Three Generations of Family Giving

“As a young child I remember watching my father write checks to put in the offering plate,” recalls Earl Patrick.  “Our family did not have much money, but Dad routinely got audited by the IRS because my parents gave more than was typical.  Dad instilled in me the importance of tithing.”

Over 20 years ago, Earl and Barbara grew increasingly aware that their giving had become more chaotic and less joyful.  Earl’s income was determined in late December based on the company’s profits.  The timing caused them to feel rushed to complete gifts by end of year.  Their NCF giving fund not only allowed them the ease of a year-end deduction, but it solved another issue as well—how to intentionally share their stewardship vision with their three adult sons.  A tradition of family meetings to discuss their annual grant recommendations was started.  As Earl explain, “We realized that we needed to be intentional if we wanted to instill our passion for giving in the next generation. We wanted them to be able to carry our giving legacy forward after our deaths.”  

Today, the Patrick family still holds their annual stewardship meeting in the first quarter of each year at Earl and Barbara’s home.  Their oldest son, Brint, now runs the family meetings.  Brint thinks he and his brothers approach stewardship a bit differently from their parents’ generation.  “Mom and Dad seem to be motivated more by the Biblical commands to feed the hungry and help the orphans and widows.  We like to get personally involved.”

Noah, Brint’s 17 year old son, has been involved in the giving since he was three years old.  At that time, Noah personally sponsored a child from Mozambique through the NCF Giving Fund.  To date, Noah has made six trips to Africa to serve in the areas where their family invests.

“If God were to take Barbara and me home tomorrow, I’m confident our children would continue to pursue a lifestyle of Biblical stewardship with passion and dedication.  We have the systems in place and have met enough times that they have caught the vision.  I hope that our family’s experience challenges others to say, “If they can do it, we can too!” – Earl Patrick