MODULE 6: GENEROSITY

OUTCOME: The disciple embodies generosity by stewarding money, time and talents for the Kingdom of God.

Module 3 discussed living selflessly. Before we can live out justice and mercy, we must get over ourselves! Now, Module 6 pushes it a bit further: A selfless disciple embodies generosity. We deny ourselves so we may give ourselves away to bring God’s Kingdom closer to this earth.

Many people are held in the grip of their possessions, time, talent, and finances—even if they have very little compared to others. But a disciple of Jesus understands that these things are not ours to have, but ours to steward. In other words, disciples view their resources as something they can use to expand the Kingdom of God. When we make this shift, greed loses its hold, and we find a new level of freedom.

Generosity Grows Out of Freedom

Many people are held in the grip of their possessions, schedules and finances, whether they have a lot or very little. Jesus spoke about money more often than almost any other practical subject because he knew how easily it competes for our hearts: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Module 6 helps the disciple move from ownership to stewardship — from asking "How much of my money should I give?" to "How much of God’s money should I keep?"

That shift rarely happens by willpower alone. Before we can give freely, we have to be honest about what holds us. That is why this module begins not with a budget but with the Good Samaritan and an Addiction Inventory. When greed, fear or destructive habits lose their hold, a new level of freedom opens up — and generosity becomes a joy rather than an obligation.

The Four Meetings of Module 6

Meeting 1: The Addiction Inventory — reflect on the Good Samaritan and complete the Addiction Inventory to uncover what quietly holds your heart.
Meeting 2: Freedom to Give — discuss the inventory honestly, practise confession together and choose one concrete step toward freedom.
Meeting 3: Giving to Your Local Church — discuss the Giving to Your Local Church video and 2 Corinthians 9:7, and explore what cheerful, purposeful giving looks like.
Meeting 4: Your Generosity Strategy — work through a personal plan for giving money, time and talents, and decide on next steps.

Stewardship: Money, Time and Talent

Money

The Pathway introduces the biblical principle of the tithe — giving the first tenth of our income back to God through the local church — as a starting point, not a ceiling. Beyond the tithe, many disciples choose to give generously to causes that reflect God’s heart for the poor and vulnerable.

Time

Time is often harder to give than money. Serving on a church team, mentoring, volunteering in your community or simply being available to a friend in need are all ways to steward the hours God gives us.

Talent

Every disciple has gifts: teaching, hospitality, music, administration, encouragement, practical skills. Generosity asks how those gifts can build up the church and bless the world (1 Peter 4:10).

Building a Personal Generosity Strategy

A Generosity Strategy turns good intentions into a plan. As you prepare for Meeting 4, consider:

Where will you give? Start with your local church, then consider one or two other causes you are passionate about.
How much will you give? Choose a percentage rather than a leftover amount, and consider growing it over time.
How often? Automatic, regular giving keeps generosity from depending on your mood.
How will you give time and talent? Name a serving team, a person or a need.
What joy do you expect? Paul reminds us that "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Tips for Disciplers

Money and addiction are sensitive topics. Share your own journey with generosity, including your struggles, and never pressure a disciple to give a specific amount. If the Addiction Inventory reveals serious issues, help the disciple connect with a recovery group, a financial coach or a counsellor. Freedom, not guilt, is the goal.

Key Scriptures on Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:6–11 — sowing generously and giving cheerfully.
Matthew 6:19–24 — treasure in heaven and the impossibility of serving two masters.
Luke 10:25–37 — the Good Samaritan and the cost of loving our neighbour.
Malachi 3:10 — bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse.
Acts 20:35 — "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am in debt or can barely cover my bills?

Generosity is about the heart, not the amount. Start with a small, consistent gift, give time and talent, and consider working through a biblical money-management course to build freedom over time.

How does this connect to the rest of the Pathway?

Module 6 builds on Module 3: Self Denial: we deny ourselves so that we can give ourselves away. It also prepares the disciple for Module 9: Living Justly, where generosity is directed toward injustice in the world. Next up is Module 7: Awareness.

In this module: Meeting 1: Addiction Inventory · Meeting 2: Freedom to Give · Meeting 3: Giving to Your Church · Meeting 4: Your Generosity Strategy. All worksheets and videos: Module 6 resources. Previous module: Module 5: Guidance. Next module: Module 7: Awareness. See all 11 modules.