Generosity grows in community

by Debra Potter

Throughout Scripture, believers are called to encourage and support one another. But even among Christian givers who view the life of faith as synonymous with being members of the body of Christ and local church communities, many express how isolating it can be to navigate generosity.

From the beginning, that is not how God designed us to be. He said that we are not meant to be aloneopens in a new tab. Later, the author of Hebrews reminds believers to “Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another …” (Hebrews 10:24-25opens in a new tab).

The apostle Paul directs the Galatian church to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). And the early church in Acts modeled believers worshipping, praying, and sharing meals together. Even Jesus’ first miracleopens in a new tab took place at a large wedding. These all point to a clear truth: Our generosity is designed to be within the context of connection.

In my role at NCF as a relationship manager, I have the joy of walking alongside givers on their faith and generosity journeys. We use the word relationship intentionally. Our work isn’t transactional; it’s deeply relational. We’re called to steward not only the relationship between givers and NCF, but also relationships among fellow believers to cultivate a broader community of generosity.

Yet, we live in a time when it’s easier than ever to stay siloed. Our homes now have everything from movie theaters to pools, which diminish the need to engage others in the community. We can go days without engaging meaningfully with others outside our four walls! And still I hear the same thing from givers and friends alike: People are yearning for community. That’s why our team is committed to creating spaces where connection, encouragement, and spiritual growth can flourish.

One of the most meaningful ways we do this is through Journeys of Generosity (JOGs)opens in a new tab. Developed by our friends at Generous Givingopens in a new tab, JOGs are two-day retreats that invite participants to explore biblical generosity in a small group setting, without any solicitation or ask. These gatherings combine intimate conversation, prayerful times of solitude, video storytelling, and shared meals to create an experience that deepens faith and builds lasting community.

So far this year, our NCF Georgia team has hosted six JOGs across the state, from St. Simons to Serenbe. It’s an honor to encourage dozens of individuals, couples, and families within this framework. These retreats ultimately exist to guide Christians in what it means to steward well. During our most recent JOG last month, one participant shared, “Just sitting with others and learning about the ways they serve God and others [was] a blessing of insight.”

Last year, our team also felt called to create a space specifically for women to connect and grow. That conviction led to the launch of Entrustedopens in a new tab this year, a series of gatherings designed to cultivate meaningful community among women pursuing a life of generosity. Our goal is to reach women in all stages of life and in all phases of their generosity journeys through thoughtful gatherings with inspirational speakers, meaningful guided discussion, and clear calls to action.

After our spring luncheon, one woman confided through tears how isolated and lonely she was prior to the event. After our summer event, another woman shared, “I appreciated that the event was inclusive of women at various stages of life. As an older Christian woman who has never been married, Christian women’s events don’t always feel like they always include me. I appreciate that this one did.”

We’re praying that God will bring the right women needing this community, encouragement, and biblical direction to our fall Entrusted gathering, held September 2025 in St. Simons.

Many people come to our team seeking to be generous and needing to build community, but they aren’t sure where to start. We often begin with a JOG to help them align their hearts to Scripture and introduce them to a community of fellow believers. Then, when the time comes to give, whether cash, business interest, or other assets, we help them make the most of every gift, joining the thousands of other NCF givers making an impact locally and globally.

If you’re feeling unsure about your next step or simply longing for deeper connection with the broader community of believers practicing generosity, join us at an upcoming JOG or Entrusted gathering to connect with others, grow in generosity, and give with purpose.

You’re not alone in your desire to steward well. We’d love to have you at our table. Connect with our team to learn more.