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What (and who) is Generous Giving?

Generous Giving is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to spread the biblical message of generosity and grow generous givers among those entrusted with much. The Maclellan Foundation, a recognized leader in Christian grant making for more than 50 years, launched Generous Giving in 2000. Privately funded, Generous Giving does not solicit donations, permit solicitation at its events, or award grants.

But Generous Giving is more than an effective organization; it is the manifestation of the passion and compassion of many dedicated individuals who work together to create a safe, inspiring, and enlightening environment in which Christians can learn more about the joys of generosity, free from pressures about where to give or how much to give. Generous Giving works to affect transformation in the hearts and minds of God's people with the goal of creating revolutionary generosity.

Why was Generous Giving started?

Giving is not an obligation for followers of Christ; it is an exciting opportunity to grow closer to God and to lay up treasure for all eternity. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35b). With this and other scriptures in mind, Generous Giving works to stir a Spirit-led passion for Christ-like generosity among Christians. Generous Giving encourages givers of all income levels to experience the joy of giving and embrace a lifestyle of generosity, according to God's Word and Christ's example.

The need is surprisingly great. Statistics show that U.S. Christians today give proportionately less of their income and wealth than Christians have given historically, even during the Great Depression. Today's Christian gives 2.6 percent of his or her income as opposed to the 3.3 percent given by Christians in 1933. The decline in giving is difficult to understand when, more than in any other time in history, God is positioning His people with both unprecedented wealth and the opportunity to glorify the risen Christ by mirroring His generosity.

Aren't Christians already generous?

Some Christians are very generous, but as a whole, the answer to this question is a surprising "no". In America, the acquisition of wealth since the Second World War has far outpaced levels of giving. While Christians traditionally are thought of as some of the most generous people on earth, and statistics show that the actual amount of money they give to charities increases steadily each year, how much Christians give by percentage falls further and further behind levels of acquired and accumulated wealth and prosperity. Evangelical Christians in America are giving smaller and smaller percentages of their incomes to the cause of Christ each year. On the average, Christians are not even matching the 3.3 percent given by people during the Great Depression.

What makes Generous Giving different from other Christian stewardship ministries?

Generous Giving is one of several ministries committed to teaching and promoting Christian stewardship. All of the ministries have things in common with one another, but each fills a unique need within the Christian community.

Generous Giving's ministry is distinctive in that it: (1) Focuses not on fundraising, but on building the faith of givers themselves. (2) Focuses specifically on giving rather than budgeting, saving, investing, debt reduction, fund raising, and other aspects of stewardship. (3) And, Generous Giving collects, organizes, and maintains a vast database of information from the field of giving in an online resource library that is available to all.

Is Generous Giving affiliated with any specific church or denomination?

No. Generous Giving is an independent nonprofit ministry that acknowledges and accepts the truths of biblical and historic Christianity.

Generous Giving's beliefs are summarized in the statement of faith below.

Statement of Faith: While not affiliated with any specific church or denomination, Generous Giving follows in the tradition of the Protestant Reformation in affirming all the truths of biblical, historic Christianity. Together with Christians of many traditions from around the world, we affirm the following:

(What is the perfection and personhood of God?) We believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Acts 17:24-25).

(Who was Jesus and what is His relationship with man?) We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the virgin Mary, was crucified to make atonement for our sins, was raised to life, ascended to heaven, now sits enthroned in majesty interceding for us, and will come again in power and glory (John 1:29-34; Acts 2:23-24; Romans 3:21-25).

(What role does the Holy Spirit fill in the lives of Christians?) We believe in the Holy Spirit, whose work is to glorify Jesus the Son, to convict men of their sins, to regenerate sinners, to indwell and empower believers for holiness of life (John 15:26).

(What is the sanctity of the Word of God?) We believe that the Old and New Testaments are the very Word of God, written by human authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore altogether authoritative and trustworthy, a necessary and sufficient revelation of God's character and will (2 Timothy 3:16).

(What is man's relationship to sin?) We believe that humankind was created unique in the image of God. Through man's first disobedience, the whole human race fell into sin and came under the just wrath of God (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12-13).

(How do Christians attain salvation?) We believe that our only hope for salvation is the grace of God, given in the atoning death and life-giving resurrection of Jesus Christ, and applied to us by the Holy Spirit in regeneration. Those who repent and believe receive eternal life, but those who die in their sins justly receive the hell of God's eternal judgment (Romans 5:17; John 5:24).

