Sermon reflections written by the Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones for Giving in Grace.

Christian giving begins in the heart. As Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12). This powerful reminder affirms that generosity is not about equal amounts, but equal willingness. Yet many believers still ask: how does the heart know what to give?

Planned giving is more than how we give our gift; it is the heart’s intention to make giving a priority. This paper explores the importance of planned giving – envelopes, standing orders, charitable accounts, payroll giving – as the key that helps unlock generous and committed giving.

Differentiation is all about the different experiences, motivations, practices in our congregations. We don’t do one size fits all. We let people’s relationship with their church shape our communications. This paper outlines differentiation in Giving in Grace.

A budget will reflect our church’s past, present or future – but only a vision of the future will motivate serious giving. This paper suggests why a church budget is so important and what should guide its creation.

Alongside patterns of income and expenditure, the levels of financial reserves form part of the overall financial picture. This paper offers a brief reflection on reserves and guidance on generating the financial reserves charts for the case statement.