Where your heart is, there your treasure will be.

I aways get that backwards. Matthew 6:21 actually states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

There is a relationship between our interests and our giving, our affections and our energies, our passion and our sacrifice.

Jesus spoke Matthew 6:21 to summarize verses 19-20. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” With contrasting domains and arresting images, Jesus draws a clear distinction.

Jesus’ words remain true.

The greater the engagement, the greater the giving.

The American Bible Society’s 2023 State of the Bible report reveals two types of engagement that lead to greater giving. To measure the impact of Bible engagement, they sought to understand its effect on the lives of Bible readers. Respondents were grouped into three main categories: Scripture Engaged, Moveable Middle, and Bible Disengaged.

Their research demonstrated the following in relation to giving.

Biblical Engagement

92% of Scripture Engaged individuals give to their church. That compares to 76% of the Moveable Middle and 54% of the Bible Disengaged. More so, the Scripture Engaged gave a third more than the Moveable Middle and double the Bible Disengaged. Scripture Engaged individuals give more money and more often.

Church Engagement

Church engagement is measured by church attendance and ministry service. 91% of Church Engaged individuals are likely to give to a charity (church or nonprofit). Only 52% of unchurched people give to a charity. Similarly, comparing those who give $1800+/year, those who serve in their church (64%) give more than those who serve in the community (44%). Church Engaged individuals give more and more often.

Greater Engagement Equals Greater Giving

If you want to encourage generous giving in your church, always tell your why and strengthen engagement in the Bible and church participation. Bible engagement—reading or hearing God’s Word—can be encouraged to be more regular by the pastor’s example and mention within sermons and by being a stated, practiced value of church leaders. Church engagement follows clear invitations to attend and to serve where equipped and encouraged; church engagement is strengthened as the Spirit moves and stories are celebrated in your congregation.

Increased Bible engagement and increased church engagement will increase generous giving.

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This is the second post on Generous Giving that starts here.

For four posts on The Great Dechurching, start here.

For three posts on Welcoming Guests, start here.