bigidearesources.combigidearesources.com/.../12/Genetically-Generous-Big-Idea-Map.docx · Web viewThe concept behind this series is that we all have a “generosity profile.” We

Big Idea MapGenetically Generous

SERIES BIG IDEAWe are genetically wired to be generous.

SERIES OVERVIEWIn addition to being our annual generosity series, this series will mark the 2-year

conclusion of ONE. We will celebrate the ONE Initiative and all God has accomplished

through it including a final ONE offering on March 18.

The concept behind this series is that we all have a “generosity profile.” We are all wired

for generosity, but we experiencing this wiring in different ways. Understanding your

profile can help you leverage your natural inclinations and also challenge you to

recognize areas in which you can grow.

WEEK 1 | MARCH 4 | WIRED FOR GENEROSITYScripture: John 3:16, Luke 23:32-43, 2 Corinthians 8:9, James 1:16-18, Genesis 1:27-29

MESSAGE BIG IDEAWe’re wired for generosity because we’re made in the image of a generous God.

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes

in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When

they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals

—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father,forgive them, for they do

not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He

saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

Big Idea Resources 1


36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and

said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice

above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals who hung

there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the

other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same

sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But

this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you

come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with

me in paradise.” -Luke 23:32-43

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your

sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. -2 Corinthians

8:9

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is

from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change

like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we

might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. -James 1:16-18

27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful

and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the

birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” 29 Then God

said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree

that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. -Genesis 1:27-29

MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONGenerosity is the impulse of love, and our God is love (1 John 4:8). His nature is love,

and so his impulse is generosity.

Everything we have in life is because of God’s generosity (James 1:17).



We see generosity flow from God in the beginning, in the story of creation (Genesis

1:27-29).

God gave us life.

God gave us provisions.

God gave us his presence.

But the ultimate expression of God’s generosity is seen in Jesus. God gave his only son

(John 3:16).

Isn’t it interesting that as Jesus gave his life on the cross, he was crucified between two

criminals (Luke 23:32-43)? The men on his right and his left are traditionally referred to

as “thieves.” We don’t know what they had stolen. Possibly money? Or possessions?

Could it have been someone’s life?

On the cross, the greatest Giver was surrounded by takers. And yet, in these last

moments, his generosity even extends to a thief who was willing to receive it.

God is generous. And we are made in the image of a generous God. That means we are

wired for generosity. It’s in our DNA.

We instinctively recognize the beauty in acts of generosity because what we are seeing

is how humans were created to express themselves...what we’re seeing is the impulse

of love. We are most “ourselves” when we are generous. Through our generosity, we

reflect the image of God.

We are all wired for generosity, yet as we thought about this concept, we got curious.

Could it be we are wired in different ways?

At the end of this message, we’ll want to foreshadow what is coming… We partnered

with an attender who is also an experienced business consultant and surveyed hundreds

of people to decipher the various ways we are wired for generosity. What emerged was



6 distinct Generosity Profiles. Kind of like a personality test such as the DISC or Myers-

Briggs, these profiles help us better understand ourselves and how God’s generous

character is expressed through each of us. (Make fun of ourselves for nerding out on

profiles!) Next week, everyone will have the opportunity to take a short quiz right in

service to identify their Generosity Profile, and we’ll spend time unpacking each profile

and how every generous tendency bears the image of God.

DOCENT REQUESTS Commentary on Luke 23:32-43, 2 Corinthians 8:9, James 1:16-18, Genesis 1:27-

29

Research from the sciences on how we are wired for generosity.

o As well as research regarding what generosity does to our physiology.

Material/Imagery/Quotes from spiritual writers on the generous nature of God.

Stories from the news (recent) of generosity to illustrate how we instinctively

recognize something beautiful in generosity.



WEEK 2 | MARCH 11 | GENEROSITY PROFILESScripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

MESSAGE BIG IDEAWe’re all wired for generosity, but we express it in various ways.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows

generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided

in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all

that you need, you will abound in every good work.

MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONAs God’s image-bearers, we’re wired for generosity, but we tend to express that

generosity in different ways.

