Generous Communities
Generosity and Gratitude
Reflection By Scott Stoner
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27
Churches have a unique role in teaching generosity. Not only do they teach what Jesus taught, but when they practice this generosity in how they care for one another and in their outreach to the community, they become living models for all who are watching. Churches also have the opportunity to amplify the good they do because through community, they can accomplish good beyond what any one person can do.
When I (Scott) was serving as pastor of a congregation, several individual members were volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Once they realized this, they got together and came up with the idea of getting our whole congregation involved. Eventually, over several years, we raised all the money and volunteers needed to build several houses.
What’s possible when a church community works together can include meal programs, blood drives, diaper banks, clothing drives, day programs for memory care or unsheltered people, hosting 12-Step groups, and organizing service trips.
As the body of Christ, churches have a unique capacity to both teach and model generosity. When a community of faith works together, their collective generosity can have an impact far beyond what any individual could accomplish alone. Community generosity demonstrates how we can pool our resources and energy to tackle challenges that require sustained effort and resilience.
Daily Gratitude Practice: List three experiences of a church or community practicing generosity that you have either participated in or been inspired by.