(Who is the church and what is its role today?) We believe that the church, comprised of all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, is the body of Christ on earth. Called out from among all the nations, the church gathers together to worship God and goes out to serve God in the world (1 Corinthians 1:2).

(Will Jesus return to earth and what does this mean for man when He does?) We believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus, personal and visible, to finish His work of salvation and judgment, to raise the dead bodily, and to call all men to account. This is our blessed hope and our daily motivation for obedience and faithfulness (Revelation 22:12).

What is the relationship between Generous Giving and the Maclellan Foundation?

The Maclellan Foundation, a recognized leader in Christian grant making for 50 years, launched Generous Giving in 2000 as an independent, supporting educational organization to encourage followers of Christ toward lives of greater generosity. The Maclellan Foundation supports more than 200 ministries and charitable organizations each year, including Generous Giving. The Maclellan Foundation's purpose is to serve strategic international and national organizations committed to furthering the kingdom of Christ, as well as select local organizations that foster the spiritual welfare of the foundation's hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although the two organizations share office space, Maclellan has its own board of trustees while Generous Giving its own board of directors.

Does Generous Giving give away money?

No. As a nonprofit educational organization, Generous Giving does not award financial aid or grants of any kind. Generous Giving exists for one reason only: to encourage Christians of all income levels to experience greater intimacy with Christ by living a life of greater generosity. Generous Giving works every day to motivate God's people (of all denominations) to support the Great Commission causes that He has placed on their hearts.

Does Generous Giving solicit money for its own use?

Never. Generous Giving is a privately funded nonprofit ministry that neither solicits donations nor employs fundraisers.

Does Generous Giving raise money for any ministry or any cause?

Never. Generous Giving never solicits money for any cause. Instead, Generous Giving strives to motivate Christians of all income levels to be generous with the money and possessions that God has entrusted to them, as they are led by the Holy Spirit. God invites all His people to give generously according to their specific interests and passions. Generous Giving does not believe or promote a ‘health-and-wealth gospel' message.

Does Generous Giving accept donations (clothes, canned food, medicines, etc.) for redistribution to those in need?

No. Generous Giving is not a relief organization, and has no way to collect or redistribute items to the needy. Consider making your donations to a faithful, Bible-believing church.

Does Generous Giving provide tax counseling, estate planning, and other financial advising services?

No. Generous Giving's objective is to be used by the Holy Spirit in transforming people's attitudes about money, encouraging Christians of all income levels to grow in generosity. Generous Giving addresses the issue of why to give, and gratefully relies on the many capable Christian advisors to counsel givers on how, what and where to give.

Does Generous Giving try to influence people to give to any particular organization?

No. Generous Giving exists for one reason only: to see all God's people be generous givers. God has called His children (of all income levels) to give generously and joyfully to their local churches, to their favorite ministries, and to one another. There are thousands of nonprofit Christian organizations in existence today, and Generous Giving does not influence anyone to support one over the other. Generous Giving works seeks to motivate people to give to whatever kingdom causes God has placed on their hearts.

If I am in financial need, can you help me?

First, trust that God loves you and will provide for your needs, as He faithfully promises in Matthew 6:25-34. You can turn many places for help, where God's provision may be waiting. Here are a few suggestions:

If you are a victim of an unexpected catastrophe or unforeseen emergency, seek assistance from a local church or organization such as the Salvation Army where you will be treated with respect and encouragement. Do not feel embarrassed about your situation but recognize that many people have faced the types of challenges you are facing. God knows your need and is able to provide. Learn what resources are available, ask for assistance, and accept help in good conscience.

If you are crushed under a mountain of debt, take heart, God has experience in moving mountains. Although there are no overnight solutions, there are resources. Many Christians face the challenge of debt and find liberation from this burden by learning and following principles of stewardship. Crown Financial Ministries offers guidance, instruction, and interesting insights into the role your own generosity plays in helping you find freedom from debt.

If you are looking for financial advice, contact an advisor at Crown Financial Ministries. Crown Ministry's mission is to train Christians to handle money from God's perspective. They offer biblically based advice on areas of personal/family finance, including budgeting, debt reduction, charitable giving, and investments. If you are seeking NON-urgent help for college scholarships, medical procedures or other projects, The Foundation Center publishes a directory of over 6,200 foundations and public charity programs to help you in your search.