields of Gold, by Andy Stanley to understand how giving is an invitation for our heavenly Father to get involved in our finances

READ

Investing in God’s Business, a book by NCF’s leadership that explains the “Five Triggers of Giving Opportunity” and the principles of Smart Christian GivingSM

ATTEND a Generous Giving Boutique

A giving champion looks for opportunities to share his giving story A giving champion looks for ways to use his spiritual gift of generosity to transform his community for Christ

OPEN a “Joy of Generosity Giving Fund” through NCF for your children, family, or friends by visiting NationalChristian.com/joy

READ The Freedom of Simplicity, by

Event; call 407.650.3663 for more information

Richard Foster to learn how to live in the moment and let go of the need for control

www.NationalChristian.com to try the innovative gifts calculator and learn the power of giving before the sale of an asset

VISIT

TRAVEL with your family on a mission

TEACH your children or grandchildren a

ATTEND The Gathering, to network with

Crown financial study for children or teens; visit Crown.org for teaching options

others on the same journey as you learn about wise stewardship (GatheringWeb.com)

trip to change their perspective about the needs of the world

If I sell first, then give...

My charitable deductionCapital gains taxes owed-

The National Christian Foundation (NCF) exists to enable faithful stewards to give wisely to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Total tax savingsAmt that goes to charity-

$2,580,000.00 $420,000.00 $1,057,800.00 $2,580,000.00

{www.NationalChristian.com / 800.681.6223}

But if I give before I sell my property

wers otivate follo them m to s k e se iving d see Generous G ater biblical giving an rosity. e re n g e of Christ to ed for revolutionary g transform

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My charitable deduction-

$3,000,000.00

4 2 3 .7 5 5 .2 3 9 9 } / g or g. in iv sG en er ou

Capital gains taxes- NONE!

Total tax savings - $1,650,000

icated to Crown Financial Ministries is ded ld to learn, equipping people around the wor principles. apply, and teach biblical financial ÂŽ

Since 1982, NCF and our network of Local Christian Foundation affiliates (LCFs) have granted more than $1.6 billion to over 15,000 churches and ministries around the world.

{ww w.Cr own .org }

Kingdom Advisors is a pr training, and developme ofessional education, nt Christian financial profe organization serving ssionals as we engage, equip, and empower th em for Kingdom impa ct.

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oska Village in Kenya Khewethwa age 8 J

With an extra $500,000.00 we’ll be able to extend beyond the village of Joska and help kids across the whole region!!!

Generosity is a never-ending journey.

VISIT WWW.GIVINGJOURNEY.COM TO CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY WITH US.

THE GIVING JOURNEY THIS

PROJECT IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF

BOOKLET ALSO FEATURES RESOURCES BY

GENEROUS GIVING

AND

THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION.

CROWN FINANCIAL MINISTRIES

AND

KINGDOM ADVISORS.