LILR 126 | Jim Sheppard on Why Church Attendance is Up But Giving is Not & Other Generosity Myth-Busting
Feb 11, 2025
auto_awesome
Jim Sheppard, CEO of Generis and expert in church generosity, discusses the puzzling trend of rising attendance but stagnant giving within churches. He emphasizes that generosity should be viewed as a vital aspect of discipleship. Jim encourages church leaders to engage congregations on giving with clear communication and education, while highlighting the importance of diverse voices in financial discussions. He also argues for maintaining high standards in volunteer leadership and fostering a culture of generosity driven by faith rather than mere financial transactions.
Jim Sheppard emphasizes that church attendance is growing, yet giving stagnates due to unchurched individuals unfamiliar with the spiritual significance of generosity.
Transforming the conversation around giving from a transactional focus to a discipleship approach is essential for fostering a culture of generosity in congregations.
Incorporating diverse voices and testimonials in discussions about generosity can enhance understanding and engagement within the church community.
Deep dives
The Impact of Apologizing on Church Leadership
A church leader discussed the possibility of apologizing to their congregation for failing to adequately teach them about generosity over the past decade. This act of humility and repentance is seen as a pivotal moment to reshape the church's approach to giving, emphasizing the importance of personal and communal growth in understanding generosity. The leader recognizes that many congregants are unaware of the spiritual significance of giving and that educating them is vital for fostering a culture of generosity. By openly addressing this issue, leaders can initiate a transformative dialogue within the church that focuses on discipleship and spiritual responsibility.
Addressing the Generosity Gap
Many churches currently face a paradox where attendance is increasing, yet giving remains stagnant or declines. This trend stems in part from the influx of unchurched individuals who may not be ready to contribute financially. Church leaders need to strategize on effectively educating their congregations about the spiritual significance of giving and the role it plays in their journey of discipleship. By reframing the conversation around giving from a mere transactional perspective to one rooted in spiritual growth, churches can encourage more meaningful contributions.
Changing the Conversation Around Giving
There has been a long-standing silence in church discourse regarding the connection between giving and discipleship, often focusing instead on budgetary needs. This neglect has left congregants confused about the meaning of generosity and how it relates to their spiritual lives. Emphasizing the transformative power of giving—how it fosters spiritual fulfillment and responsibility—is essential to reinvigorating this dialogue. By shifting the narrative to highlight personal growth through giving, churches can create a more enriching and impactful experience for their members.
The Role of Effective Communication in Giving
To enhance the giving culture within the church, leaders should prioritize effective communication during giving moments in services. Rather than simply presenting the logistics of giving, leaders should articulate the theological and spiritual implications of generosity, drawing on scripture to reinforce why giving matters. Every aspect of the church's messaging should align with the belief that giving is not just about funding projects but is an act of worship. This intentional approach can change perceptions and encourage greater engagement among congregants.
Embracing Inclusivity in Giving Discussions
Inclusivity in the discussion of generosity is crucial, as diverse perspectives can enrich the conversation. Involving women and individuals from varied backgrounds in addressing the church about giving can resonate more deeply with different demographics within the congregation. Leaders should seek to establish a rotation of speakers for giving moments that reflect the community’s diversity, ensuring that everyone feels represented. Additionally, creating recorded testimonials from various congregants about their giving experiences can further broaden the reach and impact of the church's message on generosity.
In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Jim Sheppard joins Sean to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing churches today: attendance is up, but giving is not. Jim shares insights from decades of experience helping churches develop a culture of generosity. They dive into why giving must be seen as a discipleship issue rather than a financial transaction, how churches can shift the conversation in practical ways, and what pastors should and shouldn’t delegate in stewardship leadership. Whether you’re a church leader navigating financial challenges or looking to build a more generous congregation, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.
Welcome to Episode 126 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition, or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof.
Jim Sheppard is the CEO & Principal of Generis, a consulting firm dedicated to helping churches inspire generosity through giving development, coaching, and strategy. A former financial executive and CPA, Jim transitioned from the corporate world to church giving development in 1991. For over 27 years, he has coached pastors in overcoming financial challenges—annual giving, debt, capital projects, and planned giving—helping churches raise over $1.7 billion. A passionate student of generosity, Jim co-authored Contagious Generosity and frequently speaks on ministry funding. He and his wife, Nancy, live in the Atlanta area and have two married daughters.
Instagram: @jim_sheppard | @generisteam
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode