In a world where materialism and self-interest can dominate, where rising costs and tighter budgets place increasing pressure on individuals, households, and churches alike, conversations about generosity can be challenging. Yet call to Christian generosity remains as relevant and transformative as ever. Generosity is not simply about money. It is about sharing our time, our gifts, our hospitality, and our resources in ways that reflect God’s love.
To support churches during this season, we have gathered a range of practical resources designed to nurture generosity within congregations. Whether you are planning a stewardship focus, preparing for Harvest celebrations, exploring legacy giving, or simply looking for fresh inspiration, we hope these materials will help you encourage a generous culture in your parish. Encouraging giving in your parish this Autumn – The Diocese of Southwark
We have grouped our autumn resources into four key themes.
1) Inspiring generosity
One of the most powerful ways to encourage generosity is through stories. When people hear how their giving and service have made a difference, generosity becomes tangible and meaningful.
Consider:
- Inviting a supported charity to share how your church’s contributions have helped transform lives.
- Sending thank-you letters to regular givers, highlighting events, ministries, and community activities that have been made possible through their faithful support.
- Encouraging those who have recently begun giving regularly to share their personal journey and motivation with the congregation.
- Reflecting on what generosity means within your church community. Ordinary Time can be an excellent opportunity to undertake a generosity review. The Southwark Generosity Review provides PCCs and church leaders with a framework for exploring whether their congregation sees itself as generous-hearted and helps identify opportunities for growth and development.
2) Discipleship of generosity
At its heart, generosity is not simply an act, but discipleship!
The discipleship of generosity teaches us that giving is a lifelong response to God’s generosity towards us. As Christians, we are called to steward our time, talents, finances, and resources in ways that reflect God’s love and further God’s mission in the world.
When practised intentionally, generosity becomes a spiritual discipline that shapes our character, deepens our faith, and nurtures trust in God’s provision. Rather than giving out of obligation, we are invited to give joyfully, prayerfully, and sacrificially, recognising that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God.
Throughout this season, clergy, readers, and church leaders can draw on lectionary-based preaching resources that explore generosity as an essential aspect of Christian discipleship. Weekly sermon notes and resources for children and young people are available to help churches engage every generation in this important conversation. Preaching generosity – The Diocese of Southwark
3) Embedding generosity in church life
Generosity flourishes when it becomes part of the culture of a church rather than simply a topic discussed once a year. The seasons of Creationtide and Harvest provide wonderful opportunities to demonstrate generosity in practical ways. Churches might:
- Welcome local schools for Harvest services.
- Organise collections for foodbanks and community projects.
- Partner with conservation groups for litter-picking and environmental activities.
- Host shared lunches and community gatherings.
- Create meaningful opportunities for connection through Remembrance services and Light Parties.
Such activities remind us that generosity is not simply about financial support. As the Apostle John reminds us, we are called not to love “with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Through acts of kindness, hospitality, and care, we embody Christ’s love and represent Him in our communities.
4) Activate generosity
Inspiration is important, but people also need clear and practical ways to respond. When encouraging generosity, it’s essential that participation is straightforward and accessible. Churches can help people take the next step by:
- Providing contactless giving opportunities.
- Offering simple online and paper sign-up forms.
- Inviting ministry leaders to speak during notices about opportunities for all ages to serve.
- Clearly communicating the gifts of time, skills, and financial support that are needed.
When people feel inspired, we should make it easy for them to act on that inspiration.
Looking to the Future Through Legacy Giving
One area of growing importance is legacy giving.
Gifts in wills continue to be one of the most significant sources of charitable income in the UK, representing 30% of all fundraising income (Legacy Giving Report 2025). Yet the CofE total legacy income for the same period was £75m only 6% of parish income. Many churches do not actively promote or facilitate legacy giving. As charities invest increasing resources into legacy programmes, churches have an opportunity to remind parishioners that their local church is also a charity worthy of long-term support.
Autumn offers a particularly appropriate context for such conversations, around All Souls’ Day and Remembrance Sunday, many people naturally reflect on the legacy they will leave behind and the values they hope to pass on to future generations.
We have been encouraged by stories from churches that have received legacy gifts. What stands out is that transformational gifts do not always need to be measured in hundreds of thousands but often hundreds or thousands can fund a project, improve facilities, support outreach, or create opportunities for ministry that would otherwise not be possible.
Our aspiration is that by the end of 2027, every church will have a branded poster (templates of which can be found under each Legacy Story on the website), leaflet, and information on legacy giving which will be regularly discussed as part of overall Generosity and Giving periods, as a way to support God’s mission for future generations.
Further Training and Support
Finally, clergy and church leaders may wish to explore the Church of England’s Talking Money 2026 programme. This online series for curates explores money, budgeting, giving, generosity, teaching, preaching, and fundraising. Sessions will take place online between 22 September and 20 October and provide valuable support for those seeking to build a culture of generosity within their churches. Sign up here
As we enter this autumn season, let us celebrate the generosity already present in our congregations, while continuing to nurture hearts that reflect God’s abundant grace. Through our giving, serving, welcoming, and sharing, we participate in God’s work and help our churches and communities flourish for generations to come.
Gemma Curran, Generous Giving & Funding Adviser
