Reflections: Nathan Hansen’s personal journey of generosity

by Rosy Harvey

Earlier this month, Nathan Hansen joined our team to support givers, advisors, and ministry leaders in Missouri. I recently sat down with Nathan to learn more about his story and how the Lord led him to NCF Heartland.

Nathan, tell me about your upbringing and who helped shape your beliefs about biblical generosity.

I grew up in Missouri as the youngest of four brothers, and as you can imagine, it was pure chaos. My dad was successful in business and had talked for years about buying land so we would have space to run around – maybe even get some ATVs and explore the outdoors. One afternoon, my parents called a family meeting, and I was convinced they were about to tell us they had finally bought the property.

Instead, they excitedly shared that they were adopting a little girl from Russia. I can’t say it was the immediate gratification I was hoping for at the time, but looking back, I see it as an early example of generosity. I learned from a young age that giving is selfless and involves offering more than money, including your time. A couple of years later, they adopted another little girl from Guatemala. My formative years were shaped by watching my parents give of themselves to meet the needs of others, and that framework continues to guide me today.

How has your understanding and practice of generosity changed over time?

I was raised in a believing household with parents who modeled an open-handed life, though my own faith took time to deepen. About five years ago, through God’s grace, I truly surrendered my life fully to Christ.

Before that turning point, I had worked across several fields and experienced professional success, but not lasting fulfillment. In that season, I sensed the Lord preparing my heart for something more. In time, He led me to a fundraising role within a nonprofit, focused on helping individuals and families thoughtfully steward what they had been given. While the work itself mattered, what shaped me most were the relationships it required – listening, understanding, and walking closely with others.

Through those relationships, I began to see that generosity is not primarily about resources, but about trust, surrender, and knowing God more deeply. As I watched Him work in the lives of others, He was also transforming my own.

Now, when I look back on my early adulthood, I can clearly see God’s hand in placing me in different roles and surrounding me with faithful mentors to draw me closer to Him and to reshape how I understand generosity.

How are you modeling generosity for your children?

That is something my wife and I are continually working on. Our kids are young, and we’re intentional about teaching them what it means to serve and give in tangible ways. We recently became a respite home for Coyote Hill Foster Care and have hosted children over a weekend. We also supported the ministry by providing Christmas gifts for the kids they serve.

Our hope is that our children see the way we try to live open-handed lives, freely using what God has given us to care for others. We’ve also begun introducing these concepts more tangibly with our oldest. Each month, he receives a small allowance that he divides into spend, save, and give jars, with ten percent going into the give jar.

How did you come to NCF?

When I look back, I can clearly see how the Lord was preparing both my heart and my skill set for this work. I’ve specifically this often: “Lord, help me recognize You and rely on You as I walk through life.” That prayer became especially meaningful during the NCF recruitment process.

My role at NCF allows me to walk alongside givers while drawing on my background in nonprofit fundraising. I care deeply about helping ministries steward the resources entrusted to them, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that equips generous families to maximize their giving to the causes they care about most.

Nathan looks forward to connecting with givers across Missouri and walking with them as generosity becomes a shared, faith-filled journey.

You can reach Nathan at nhansen@ncfgiving.comopens in a new tab.