The following teaching is from our in Columbia as it is in Heaven series. To learn more on this topic, go to the following sermon series - giv 2018 and Treasure Hunting.
To get started read Luke 12:22-34 and work through the questions below:
Do you have any external barriers to generosity? What are they? (Examples include: not having a budget, not sticking to a budget, your income fluctuating, unforeseen expenses.)
What are your internal barriers to generosity? (Examples include: apathy, fear, lack of trust, a desire for control.)
What does your money reveal that your heart is most attached to?
What does repentance look like to fight against your internal barriers? (Examples could include: practicing thankfulness with what God’s given you already, finding contentment in all circumstances rather than comparing yourself to others, giving more generously, etc.)
What specific steps can you take this week to be more generous? Make a plan to do it. (Examples can include: making a budget, signing up for recurring giving, increasing your giving, etc.)
Even as you talk about your plan out loud, what are your internal resistances?
If you need training in this practice, click on the following resources below. Many of these resources are designed to walk through on your own, with someone else, or with your entire LifeGroup.
Articles:
Why Do We Ask Members to Give 10 Percent?
4 Ways to Increase Your Margin for Generosity
4 Reasons Why More Money Won’t Solve Your Financial Problems
STEWARD Tool - If managing money is in intimidating, here’s 7 steps to begin pursuing financial health.
Tools:
Simple Budget Calculator - This is a downloadable spreadsheet to help you get started on a budget. Simply put in how much you get from a paycheck and the calculator will automatically show you a suggested budget. (Google | Excel)
Debt Snowball Tool - Debt can feel overwhelming and impossible to tackle. This downloadable spreadsheet gives you a plan for how to pay off debt. (Google Sheets)
Budget Template - This downloadable spreadsheet is a more in-depth look at how to create a budget. (Excel)
Money Management Tools:
