In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Gary Grant, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of The Entertainer, the largest family-owned toy retailer in the UK. “I wasn’t generous before I was a Christian. In fact, quite the reverse, everything that I had was mine so why would I want to give it away”. Hear about the dramatic journey of generosity that Gary has been on, both personally and professionally, since he came to faith in 1991. That journey includes setting up our charity partner Restore Hope, which helps people get back on their feet with practical support. “You can’t outgive God. Be as generous as you can, as often as you can and make as big a difference as you can.” Gary’s favourite Bible verses on generosity: “Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained.” 1 Samuel 2:30 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Gary: · For discernment to use his time wisely to best effect · For his fundraising efforts to get the new community hub for Restore Hope up and running · For good health Related links: The Entertainer: https://www.thetoyshop.com/aboutus Entertainer founder hands over shop chain to staff: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm2jjwmw9jo Restore Hope: https://restorehopelatimer.org/ Give with Stewardship to Restore Hope: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20096832 Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 8 Generosity as a ministry of reconciliation with Annika Greco Thompson
In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Annika Greco Thompson, a Growth and Relationship Manager for Stewardship. Annika shares insights from her experience of faith and generosity and how they feed into her work with Stewardship, supporting and encouraging donors on their own journeys of generosity. “One parable that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is The Good Samaritan. This one speaks to me of the ministry of reconciliation which I believe is directly linked to generosity… It’s not just about giving money, it’s giving up of our power and our control…in order to see someone through to health and well being and fullness and that is exactly what generosity is supposed to do.” Annika’s favourite Bible verses on generosity: The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Annika: that she may continue to challenge herself to give more and to trust God more in that that she uses the platform she has at Stewardship to speak the truth in boldness and to encourage Christians to step up in their generosity to not be afraid of what man might think but to really try to be faithful to what God is asking of her Related links: Journey of Generosity – find out more and register your interest: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/event-series/journey-generosity Recent blogs by Annika: Investing for the Kingdom: A full-time ministry: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/investing-kingdom-full-time-ministry Just grace, forgiveness and accountability at work: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/just-grace-forgiveness-and-accountability-work What if Lent wasn’t just about giving stuff up?: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/what-if-lent-wasnt-just-about-giving-stuff Annika’s bio: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/about-us/our-people/annika-greco-thompson Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 7 God’s generous heartbeat with John Rinehart
In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by John Rinehart, Founder of Gospel Patrons and author of the book by the same name. John discusses the journey he embarked on with his wife to become a global Christian and the pivotal conversation he had en route, which triggered his mission to inspire a new generation of Gospel patrons – Christians in business leadership who generously partner with those in the mission field. Passionate in his belief that “the very heartbeat of God is generosity”, John also reflects on God’s call on us as Christians to be generous. John’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for John: That he may continue to have wise stewardship over his resources and the message behind Gospel patrons. Related links: Gospel Patrons: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/ Gospel Patrons UK Chapter: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/uk-chapter/ Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 6 Generosity at the heart of our faith with Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood
In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, Director of Giving for the Church of England and author of The Porcupine Principle (and other fundraising secrets). From porcupines to a ‘MINT IDEA’, in this wide-ranging discussion Jonathan outlines the principles that he believes are essential for both enabling giving and growing a culture of generosity in the Church of England. He also discusses his own experience of faith, generosity and the joy that comes with giving. Jonathan’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning – you must walk in it… How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” (NRSV) 2 John 1:6; 1 John 3:17 See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Jonathan: That he may be open to and receive the spiritual gift of generosity as embodied by St Anselm’s prayer: “I owe you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you.” Related links: Church of England’s ‘Generous Church’ model: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church The fundraising target for Jonathan’s own church was met within a month. Read the blog Jonathan and his vicar wrote that tells the story: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generous-church-blog/how-we-cleared-ps30k-deficit-one-month The Porcupine Principal (and other fundraising secrets): https://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/the-porcupine-principle-2/ Jonathan’s discipleship course ‘Living Generously’: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generosity-resources/living-generously-films-small-groups-and Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
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Ep. 5 Generosity with a Capital G with Wendy Pawsey
Shownotes In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Rev. Wendy Pawsey, Elim Minister, Head of Giving for the Evangelical Alliance and author of ‘Generous with a Capital G’. Wendy reflects on her faith journey and how that intersects with her experience of generosity as something that “flows from the heart” to create massive impact. She also shares stories and insights from her book on generosity in which she inspires all of us to rethink the difference our money can make. Enter our giveaway! Wendy is giving away 10 copies of her book ‘Generous with a Capital G’. To enter, simply subscribe to our podcast email and tick the box to enter the giveaway. Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!). Enter now: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Wendy’s favourite Bible verse on generosity: “Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?” 1 Chronicles 29:5 (NIV) See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage How you can pray for Wendy: that she would have more opportunities to share what is in her book about generosity that God would take her onto another level of freedom in generosity Related links: Generous with a Capital G: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generous-Big-Creating-financial-generosity/dp/1912726831 Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You’ll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives. Giveaway reminder: Be in with a chance to win your own copy of Wendy’s book ‘Generous with a Capital G’ by entering our giveaway. Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!). Enter now:https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/
Welcome to Active Generosity, Stewardship's brand new podcast. Join us for an exploration into the world of faithful and generous Christian stewardship.
I’m your host, Ruth Jackson. Each month I’ll be chatting to a Stewardship donor, partner or colleague about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they’ve experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.
As you hear from both donors and leaders of charitable causes, our prayer is that you’ll learn something new, experience fresh perspectives and be encouraged and inspired to take the next step on your own generosity journey.
Along the way, you’ll also learn something about us and the myriad ways in which we support our donors and the many charities, churches and Christian workers who are our partners. Perhaps you do already know us as a donor but have no idea we may be supporting some of your favourite causes. Or, you’ve come to us for help as a church or charity leader or Christian worker but didn’t realise we can also support you in your personal giving. As you put the pieces of the Stewardship jigsaw together, we hope you’ll also be excited to discover our growing community of engaged givers and verified partners doing amazing work across God’s Kingdom.
Subscribe to our podcast newsletter via the link in our trailer show notes, where you’ll also find further information about Stewardship.
Together, let’s discover the joy of active generosity.
Ireland