Collective Generosity: The Power of Be Rich
Summary
The Be Rich initiative is a powerful testament to the impact of collective generosity. It began in 2007 with a simple goal: to partner with nonprofit organizations already making a difference and amplify their efforts. Over the years, this initiative has grown exponentially, involving 77,000 people across 76 churches, 20 states, and five countries. This year, the impact has been profound, with numerous organizations benefiting from the generosity of those who participated.
In Gwinnett County, the North Gwinnett Co-Op has been able to bridge critical gaps for families in need, thanks to the support from Be Rich. The Co-Op provides essential services like food pantries, thrift stores, and special events, helping families move towards self-sufficiency. Similarly, the Hope Center in Costa Rica has been able to expand its reach, serving over 1,000 children and their families, providing them with education and hope.
The Atlanta Mission, one of the first partners of Be Rich, has been able to continue its mission of transforming lives through Christ, thanks to the support received. The funds have helped cover food costs and repair essential equipment, ensuring that they can continue to serve those facing homelessness. Our Daughters International has also been able to rescue thousands of girls from human trafficking, providing them with safety and a future.
The essence of Be Rich is captured in the words of Jesus, who called us to be the light of the world. This initiative is a way to let our light shine, not for our glory, but to point others towards God. It challenges us to move beyond spontaneous giving to planned, intentional generosity, ensuring that the church can continue to be a beacon of hope and light in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Generosity as a Virtue: Generosity is not just an act but a virtue that reflects God's love for us. It challenges the ancient notion that giving without expecting anything in return is foolish. Instead, it embodies the Christian ethic of giving selflessly, as God gave to us. [13:11]
- The Power of Collective Impact: The Be Rich initiative demonstrates the power of collective generosity. When individuals come together to give, the impact is multiplied, reaching far beyond what any single person could achieve. This collective effort is a testament to the strength of community and shared purpose. [01:25]
- Planned Giving vs. Spontaneous Giving: While spontaneous giving meets immediate needs, planned giving ensures sustained support and prevention of future issues. By committing to regular, intentional giving, we enable the church to be proactive in addressing community needs and fostering long-term change. [16:22]
- Prevention Over Intervention: Preventative giving, though less visible, is superior to intervention. It addresses root causes and prevents problems from arising, leading to more sustainable and impactful change. Supporting an outward-facing church is one of the best ways to engage in preventative giving. [26:32]
- The Role of the Church: The church is called to be the light of the world, a beacon of hope and support for those in need. By supporting the church through planned giving, we ensure that it can continue to fulfill this role, impacting lives and communities for generations to come. [19:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:06] - Introduction to Be Rich
- [00:29] - The Beginning of Be Rich
- [01:04] - Global Impact of Generosity
- [01:43] - Gwinnett County's North Gwinnett Co-Op
- [02:20] - Celebrating 30 Years of Service
- [03:11] - The Role of Be Rich Volunteers
- [04:07] - Hope Center in Costa Rica
- [05:29] - Atlanta Mission's Transformation
- [07:49] - Our Daughters International's Rescue Efforts
- [10:12] - Jesus' Call to Be the Light
- [12:32] - The Importance of Planned Giving
- [16:22] - Becoming a 2.0 Giver
- [19:17] - Ensuring the Church's Future
- [28:38] - Celebrating Be Rich's Success
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Be Rich Initiative
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
2. John 3:16 (NIV) - "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."
Observation Questions:
1. What was the original goal of the Be Rich initiative when it started in 2007? How has it grown since then? [00:29]
2. How does the North Gwinnett Co-Op support families in need, and what role does Be Rich play in this? [02:20]
3. What impact has the Hope Center in Costa Rica had on children and their families, and how has Be Rich contributed to this? [04:22]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being the "light of the world" as mentioned by Jesus? [10:12]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of generosity as a virtue challenge the ancient notion of giving? What does this say about the Christian ethic of giving? [13:11]
2. In what ways does the Be Rich initiative demonstrate the power of collective impact? How does this reflect the strength of community and shared purpose? [01:25]
3. What are the differences between planned giving and spontaneous giving, and why is planned giving emphasized in the sermon? [16:22]
4. How does the sermon suggest that preventative giving is superior to intervention? What are some examples of preventative giving mentioned? [26:32]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you gave spontaneously. How did it feel, and what impact did it have? How might planned giving change your approach to generosity? [16:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being a "light of the world." What are some practical ways you can let your light shine in your community this week? [10:12]
3. Consider the idea of collective impact. How can you collaborate with others in your church or community to amplify your efforts in serving those in need? [01:25]
4. What steps can you take to move from spontaneous giving to planned, intentional generosity? How can this change benefit your local church and community? [16:22]
5. The sermon discusses the role of the church as a beacon of hope. How can you support your church in fulfilling this role through your time, talents, and resources? [19:17]
6. Reflect on the concept of preventative giving. What are some areas in your life or community where you can engage in preventative actions to address root causes of issues? [26:32]
7. How does understanding generosity as a virtue influence your perspective on giving? What changes can you make in your life to embody this virtue more fully? [13:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity Reflects God's Love
Generosity is more than an act; it is a virtue that mirrors God's love for humanity. It challenges the ancient belief that giving without expecting anything in return is foolish. Instead, it embodies the Christian ethic of selfless giving, as God gave to us. This perspective encourages believers to see generosity as a reflection of divine love, urging them to give freely and abundantly. The Be Rich initiative exemplifies this virtue by partnering with organizations to amplify their efforts, demonstrating that generosity can transform lives and communities. [13:11]
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity to give selflessly. How did it reflect God's love, and how can you continue to embody this virtue in your daily life?
Day 2: The Strength of Community
The Be Rich initiative showcases the power of collective generosity, where individuals unite to create a significant impact. This collective effort surpasses what any single person could achieve, highlighting the strength of community and shared purpose. When people come together with a common goal, their combined resources and efforts can reach far beyond individual capabilities, making a profound difference in the world. This initiative serves as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven generosity. [01:25]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you participated in a community effort. How did it strengthen your sense of purpose, and how can you encourage others to join in collective acts of generosity?
Day 3: Intentional Generosity
While spontaneous giving meets immediate needs, planned giving ensures sustained support and prevents future issues. By committing to regular, intentional giving, believers enable the church to proactively address community needs and foster long-term change. This approach to generosity allows for strategic planning and resource allocation, ensuring that the church can continue to be a beacon of hope and light in the world. Planned giving transforms generosity from a reactive to a proactive practice, aligning with the mission of the church. [16:22]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you transition from spontaneous to planned generosity, and what steps can you take to make it a regular practice?
Day 4: Prevention Over Intervention
Preventative giving, though less visible, is superior to intervention as it addresses root causes and prevents problems from arising. Supporting an outward-facing church is one of the best ways to engage in preventative giving, leading to more sustainable and impactful change. This approach focuses on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes, ensuring that resources are used effectively to create lasting transformation in communities. By prioritizing prevention, believers can contribute to a more stable and hopeful future for those in need. [26:32]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your community where preventative giving could make a difference. How can you contribute to addressing root causes rather than just symptoms?
Day 5: The Church as a Beacon of Hope
The church is called to be the light of the world, a beacon of hope and support for those in need. By supporting the church through planned giving, believers ensure that it can continue to fulfill this role, impacting lives and communities for generations to come. The church's mission is to shine brightly in a world often filled with darkness, offering guidance, support, and love to those who seek it. Through intentional generosity, the church can maintain its vital role in society, serving as a source of hope and transformation. [19:17]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you support your church in being a beacon of hope in your community? What specific actions can you take to ensure its continued impact and presence?
Quotes
We unleashed a wave of generosity we believe is worth repeating. As years passed, our network of churches grew. And as it did, that wave spread its reach across the globe. Hundreds of thousands of people were inspired to be generous in response to God's extravagant generosity towards them. [00:56:12]
The North Gwinnett Co-Op works to bridge critical gaps for families in need while setting them on the path to self-sufficiency. Specifically with our food pantry, we help with non-perishable. We have a thrift store, and we partner with you to help with special events, such as backpacks. [01:14:21]
Thanks to your generosity, we get to build a second Hope Center right here, and that is a really big deal because that means we get to serve more than 1000 children. It's gonna impact their whole families with empowerment and hope. So from the bottom of our hearts, we want to say thank you. [04:48:08]
The Atlanta Mission started in 1938. So we're 83 years old. Our mission statement is to transform through Christ the lives of those facing homelessness. We do that across four campuses in the city of Atlanta and outside of Atlanta. And our whole heart is to see men, women, and children who are facing homelessness to have their lives transformed. [05:29:29]
Friends, with Be Rich's help, we have been able to rescue thousands of daughter's lives. We have been able to save hundreds of those daughters from being taken away from the countries of Nepal. And now, not only been physical rescued, they've spiritually been saved as a matter. [08:21:43]
According to Jesus, and when he said this, originally the people in his original audience had no idea the magnitude of this. He was looking way into the future. I guess he was looking at us and he says, you know, we call it the Sermon on the Mount. He looks at this very disenfranchised, confused oppressed group of people who had some interest in following him. [10:07:11]
And he said, "You are the light of the world." And they thought, "No, we're not. We're not the light of anything." Little did they know that that little spark 2000 years ago would ignite a fire that really would create a light in a very dark world. And the world will always be dark. [10:36:23]
And there's a sense in which Be Rich is how we, in the words of Jesus, let our light shine before others, that they might see our good deeds and not glorify us. And not say, "Wow, what a great church and what nice generous people." But they would see our good deeds and ultimately look up and glorify or look up and connect with and understand that there really is a Father in heaven. [11:06:28]
And honestly, that version of generosity, you know, there's a need, meet it. There's a need, meet it. Here's a need, give some money to it. That's not an exclusively Christian way to give. That is kind of an American way to give. But what maybe you don't know is that it was influenced by a Christian ethic of generosity. [12:42:61]
And then along came Jesus and introduced a different way of thinking, and consequently where Christianity flourishes, and I know some of you are kind of anti-Christian or you're watching. It's like somebody is making you watch, or they're buying you lunch, or the whole Christian thing wigs you out. I get it. But here's what's undeniable. Where Christianity flourishes, people flourish. [14:33:01]
But giving spontaneously, giving spontaneously, to help immediately, which is what Be Rich is. And we're always gonna do that, and we love doing this. I call that giving 1.0. That's giving when asked to meet an immediate need. And all over our society, there are opportunities to give immediately to meet, to give spontaneously to meet an immediate need. [15:46:04]
But what makes Be Rich possible is those of you, the thousands of you, who are what I call the 2.0 givers. You don't wait to be asked. Your planned percentage priority givers. You've already decided ahead of time that you're gonna give, and you choose a percentage off the top and you just give it before you even have an opportunity to save it or spend it. [16:17:03]
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