How we relate to our money and possessions is a central part of discipleship.
Jesus drew a small group of people around himself – disciples – who were apprenticed together in the new life Jesus gave. This included a radical generosity, and learning a new way of dealing with their possessions. They grew together as followers of Jesus.
The relationships that form in small groups can still play a huge role in how we grow in Christ-like generosity and character today. This 15 minute video from Liverpool shows a group sharing testimonies and stories of God’s generosity – it’s inspiring to see how these discussions can work.
We’ve collected here some resources around generosity for small groups. These reflect different styles, themes, and theological approaches, and all are free except where a price is noted. Some of them could work particularly well for advent or lent groups, or to kick off a new year, so if you’re planning some seasonal courses, have a look and see what might be helpful in your setting.
Do let us know if you come across any other resources you’ve found helpful so we can share them with others too!
Advent
Giving and Hoping, Diocese of Lincoln.
- Four weeks;
- Specifically for Advent, taking four characters from the nativity story;
- Welcome, Word, Worship, Witness’ pattern
- Simple and straightforward;
- Could work in a family context as well as in a small group.
Generous God, Generous People, Diocese of St Edmundbury and Ipswich.
- Four weeks on Mark’s gospel;
- Suitable for any time of year, but could work well for an Advent group;
- Could easily be adapted for older youth groups;
- Helpfully challenging;
- Leaders would need to put some preparation time in.
Study Exodus! from Giving in Grace.
- Four weeks;
- Suitable for any time of year but could work well for an Advent group;
- Practical and engaging;
- Includes optional video clips that can be found separately here.
New Year
God’s Generosity, Our Response – from this Diocese, written by our own Revd Canon Wendy Robins
- Five weeks;
- Taking a thematic approach across the bible;
- Thorough and thoughtful;
- Available on our website, but we can also send you printed copies – please contact us to request these.
A Generous God – from this Diocese, written by (then) Archdeacon, Chris Skilton.
- Three weeks;
- Thematic approach;
- Helpful suggestions throughout for leaders of the group;
- Available on our website, but we can also send you printed copies – please contact us to request these.
Holy Habits: Generosity and Gladness, from the Bible Reading Fellowship (leaders guide £6.99)
- Eight sessions;
- Taking inspiration from the Gospel of Luke, and the practices of the early church;
- Practical and discipleship-focussed.
For a different approach, churches wanting to serve congregations and communities can offer practical and helpful money coaching with the CAP Money course. Churches often find New Year a good time to offer this course as people may be struggling with finances following the Christmas season. Churches can offer this course by church members receiving training as CAP money coaches (training approximately £55 but different models offered).
Lent
Surprised by Generosity, Diocese of Exeter.
- Seven sessions on Luke’s gospel;
- Each session includes a 3-6 minute video along with group discussion notes;
- Culminates in a session on the resurrection;
- Using personal stories, biblical reflection and application.
Seeing Change from the Centre for Theology and Community (CTC).
- Five sessions, recommended for Lent by CTC;
- A very different course enabling churches engaging with their communities for change;
- The course ends with a ‘Money Talk’ session, kicking off a conversation about where there are challenges with finances in a community, and seeking where the church can get involved and offer hope;
- Taking inspiration from the book of Nehemiah.
Generosity Study Guide (£8.29), from Redeemer Presbyterian Church
- Seven sessions – could fit well in Lent;
- Including weekly videos;
- Evangelical approach (Tim Keller’s former church).
40 Acts, Lent Generosity Challenge small group studies from Stewardship
- Seven sessions;
- Readings from Acts, themed around the life of the early church;
- Sermon notes also available, following the same pattern of readings;
- Daily individual challenges also available;
- The link here gives studies for 2019 – more small group resources from 40 Acts can be found here: https://40acts.org.uk/resources/).
General
Growing Generous Church from the Diocese of Leicester
- Five weeks;
- In-depth focus on Matthew 20.1-16, the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Additional scriptures also included each week;
- Could be used at any time of year, but prayers have a harvest theme.
- Three weeks;
- Starter, bible discussion questions, ‘what now?’, take action, and worship/reflection sections;
- Thorough and engaging.
The Generosity Project (£8.49)
- Six sessions;
- Thematic model;
- Produced in Australia and the UK;
- Evangelical approach.
Pilgrim Course (book 8), Church and Kingdom (£6.99)
- Six sessions, including one on living generously;
- Including prayer, reflection on the Bible, an article by a modern writer, and time for questions and reflection;
- Wide-ranging and thoughtful;
- Ready to go.
