October 2022 Resource
Title:
Creating a Culture of Generosity: A Field Guide for Church Leaders
Author:
Greg Bibbs
Publisher:
Harpist Miner Publishing, Rochester Hills, MI
Book Review By:
Melvin Amerson
Premise of the book:
Pastors and congregational leaders can transform and develop a culture of generosity through intentional employment of five essential practices from establishing a theological foundation to integrating a generosity discipleship plan
What this book does: Creating a Culture of Generosity is an excellent guide on generosity and stewardship. The author leads the reader through a detailed process of foundational practices in a very orderly manner, along with helpful insights. Gibbs labels his five essential practices Waves , in which he dedicates a section. Areas of church finance and fundraising are covered in this easy-to-follow guide on growing givers, while creating a GDP (Generosity Discipleship Plan), which leads to a culture of generosity. Scripture references, program calendars, plans, and suggestions are offered throughout this resource. The appendix provides slides from generosity related powerpoint presentations.
Start Here Understanding The ChallengeAre We Ready To Experience Something New?
Wave One- Theology
Wave Two- Discipleship
Wave Three- Strategy
Wave Four- Communication
Wave Five- Integration
Appendix A- Sample Generosity Discipleship Plan
Appendix B- Sample Generosity Pathways
Appendix C- Sample Impact Reports
What are some important insights:
The author offers many insights through his detailed writing style and book format. He talks about the language of generosity. “Jesus talked about money, possessions, and give in a way that made it a critical temperature gauge that reveals faith in God (or lack of it). (p. 19) Also, he suggests engaging millennials with conversations on giving and solicit their advice gifting.
Possibilities as a resource for churches:
This is an excellent guide for clergy and lay leadership who desire to create a Generosity Discipleship Plan for their congregation.
The Rev. Melvin Amerson is a member of the Texas Annual Conference and serves as a Resource Specialist and Area Representative at TMF. His experience and passion lie in encouraging and developing generous, faithful leaders and congregations.
Amerson is the author of Celebrating the Offering, Fruit for Celebrating the Offering, and Stewardship in African American Churches: A New Paradigm, as well as several articles covering topics from generosity, leadership, and visioning. He served as a board member of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center until it was dissolved in 2021 and is currently serving on the Texas Annual Conference Church Leadership Team. He is a nationally recognized generosity consultant known for his engaging presentations. Beyond strengthening congregational leaders, one of his favorite ways to use his skills is to empower Wesley Foundation staff to effectively fund their college ministries.
Melvin obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, an M.Div degree concentrating in Christian education from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, an Executive Leadership certificate from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and a certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University. Recently, he completed a fundraising certificate with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.