GENEROSITY IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL CHURCH

GENEROSITY IN A
M U LTI G E N E R ATI O N AL
CHURCH
GENEROSITY IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL CHURCH

Introduction
Technology, shifting norms, and unprecedented socio-political events are turning our
world upside down. In response, the generational gap is widening.

Generational differences apply to the way we think, behave, work, speak, operate, and yes,
give. In many organizations and institutions, this difference may not seem to matter. But in
the Church–the global family of believers in Jesus, with the same Scripture, the same Truth,
and the same Holy Spirit–a widening generational gap can feel very complex.

A 78-year old, for example, might believe that “generosity” translates to committing
financial resources to a church. A 45-year old might think that generosity means taking
care of family. And a 29-year old might believe that generosity means inviting others over
for dinner or small group.

A recent report published by The Barna Group dove deep into these generational differences
in generosity. The Barna Group is a research organization that focuses on the intersection
of faith and culture. Their goal is to provide non-profits and churches with information that
can help them make better decisions about how to better serve their members, clients,
and target communities.

“The Generosity Gap” seeks to answer the question, “Are millennials (and other younger
generations) really less generous?” Polling a wide swatch of ages across the Church, the
report explored the different ways
we think about generosity, what
compels us to generosity, and how
we practice generosity.

In the following ebook, we’ll take a

look at the findings from this report
and what that means for your church.
We’ll focus in particular on millennials–
the most studied generation. And
finally, we’ll look at three core
strategies for teaching generosity
to every generation in your church.

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Generosity as a Discipline
“The Generosity Gap” kicks off with a startling statistic: While 7% of elders (age 70+) donate
10% or more of their income to church, only 1% of millennials claim to do the same. In other
words, 7X more elders than millennials tithe, or give beyond tithing.

That’s not an insignificant difference. That difference in attitude–and action–may have

an impact on the way churches and nonprofits operate in the present and anticipate the
future. It may also shape the way leaders talk about and model generosity to staff, church
members, and even friends.

As the report dove deeper into this difference in tithing, however, they found a core
difference in the underlying attitude towards generosity across generations. 62% of adults
over the age of 70 say that generosity is a discipline, vs. 51% of millennials. Likewise, older
generations are more likely to say that generosity is planned (43% of elders vs. 31% of
millennials).

“Generosity is done voluntarily, but there is a bit of a plan,” says Bayliss, 78. “I give first to my
family, but I also give something every week to a cause that I care about.”

“I’m less likely to give to someone who is fundraising on the street,” he continues.

Millennials, on the other hand, may be more likely to be spontaneous in their contributions.
According to a 2015 article by CNBC, one of the primary ways that millennials demonstrate
generosity is “by impulse, donating a dollar at the checkout counter or contributing to a
Salvation Army bell ringer, for example.”

Their spontaneity in giving reflects the fact that millennials are more likely to be spontaneous
in general, and are more driven by emotions.

But “spontaneous charity” may also be the result of teaching. Millennials may be more
impacted by teachings that emphasize giving as an impulse, and not a practice.

Another key aspect of generosity is a person’s overall financial goals. Whether consciously
expressed or not, every adult has an ultimate financial goal–and those goals vary widely
from generation to generation.

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For example, 31% of millennials said that providing for their families was their ultimate
financial goal for life, vs. 18% of boomers, 18% of gen x-ers, and only 13% of elders.

On the other hand, only 10% of millennials said that serving God with their money was their
ultimate financial goal, vs. 9% of gen x-ers, 11% of boomers, and 19% of elders.

Circumstances are partially responsible for this reality. More millennials are building families
and raising young children right now than any other generation. They also entered the
workforce at a time when saving cash was tough–and as a result, are playing “catchup”
when it comes to accumulating wealth.

However, this statistic may also reflect a core difference in how generations view the
importance of serving God with finances. While millennials are actually known for their
generosity to charitable causes, only 23% of people who give to churches are under the
age of 40.

The bottom line is that when financial generosity is viewed as a discipline–rather than
an impulse–it happens more frequently. Still, that attitude only takes one view towards
generosity. Is generosity limited to finances, or can it be expressed in a multitude of ways?
Do the generations view generosity differently? And most importantly, what does the Bible
say about generosity?

The Different Types of Generosity

The word “generosity” does not appear in the English translation of the Bible very frequently.
The best example we have of a Biblical reference to generosity is in 2 Corinthians.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also
supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your
righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous
on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving
to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the
Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise
God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of
Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-12)

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In this context, Paul was specifically referring to the provision of resources. It’s fair to
conclude that in a Biblical context, “generosity” can be defined as providing tangible
resources for others (in the form of finances, food, clothing, and other necessities).

