How Joyful Generosity Is Changing the Way We Give

Nov 20, 2025

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What if giving could be joyful instead of guilt-driven? In this episode, Jamie Goodwin, professor at Wheaton College, shares how her background in global churches, journalism, and teaching led her to a deeper view of generosity. We talk about practical ways to give—like giving circles and hybrid nonprofit models—that engage communities and reflect diverse cultures.

From Cuban “bean crossing” traditions to pandemic-era giving at the family table, Jamie helps us think about how generosity shows up in real life. This episode challenges us to lead with grace, build trust, and create inclusive spaces where giving feels meaningful—not performative.

Listen in to learn more:

(02:46) Supporting Dreams for Sustainability

(07:25) Navigating Grace Amidst Overwhelming Need

(14:22) Rise of Collective Giving Circles

(25:50) Importance of Celebrating Giving

(28:12) Celebrating Meaningful Acts of Giving

Resources

Jamie Goodwin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, which is part of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

The Johnson Center on Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University provides many resources to guide collective giving programs.

https://johnsoncenter.org/collection/giving-circles/

Scott Harrison writes about Charity Water’s practices of gratitude in his book, Thirst , co-authored with Lisa Sweetingham.

Global Trust Partners helps grow cultures of giving around the world (https://gtp.org/).

Participation in Giving Tuesday giving programs can take many forms, as seen in The Oaks Academy’s Million Minutes Campaign.

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee waived for the HDL M.A. program with code TBS25.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

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