This message will center around revealing the 6 Generosity Profiles generated by our

survey research. At the beginning of the message, we’ll give people an opportunity to

take an eight-question online survey that can predict their Generosity Profile with 70%

accuracy. We’ll then walk through the 6 profiles focusing on:

An overview of the profile.

What motivates people with that profile to be generous.

Possibly an example from Scripture of that type of generosity.

Possibly how that type of generosity reflects the image of a generous God.

Our goal with this message is to help people identify their natural generous inclination

and to affirm them and encourage them to give cheerfully according to that wiring. We

will focus on the positive aspects of their profile (leaving the challenge aspects for Week

4).



Our generosity is a reflection of our generous God!

The survey focused on financial generosity, but also tied in aspects of serving

(time/energy given in ministry) and relationships (time/energy given to relationships). A

brief overview of the profiles generated by our survey research:

DISCIPLINED DOERSThese givers want to be doing things “right.” They feel confident and at ease when life is

in order. Disciplined Doers on average tithe the highest percentage of their income of

any profile because they view tithing as a black and white command in Scripture, but

they have also experienced the fruits of God’s generosity first hand. This causes them to

be generous above and beyond both in money, but also time as this is the most frequent

profile for ministry coaches (about 3x the average).

They find joy in being obedient to God’s commands regarding their money and ministry

time, but are slightly lower on relational aspects of the Jesus mission. They spend

relatively less time praying daily versus the ‘average’ and B.L.E.S.S. ~5 people per year

(vs. 8 overall) and are generally lower on personal baptisms and those who come to

faith.

Primary Motivation: Obedience and joy in generosity.

CAUSE MOVERSThese givers are motivated by causes and the here and now. Though they may not give

on a consistent basis, they are often the first people to step up and be generous when

presented with a tangible need. In fact, 31% of them report to be ahead on their ONE

giving, which is one of the highest in the group. They tithe an average percentage

compared to the other profiles and are on par with their hours volunteered and relational

impact.



They are relational and responsive to requests for help from someone they know and

trust. They like seeing how their giving makes an immediate and observable difference.

Their concern for the cause also makes them the highest at 88% who worry a lot if the

organization they give to will be responsible with the money they give.

The biggest area of growth is to commit to giving a fixed amount each time, with 75%

being very open to committing to that.

Primary Motivation: Making a Difference.

FAITH STRETCHERSThese givers see generosity as part of their spiritual growth journey, despite the fact that

money is a difficult topic of conversation, where 60% grew up arguing about money and

75% are scared of debt and credit.

That said, they stretch themselves to give even when money is tight and tithe an

average percentage compared to the other profiles, because they believe God will be

faithful and reward their faithfulness. Their faithfulness helps them have strong relational

impact, having 7-8 people they B.L.E.S.S-ed in the past year and about 2 people come

to faith, both about average.

Faith Stretchers focus mostly on giving and relationships, but are slightly below average

on time spent in ministry itself, with about 2-3 hours per week at COMMUNITY (versus

3-4 on average)

Primary Motivation: Faithfulness…even when its hard…and sharing that faith with

others.

BUDGET KEEPERSThese givers have a high sense of responsibility. They want to manage money wisely

and like budgeting and planning, with 96% saying they enjoy budgeting and planning.



They value generosity from a holistic approach, as they tithe an average percentage

compared to the other profiles but are even more generous with their time serving an

average of 4-5 hours per week at COMMUNITY and 2-3 hours per week beyond

(highest of the group). And their spiritual disciplines are right on par with the overall

group.

They approach their giving responsibly often asking questions like, “What can I afford to

give?” Once they determine that number, they will do their best to stick with it. When an

unforeseen expense comes up such as a home or auto repair, they may have to tighten

the reins on their generosity for a while, but will get back on track once their budget

becomes predictable again.

Primary Motivation: Being Responsible.