However, contemporary Christians don’t always interpret generosity the same way. They
may see generosity as an act of service, hospitality, or empathy. And these perspectives
are often influenced by age.

Barna surveyed Christians from among four generations on what constitutes the most
generous thing a person can do. Here are the results:
• 52% of elders believe that service is the most generous action a person
can take.
• 31% of millennials believe that providing emotional support is the most
generous action a person can take.
• An even percentage of elders, boomers, and gen x-ers believe that giving
financially is the most generous action a person can take (29%, 23%, and 26%
respectively). However, only 13% of millennials believe the same.
• With the exception of 21% of millennials, very few people believe that
demonstrating hospitality is the most generous thing a person can do (For
example, 0% of elders believe this).
• A negligible amount of Christians believe that gift-giving is the most generous
thing a person can do.

The conclusion? Millennials are more likely to express generosity through opening their
doors to friends, coworkers, and family members. On the other hand, they are less likely to
express generosity through tithing or financial giving to their church.

That reality can affect the way older generations view younger generations.

A boomer or elder may look at a millennial who doesn’t give financially as lacking in
generosity. But the same millennial who doesn’t give financially may be inviting coworkers
into their home frequently, making meals for others, and allowing friends to sleep on their
couch or in their spare bedroom–rent-free.

One irony to this is that millennials are also more likely to see themselves as financially
generous. According to the Barna report, 29% of millennials are likely to see themselves as

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“very generous” with their money, compared with only 18% of elders–despite the fact that
elders were by far the most likely to give $2500+ annually, and millennials were the least.

Millennials & Generosity

Millennials are certainly a unique generation. For more than a decade, their spending habits,
professional tendencies, and belief systems have been examined and analyzed more than
any previous generation. And with good reason: These young adults play a powerful role in
culture, the economy, and the political climate.

Millennials were the first generation to be able to leverage digital technology from a young
age. They also came of age in a post-9/11 world, shaped by different expectations around
safety and security and foreign policy. Finally, many of them also entered the workforce
during the economic recession of 2007-08.

As a result, millennials have grappled with different circumstances than previous generations.
When many of them graduated college around the so-called Great Recession, they weren’t
guaranteed good jobs. In fact, they weren’t guaranteed jobs at all; the unemployment rate
for college graduates in 2008 was 6.8%. For young adults without degrees, unemployment
was at 15.7%.

The effects of the recession on millennials have been long-lasting. According to an

article by Yahoo Finance, “The dismal job market kicked off a cycle of unemployment,
underemployment, lower wages, which can have lasting effects on careers. Ballooning
student debt and rising real estate costs further squeezed millennials.”

Today, many millennials are trying to play catch-up. They’re getting married later and buying
fewer homes. They’re also trying to pay off student loans, saving up to have children, and
trying to launch businesses.

As a result, millennials may have less income to give to churches, and less incentive to be
financially generous. With less financial security, it can feel far more challenging to write a
check every month, or set up recurring payments.

Still, if we hold to Scriptural truth, we find that there is always blessing in generosity.

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You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every
occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
(2 Corinthians 9:8)

Building a Culture of Generosity

Generational differences are inevitable. There will always be differences in how people
of different ages assign value to things like time, money, hospitality, and generosity. As
Christians, however, we all have a mandate to love generously, love well, and reflect Christ
to those around us.

We are all called to give generously–and to expect that we will be provided for in return.
“Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little
had no lack.”
(2 Corinthians 8:15)

We are also called to give with “cheerful” hearts, and not with a spirit of reluctance or
compulsion. We are to give knowing that God will bless us abundantly. Biblical truths on
generosity apply to every believer in Christ–whether they’re 26 or 65, whether they carry a
load of student debt, own two homes, or are transitioning careers.

The way we view generosity is not meant to be a dividing factor between generations.
Rather, believers in Christ are called to be “united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you
agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the
same mind and the same judgment.”
(1 Corinthians 1:10)

Church leaders face a formidable challenge–instilling generosity across the generations.

That starts with credible Biblical teaching. But generosity is also taught and “caught”
through modeling, frequent communication, and opportunities to give. Through making
generosity not just a private discipline, but a cultural value, church leaders can get every
generation excited and envisioned to become radical givers.

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Building vision for generosity.

