Discover how viewing everything we own as tools for God's agenda changes our approach to generosity and stewardship. Reflect on the church's rich history of community investment and the personal fulfillment that comes from giving. Explore King David's legacy, emphasizing humility in success and the support of others. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing God's ownership over our resources, promoting a mindset of gratitude and service that deepens relationships and enriches our spiritual lives.
Embracing a stewardship mindset allows individuals to view resources as tools to advance God's mission, promoting genuine generosity.
The Deeper Wider initiative aims to unite eight Atlanta churches in a collaborative effort to enhance local and global outreach through collective contributions.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Deeper Wider Initiative
A new generosity initiative named Deeper Wider aims to increase the kingdom impact of eight Atlanta area churches, focusing on local, national, and global outreach. The initiative challenges congregants to participate in a significant fundraising effort, the first in 20 years, to support and expand the church's mission. A vision guide is provided to detail the objectives, which include establishing more outward-facing churches and maximizing collective generosity. The expressed hope is to inspire both current members and wider church networks to contribute to this ambitious goal, which the speaker acknowledges might seem impossible but is achievable with shared effort.
Impact of Local Churches
The union of the eight Atlanta churches has created an extensive network with a weekly impact on about 500,000 people through active participation. The speaker highlights that local contributions not only support community needs but also fund initiatives that extend beyond the local area. This collective effort emphasizes shared learning and influence, making the church model a resource for approximately 116 churches globally. The discussion showcases how past community contributions have paved the way for successful outreach and growth, building a trusting relationship between church members and leadership.
Embracing a Stewardship Mindset
A shift in mindset from ownership to stewardship is essential for maximizing generosity. Instead of viewing contributions as mere donations to a church, individuals are encouraged to see their resources as tools for expanding God's influence. The speaker emphasizes the importance of giving first and adjusting lifestyles in accordance with that mindset, moving away from leftover thinking. By embracing this perspective, individuals not only find fulfillment in contributing to a larger purpose but also cultivate a generous spirit that transforms their relationships with wealth and possessions.
The Call to Participate
The initiative invites participants to engage in a thoughtful prayer process regarding their contributions, moving beyond financial calculations to a mindset of intentional giving. The upcoming Commitment Sunday is framed as an opportunity for all members to come together and express their commitments as part of a larger mission. The speaker reassures listeners that this initiative is not merely about raising funds for the church but is fundamentally about fostering a greater sense of community and outreach. The emphasis is placed on the transformative power of generosity, with hopes of impacting lives within and beyond the congregational community.
Biblical generosity is informed and fueled by the acknowledgment that God owns it all. We are simply managers. When we adopt that posture, we view everything we “own” as a potential tool to further the agenda of our King. We will give first and adjust our lifestyle accordingly. Christians who adopt this perspective as the organizing principle for their personal finances find it easier to surrender the other components of their life as well. As Jesus made clear, the number one competitor for our devotion to God is our devotion to more. More money and more things.