COMMUNITY GROWERSThese givers have a holistic view of generosity. They believe the mission requires

everyone to pull together and do their part in a variety of ways. To a community grower,

giving of one’s time and talents is just as important as giving financially. They often are

the first people to sign up for a volunteer need and typically serve faithfully on a ministry

team. They do give financially and tithe about above average compared to the other

profiles. They serve 4 hours per week at COMMUNITY and nearly 50% are already

leaders (highest). They are by far the highest on relational impact, with ~11 people

BLESSED per year, ~3 people per year in hptwbtG and ~3 baptisms per year, all above

average. Not surprisingly, 38% serve in 1st impressions (2nd highest).

They do like to learn about money and managing their finances. While they are

generous, 67% worry the church will ask them to give more than they are comfortable

with. 33% are ahead on ONE (highest) and 67% give via bank debit. 67% are open to

giving a stretch amount above and beyond.



Primary Motivation: Being part of a community

LEGACY BUILDERSThese givers are often visionaries who look beyond today to their dreams for the future.

They want their life to count for something both now and after they are gone. If they have

children, it is important to them to leave behind an inheritance for their kids, with 83%

believing their first obligation is to provide for their family (highest).

These people have the highest incomes of everyone, but tithe the lowest percentage of

the group. They feel some of the stresses of what the Bible talks about regarding money,

with only 25% feeling financially blessed (lowest), 67% constantly worried about money

(highest) and in fact 75% living paycheck to paycheck (highest).

When an organization or cause becomes important to them, they will make a significant

investment both in the present and in long-term planning. In fact, the way in which they

are encouraged to give matters. 67% they’d rather give to specific parts of the ministry

versus letting the church decide. 33% give via the mobile app (the highest).

But as of now, they are among the lowest in giving money and volunteering time at

COMMUNITY. However, they are on par with relational impact and the tied for the

highest on volunteering outside of COMMUNITY.

Primary Motivation: Leaving a legacy

DOCENT REQUESTS: Commentary on 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Do some digging...is there anything else like this out there? Anything we might

be able to compare our survey research to or draw from to better define these

profiles?

Suggest possible Scriptural examples of generosity that seem to fit each profile.

Suggest examples in fiction/news that illustrate the different types of profiles.



WEEK 3 | MARCH 18 | GENEROUS TOGETHER-CELEBRATION OF ONEScripture: Acts 4:32-35, Ephesians 2:19-23

MESSAGE BIG IDEAWhen we join together as ONE, our generosity changes the world.

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their

possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power

the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace

was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money

from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who

had need. -Acts 4:32-35

32-33 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind!

They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine;

you can’t have it.” They shared everything. -Acts 4:32-33, The Message

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with

God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the

apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the

whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And

in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his

Spirit. -Ephesians 2:19-22

MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONThis Sunday will mark the conclusion of our two-year ONE Initiative. As part of this

service, we will be celebrating what we’ve accomplished together through the initiative

and taking up the final ONE offering.



Not only as God’s image-bearers are each of us wired for generosity; but as Christ-

followers when we join together as God’s family, our generosity makes an impact that far

exceeds anything any one of us could do on our own..

In this message we will revisit the concept of #familywin (Ephesians 2:19-22) as well as

the theme passage from the ONE Initiative, Acts 4:32-35. The early church saw God do

such amazing things because they were committed to joining together to carry out his

mission, and one of the most tangible ways their ONEness expressed itself was through

generosity. What did the first Christ-followers understand that helped them be that kind

of family?

1. God is the source and true owner of everything we have. Therefore, we see all

our resources as available to him to further his mission. (Acts 32b, James 1:16-

17, Deuteronomy 6:10-12)

2. God doesn’t want generosity FROM us, he wants it FOR us. God wants to

change us individually and as a church through our generosity. (Acts 4:33b

“God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…”)

3. God wants to accomplish his mission through our generosity. We are having an

internal impact by giving back to him! (Acts 4:34b-35, Matthew 6:19-21, 1

Timothy 6:18-19)

We’ll want to tell lots of stories in this message both about what we’ve accomplished

together over these past 2 years, but also about individual lives that were changed. We

will celebrate how we’ve come together to change the world!

