1. 1 Extravagant Generosity

2. 2 Generosity describes the Christian’s unselfish willingness to give in order to make a positive difference for the purposes of Christ. Congregations that practice Extravagant Generosity provide ministries that address our spiritual need to give in ways that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures. Fruitful congregations thrive because of extraordinary sharing, willing sacrifice, and joyous giving out of love for God and neighbor.

3. 3 Extravagant Generosity Through the practice of Extravagant Generosity, we offer our material resources in a manner that supports the causes that transform life and relieve suffering and that enlarges the soul and sustains the spirit. God uses our giving to reconfigure our interior lives and form us anew. We give back.

4. 4 Why do people give generously? Make a positive difference for purposes of Christ Response to Spirit’s urging Response to God’s extravagant love Feel sense of satisfaction, meaning in aligning with higher purpose

5. 5 Vibrant, fruitful, growing congregations practice extravagant generosity. Preach and teach proportional giving and tithe Practice extraordinary support for missions, connectional ministries, organization that change people’s lives.

6. 6 Scripture God is a generous giver. You can’t out give God!!!

7. 7 Tithing Abram gave tenth (Genesis 14:20) Honor the Lord with first fruits (Proverbs 3:9) Offer the tithe (Malachi 3:8-10)

8. 8 Material giving not enough God’s reign requires justice, righteousness (Amos 5, Micah 6) Extravagant Generosity

9. 9 Jesus Farmer who built bigger barns (Luke 12) Parable of three stewards (Matthew 25) Zacchaeus (Luke 19) Good Samaritan (Luke 10)

10. 10 Paul Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) Church in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8)

11. 11 Tithing Old Testament Standard New Testament Standard

12. 12 John Wesley Gain all you can Save all you can, Give all you can “Use of Money,” 1844

13. 13 Extravagant Generosity Focus on Christian’s need to give.

14. 14 American Consumerism 40% spend beyond their income annually. Always want more Not just financial planning issues, BUT spiritual issues.

15. 15 Benefits of Proportional Giving & Tithe Ultimate worth from God Offers a new perspective on consumerism Teaches all things belong to God What Christians earn. What Christians spend. What Christians give.

16. 16 Speak confidently about money Speak confidently about the difference giving makes Pledge campaigns about mission, spiritual growth, relationship Characteristics of Churches that Practice Extravagant Generosity

17. 17 Questions What values guide your church’s efforts to encourage giving and tithing? How has someone else’s generosity touched you? From whom did you learn generosity?

18. 18 Questions What’s the most fun you’ve had giving money? Are you giving Generously? Extravagantly?