Ep. 6 Generosity at the heart of our faith with Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood
In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, Director of Giving for the Church of England and author of The Porcupine Principle (and other fundraising secrets). From porcupines to a ‘MINT IDEA’, in this wide-ranging discussion Jonathan outlines the principles that he believes are essential for both enabling giving and growing a culture of generosity in the Church of England. He also discusses his own experience of faith, generosity and the joy that comes with giving. Jonathan’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning – you must walk in it… How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” (NRSV) 2 John 1:6; 1 John 3:17 See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Jonathan: That he may be open to and receive the spiritual gift of generosity as embodied by St Anselm’s prayer: “I owe you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you.” Related links: Church of England’s ‘Generous Church’ model: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church The fundraising target for Jonathan’s own church was met within a month. Read the blog Jonathan and his vicar wrote that tells the story: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generous-church-blog/how-we-cleared-ps30k-deficit-one-month The Porcupine Principal (and other fundraising secrets): https://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/the-porcupine-principle-2/ Jonathan’s discipleship course ‘Living Generously’: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generosity-resources/living-generously-films-small-groups-and Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 5 Generosity with a Capital G with Wendy Pawsey
Shownotes In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Rev. Wendy Pawsey, Elim Minister, Head of Giving for the Evangelical Alliance and author of ‘Generous with a Capital G’. Wendy reflects on her faith journey and how that intersects with her experience of generosity as something that “flows from the heart” to create massive impact. She also shares stories and insights from her book on generosity in which she inspires all of us to rethink the difference our money can make. Enter our giveaway! Wendy is giving away 10 copies of her book ‘Generous with a Capital G’. To enter, simply subscribe to our podcast email and tick the box to enter the giveaway. Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!). Enter now: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Wendy’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?” 1 Chronicles 29:5 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Wendy: that she would have more opportunities to share what is in her book about generosity that God would take her onto another level of freedom in generosity Related links: Generous with a Capital G: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generous-Big-Creating-financial-generosity/dp/1912726831 Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Giveaway reminder: Be in with a chance to win your own copy of Wendy’s book ‘Generous with a Capital G’ by entering our giveaway. Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!). Enter now:https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 4 Generosity in the mucky world of politics with Tim Farron
Shownotes In this episode of Active Generosity, we hear from Tim Farron, MP and host of A Mucky Business, a podcast that explores the world of politics through a Christian lens. Tim shares his passion for encouraging a better understanding of the role of faith in the public square and the challenges of navigating his faith in the ‘mucky business’ of politics, with an encouragement to us to lobby our local MPs on the issues we’re passionate about. Tim also reveals insights from his own faith journey and how that’s influenced his views on generous stewardship. Tim’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Tim: · that he would be a good dad and husband and encourage those members of his family who are yet to put their trust in Jesus to do so · that he would make good use of his time, putting God at the centre of his life and ensuring that the things he puts into the diary are the things that serve Him the best and the most Related links: A Mucky Business: https://www.premier.plus/a-mucky-business-with-tim-farron Faith in Public: http://www.faithinpublic.org.uk/ Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 3 Generosity really does bring joy with Sam Malins
Shownotes In our third episode of Active Generosity, Sam Malins, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the NHS and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, reveals fascinating insights into the science that shows generosity really can make us happier. In particular, he discusses findings from a series of research studies that tackles the question 'How much happiness can $2m dollars buy?’ Sam also shares on how his faith has grown his generosity over the years. Sam’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Sam: · that God would continue to lead Sam as he continues his journey exploring psychological science and faith Related links: The TED Interview: How much happiness can 2 million USD buy? With Elizabeth Dunn: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mER3wqGT5ZFnpgSmVH1Y7?si=UO0gEtUgS2-P6s1EAk2bAw The interview draws on findings from a series of research studies: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2211123119 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00166-6 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09567976231184887 Stewardship’s Giving Account: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/giving-account Stewardship’s Partner Account for Individuals: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partner-account-individuals Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 2 Growing a generous world with Steve Campbell
Shownotes Episode 2: Steve Campbell In our second episode of Active Generosity, Steve Campbell, Senior Pastor at C3 and National Director of the Global Leadership Network UKI, shares insights into what drives his quest to encourage generosity in the church. Often heard quoting The Message translation of Proverbs 11:24 that “the world of the generous grows larger and larger”, here Steve unpacks his own experience of the truth of that Scripture and his desire for others to know the freedom and joy that comes with being generous with all that we have. Steve’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NIV) He also discusses the importance of 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 in learning more about biblical generosity. See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Steve: That he will keep modelling generosity in his leadership That he will continue to be bold in talking about generosity Related links: The C3 Church: https://thec3.uk/ Global Leadership Network UKI (GLN): https://www.globalleadership.uk/ Stewardship: www.stewardship.org.uk Stewardship Generosity Report – Explore key findings on the UK Christian giving market plus insights into the factors driving and hindering generosity. This interview references the 2024 report. The 2025 report has now also been published. You can view both at: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/generosity-report Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
Welcome to Active Generosity, Stewardship's brand new podcast. Join us for an exploration into the world of faithful and generous Christian stewardship.
I’m your host, Ruth Jackson. Each month I’ll be chatting to a Stewardship donor, partner or colleague about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.
As you hear from both donors and leaders of charitable causes, our prayer is that you’ll learn something new, experience fresh perspectives and be encouraged and inspired to take the next step on your own generosity journey.
Along the way, you’ll also learn something about us and the myriad ways in which we support our donors and the many charities, churches and Christian workers who are our partners. Perhaps you do already know us as a donor but have no idea we may be supporting some of your favourite causes. Or, you’ve come to us for help as a church or charity leader or Christian worker but didn’t realise we can also support you in your personal giving. As you put the pieces of the Stewardship jigsaw together, we hope you’ll also be excited to discover our growing community of engaged givers and verified partners doing amazing work across God’s Kingdom.
Subscribe to our podcast newsletter via the link in our trailer show notes, where you’ll also find further information about Stewardship.
Together, let’s discover the joy of active generosity.
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