NOTE: The message from Week 1 of the initial ONE series can be a resource for this

message.

DOCENT REQUESTS: Commentary on Acts 4:32-35, Ephesians 2:19-23.

What are some of the mental/social hurdles to living this type of generosity?

Creative ideas for ways to illustrate/celebrate the end of our ONE Initiative.



WEEK 4 | MARCH 25 | GROWING IN GENEROSITYScripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

MESSAGE BIG IDEAWe grow as we stretch ourselves beyond our genetic generosity.

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given

the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and

their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much

as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently

pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And

they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then

by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a

beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you

excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in

the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it

with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that

though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty

might become rich. 10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter.

Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now

finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your

completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is

acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that

there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so

that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written:

“The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did

not have too little.” -2 Corinthians 8:1-15



MESSAGE DESCRIPTION“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete

earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

Yes, we are genetically generous, wired to give according to our natural generosity

inclinations. Yet, that doesn’t mean we’re supposed to sit back and only do what comes

natural. Paul urged the Corinthian Christians to grow in this grace of giving, and we want

to challenge one another to grow too.

This week we’ll revisit the 6 Generosity Profiles this time focusing on how to grow in

generosity. We can have some fun with it...comparing these profiles to “personality”

profiles. When you take a profile assessment such as the DISC or Myers-Briggs or

Strengthsfinder, they always have a section that talks about the “shadow side” of your

personality. These are the pitfalls to look out for or the blind spots you need to be aware

of so that your natural inclinations don’t hold you back whether it be in the workplace or

relationships or parenting, etc.

In this message, we’ll focus on what tends to be the challenges for each of the profiles

and suggest possible next steps for each profile as an encouragement to grow in

generosity.

Review the information in Week 2 of this MAP which provides an overview of the

profiles. Here is some additional information generated by our survey research:

DISCIPLINED DOERSCaution: Giving is great, but remember that money and ministry aren’t a substitute for

healthy relationships, both with others and with Jesus.

Encouragement: Affirm disciplined giving and generosity, while stretching relationally in

talking with Jesus and seeking more ways to hpftwbtG more directly.



CAUSE MOVERSCaution: Strive to build upon the cause for the day to think about the eternal cause, the

Jesus mission, and commit to a fixed amount of giving.

Encouragement: Affirm their passion and prayer (100% pray daily, the highest among all

the profiles), while encouraging them to commit to the long term cause of the Jesus

mission and consistent, fixed amount giving.

FAITH STRETCHERSCaution: Don’t forget that time is also a way you can be generous.

Encouragement: Affirm persevering in giving when it is hard and celebrate their

relational impact, while trying to find new opportunities to apprentice and eventually lead.

And there is an opportunity to gently challenge them to give more, as 65% said they are

open to giving more money.

BUDGET KEEPERSCaution: Ensure that the budgeting/planning puts giving ‘ahead of the line’ versus the

end that is flexible to the daily needs. In fact, 78% are open to committing to giving a

fixed amount!

Encouragement: Affirm their interest in budgeting and planning and encouraging them to

talk about it to make money more normal for others who do not like talking about money

as much.

COMMUNITY GROWERSCaution: Be careful not to burn these people out, as they give generously and

holistically.

Encouragement: Celebrate their multifaceted generosity and see how they can

reproduce their attitudes and beliefs about generosity!



LEGACY BUILDERSCaution: It is important for COMMUNITY to help these people take a step back and be

joyful about what God has given to them and help them find freedom in their finances,

not burden.

Encouragement: Celebrate how their visionary skills and their volunteering beyond

COMMUNITY. Help them see how their finances and skills were meant for a greater

legacy in the Jesus mission, beyond their wildest dreams. Help them see that God has

given them much, but intends to give much more if they would be open to it.

DOCENT REQUESTS Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

If you find anything similar to our profiles in your research for Week 2, include the

“caution” and “encouragement” aspects of that information in this brief too.

Ideas for humorous material on the concept of us each having a “dark side” or

“shadow side.”

Illustrations/word pictures painting a picture of what our community could look

like if we overcome these hurdles.


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