The data found that , in general , givers are significantly more likely to say they have received generosity in the past ( 54 % say yes , compared to 36 % of nongivers ). Often , those who currently practice generosity have not only been recipients of generosity but have also seen it modeled for them . Now , they desire to model generosity for others . The trends above are noteworthy in the lifecycle of generosity because they suggest generosity can be learned . When asked if anyone has taught them what being a generous person means , nearly two-thirds of U . S . adults ( 63 %) say yes . According to the study , practicing Christians are significantly more likely to say principles of generosity were taught to them ( 79 %). This emphasizes how church communities can be hubs for generous activity . Churches can follow the example of Paul by both encouraging and showcasing generosity in their congregations . Giving may often start with learning — a truth we see underscored in the 69 percent of givers who say generosity was taught to them ( vs . 56 % of nongivers ). To more explicitly illustrate the virtuous cycle of receiving , teaching and practicing generosity : More than half of those who have been taught about generosity have also been recipients of generosity ( 56 % vs . 27 % of those who haven ’ t been taught ). And , from the other end , three-quarters of those who have been recipients of extraordinary generosity have been taught about generosity ( 78 % vs . 49 % of those who have not been recipients of extraordinary generosity ).
Fifty Four Percent of Those Who Give Experienced Generosity Themselves
In a new report , Why Giving Is Good , that explores what leads U . S . adults and Christians to practice generosity in their own lives , Barna found that , for many , seeing kindness encourages them to extend kindness to others . Data from the study shows that this reciprocated generosity is especially prominent among practicing Christians — the majority of whom say they have been the recipient of someone ’ s generosity and now , are motivated to model generosity for others ( 65 %). Asked if they have ever been the recipient of someone ’ s extraordinary generosity , just under half of U . S . adults ( 46 %) say yes . Another 43 percent indicate they have not , while 11 percent say they are unsure . This decline among the general population in receiving generosity compared to practicing Christians hints to the influence faith community and practice might have on one ’ s experience with generosity .
According to the study , there are two potential implications the Church can take from this insight : 1 . Practicing Christians may have a higher chance of being exposed to generosity . For instance , among practicing Christians , over half ( 55 %) currently give to a church ( compared with just 25 % of all selfidentified Christians ). Because practicing Christians are more likely to be around other practicing Christians in a church environment , there is a great chance for someone to be both a participant in and recipient of generous community . 2 . Practicing Christians may be more apt to notice generosity in their everyday life . The Church puts great emphasis on the topics of generosity and gratitude ( in fact , nearly three-quarters of practicing Christians say their pastor often speaks from the pulpit on generosity ). It is possible that greater awareness is a result of higher priority .
Half of Pastors Say the Economy is Hurting Their Church
Half of U . S . Protestant pastors ( 52 %) say the current economy is having a negative impact on their churches , 40 % say it ’ s having no effect , and 7 % say it ’ s a positive factor , according to A recent Lifeway Research study . Individuals aren ’ t the only ones facing consequences of inflation and other negative economic factors in the U . S ., as many pastors say their churches are being harmed as well . The study of U . S . Protestant pastors found 52 % say the current economy is having a negative impact on their churches . For 40 %, the economic circumstances aren ’ t having any effect . Fewer than 1 in 10 pastors ( 7 %) say the current economy is a positive factor for their churches . Last year , around half of pastors ( 49 %) said the economy was having no impact . Only once in the previous five years , during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 , were pastors most likely to be pessimistic about the economic impact on their congregations . During this time , pastors had been more likely to say the economy was having no effect . The two years prior to the pandemic were the only two years in the study ’ s more than 13-year history when pastors were more likely to say the economy was having a positive impact than a negative one . 2022 marks the first time since 2016 that more than half of pastors feel the economy is having a negative impact on their churches and the first time since 2012 that fewer than 10 % of pastors see the economy as having a positive effect .
40 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | NOV / DEC 2022