Let’s be honest. Writing a check for hundreds of dollars or punching in your credit card
number to give can be hard. That burden is only intensified when it feels scary or even
foolish. Donating money doesn’t come naturally to most people–especially to those who
feel stressed about their personal finances. According to a report from Yahoo, 60% of
millennials and generation z-ers feel “constantly stressed” about money.

To overcome the mental hurdle of giving, people need vision for giving. Ultimately, a vision
driven by the love of Jesus is going to be the most powerful incentive.

According to Barna’s report, 66% of pastors see generosity as a response to Christ’s love,
vs. only 47% of all Christians. On the other hand, 18% of all Christians view generosity as
being driven by duty, vs. only 3% of pastors.

Pastors or church leaders are far more likely to see generosity as a love response. The
average layperson, or church-attending Christian, is far more likely to see generosity as a
duty. You may all be reading the same Bible–but you may not view generosity in the same
way!

To drive home a more compelling and Christ-centered vision for generosity, think about
how to creatively communicate a Biblically-centered vision for giving at your church. That
may include giving a whole sermon–or sermon series–on giving. That may involve creating
a new giving campaign, that communicates vision for a specific effort. Or that may mean
introducing generosity into your church culture through conversation, testimonies, and
ministry.

Talking about money.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my
house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw
open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will
not have room enough for it.”
(Malachi 3:10)

The Bible gives specific teachings about financial giving. The Old Testament sets a precedent
for tithing a portion of income. Today, that translates to giving 10% of your gross income.

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One reason there’s a “generosity gap,” is that there’s misunderstanding about what actually
constitutes generosity. The Bible does speaks specifically to hospitality (Hebrews 13:2),
generosity with material goods (1 John 13:7), and service to the poor (Matthew 25:35-40).
But in general, generosity is understood as a portion of resources. Generosity is typically a
sacrifice; an act of faith towards a God who provides in supernatural ways.

Whether you’re speaking to those who view generosity strictly as service, or to those who
see it exclusively as a check, draw on the Bible for teaching truth on this topic.

(For 100 scriptures on generosity, read “Tithing in the Bible: 100+ Scriptures about Giving.”)

Providing tools for generosity.

More than ever, your church members utilize and depend on technology. Even older
members are most likely comfortable with using their mobile phones to buy, shop, and
give. Nearly half of all seniors aged 65+ own a smartphone, and more than half of all seniors
now shop online.

Younger generations, of course, are likely to use their mobile phones to do just about
everything on their phone–from trading crypto to managing businesses to creating social
media graphics. In fact, the average millennial spends 3.7 hours every day on their phone–
younger people, even more so.

The bottom line is that technology makes life more convenient and simple. And providing
options to give on a mobile phone, desktop, and tablet makes it easy for church members
to respond to a call to generosity.

Using a tool like Tithe.ly makes it simple and convenient for your congregants to tithe
regularly or make one-time donations. Tithe.ly comes with six different options for giving,
including text-to-give, giving on a mobile app, giving at a kiosk, writing a check, giving
with cryptocurrency, and more. Plus, younger generations may be far more likely to give if
they’re able to do it on their mobile phones–especially if all it takes is a text message.

To learn more about using Tithe.ly for free, click here.

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Pastoring a Multigenerational Church

Pastoring a multigenerational church is no easy task. When it comes to giving, there are
always going to be differences in how people express and view generosity. Age isn’t the
only factor. Personality, upbringing, income, and even gender play into how Christians give
of their financial resources, time, and kindness.

The generational gap may be widening, but the ultimate source of unity–Christ–remains the
same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Your congregation may think differently
about work, money, and even cultural values, but they are led by the same Holy Spirit and
read the same Bible. When you rely on the power of Scripture and resource yourself with
information, statistics, and tools, you can build a powerful culture of generosity at your
church.

The hallmarks of a generous church include:

• Support and provision that happens on the “grassroots level.” Your members
care for one another without prompting from church leaders.
• Financial giving that is not only consistent, but growing.
• A spirit of unity, rather than competition, that pervades small groups,
ministries, prayer meetings, and more.
• Incredible testimonies of the kinds of radical giving we see in Acts 2. In the
21st century, this might look like people providing cars, paying off mortgages,
giving away computers, and writing large checks–for one another.

Typically, this kind of church culture doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of a
community of people who care for one another, obey the Word, and are committed to living
countercultural lifestyles that rely on provision from God. It’s the result of Biblical teaching.
And it’s the result of church leaders who are committed to pastoring all generations through
a lifestyle of one of God’s most wonderful attributes: generosity.

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Online tools to help you increase
giving, manage your church, and
engage your members.

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