Applied Generosity

Why do we give?

In this episode, we begin exploring the first of seven dimensions of a generous life: Motivation.

We introduce a framework built around six core motivations we’ve seen again and again in conversations with givers of all kinds. Each one reflects a different starting point—but together, they help us grow into a more complete vision of generosity.

• Relational Givers give to build connection. For these givers, gene...

What makes generosity so deeply contagious?

In this episode, we explore the heart givers—the first of three broader categories that help explain how and why people give. These givers are marked by warmth, collaboration, and joy, and they often draw others into the generous life by sheer presence and invitation.

We focus on two powerful motivation profiles:

• Relational Givers – Motivated by people and partnership. These givers ...

What happens when generosity flows from deep conviction?

In this episode, we explore the soul givers—those whose generosity is rooted in a deep spiritual foundation. These individuals are driven by obedience, connection to the Spirit, and a profound desire to reflect God’s heart through their giving. Their posture is one of surrender, sacrifice, and steadfast faithfulness, often giving in ways that go far beyond their finances.

We ...

What lies at the intersection of generosity, leverage, and intentionality?

In this episode, we explore the final two giving motivations: Impact Givers and Strategists. These givers approach generosity with their minds fully engaged—bringing focus, intentionality, and a strong desire to see resources make a measurable difference.

We focus on two head-driven profiles:

• Impact Givers – Motivated by effectiveness and measurable ou...

What happens when all six giving motivations begin working together in your life?

In this final episode of our Motivation series, we step back to see the big picture. Each of the six motivations—relationships, joy, faithfulness, compassion, impact, and strategy—shape our generosity in unique ways. But when we integrate them all, our giving becomes deeper, more intentional, and more effective.

The remaining six dimensions of the App...

What focus areas define our giving?

In this series, we continue our journey through the seven dimensions of the Applied Generosity Framework by introducing the second dimension: Domain. Building on the foundation of Motivation, we explore how the focus areas of our giving powerfully transform our hearts and faith.

We introduce the four core domains, each offering unique ways generosity shapes us and draws us into God’s story:

How does generosity shape our connection to the local church?

In this episode, we begin exploring the first of four domains in the Applied Generosity Framework: Community. This domain centers on the people we worship with, share meals with, serve alongside, and do life with—our local expression of the body of Christ.

We consider how giving in this domain helps foster unity, build trust, and deepen our sense of spiritual family. For...

What does it look like to give in step with the Holy Spirit?

In this episode, we explore the second of four core domains in the Applied Generosity Framework: A Conversation. This domain centers on everyday generosity—responding to the Spirit’s voice in real time, often in small but deeply formative ways.

We reflect on how this kind of generosity trains our spiritual ears to hear, softens our hearts to notice, and stretches our fait...

What breaks God’s heart—and are we willing to see it?

In this episode, we explore the third core domain in the Applied Generosity Framework: A Commandment. Rooted in Jesus’ words in the Great Commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” this domain calls us to face suffering and injustice head-on, not turning away but engaging as active agents of restoration in a broken world.

We trace this domain through the Parable of the Goo...

What does it mean to give with eternity in view?

In this episode, we explore the fourth and final core domain of generosity in the Applied Generosity Framework: A Commission—the call to advance the gospel and participate in God’s unfolding redemptive story. When we engage with this domain, our attention shifts beyond our immediate lives to God’s greater narrative that spans from Genesis to today—and into eternity.

We trace the arc ...

What does a fully integrated life of generosity look like?

Join us as we wrap up our series on Domain, the second dimension of the Applied Generosity Framework. Over the past few episodes, we’ve explored how different focus areas in our giving can shape not just what we support—but who we become. Now, we step back to see how they all come together.

As we reflect on each domain, we turn our eyes to Jesus—the ultimate model of a gene...

What does it look like to engage deeply and wisely with the causes God puts on our hearts?

In this episode, we launch our deep dive into the third dimension of generosity: Intervention—how we engage with the problems and opportunities in the world around us. If domain defines where we give, intervention defines how we give in those areas.

We walk through the five stages of growth in intervention—from early awareness to meaningful i...

How can we confidently identify organizations that create lasting change?

In this episode, we continue our journey through Intervention, the third dimension of generosity, by unpacking the core criteria — the essential qualities that reveal whether an organization or program is truly effective. We explore how understanding these elements can help us give with clarity and purpose.

Together we walk through the three pillars of core c...

How can we recognize the qualities that signal an intervention is built to last?

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Intervention by unpacking the confirmatory criteria — elements that often point to strong, enduring programs, even if they aren’t present everywhere. We look at how these indicators help us discern where generosity can produce meaningful, sustainable change.

In this episode, we explore:

• Gospel integ...

How do we know which organizations or programs we are uniquely suited to partner with?

In this episode, we explore the final set of criteria in evaluating interventions: compatibility criteria. These focus on how our unique gifts, relationships, and God’s guidance position us to engage meaningfully with particular organizations or programs. Understanding compatibility helps us align our giving with both impact and personal calling.

How can we take everything we’ve learned about evaluating interventions and put it into practice in our giving?

In this episode, we wrap up our intervention series and walk through a practical process for assessing organizations and programs in your giving. We focus on taking the core, confirmatory, and compatibility criteria and applying them in a simple, actionable way—helping you feel confident in where and how you engage.

In th...

How do we decide how much to give and how much to keep?

In this first conversation on Allocation, we step back from numbers and formulas to look at the mindset behind them. Together, we explore what Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler reveals about identity, surrender, and the quiet risks that come with resources. Before any structure or spreadsheet, allocation begins with an open heart.

In this episode, we explore:

• Wh...

How do we grow in responsiveness and surrender in our giving?

In this episode, we continue our journey through Allocation, looking at two heart postures that shape how we decide what to give and what to keep. We explore how spontaneous gifts nurture a posture of response, and how percentage giving grows a posture of surrender. Together, they form a foundation for generosity that is both Spirit-led and steady through every season.

I...

How can we experience greater adventure and alignment in our giving?

In this third conversation on Allocation, we explore two heart postures that help us give with purpose: adventure and alignment. Adventure calls us to take stretching steps of faith, trusting God’s provision along the way. Alignment invites us to define “enough,” freeing us to exchange temporary treasure for lasting impact. Together, these postures — and their too...