My Journey of Generosity: From Learning, to Living, to Leading

I walked into my first Journey of Generosity (JOG) experience expecting a few repetitive conversations about giving and maybe a dose of guilt about what I hadn’t done with my money.

To my surprise, there was no stage, no sermons, no big agenda - just a group of believers gathered in a comfortable space, with some food and a handful of stories.  It was simple, yet God moved in a powerful way.

When God Talks About Generosity, He’s Talking About Freedom

The course, created by Generosity Path, isn’t a fundraising pitch.  It’s a space to explore one simple question: What does it look like to live a generous life in response to God’s grace?

Through short films, biblical reflections, and honest conversations, we heard stories of people - from every walk of life - who had said “yes” to God in the area of generosity. Not out of obligation, but from joy.  People who realised that if they had something, they had something to give.

I realised that generosity isn’t about my bank balance - it’s about my heart.  Jesus wasn’t exaggerating when He said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  He knew how tightly we hold on.  But He’s always inviting us to let go - not to lose, but to gain more of Him.

Stories That Stirred My Soul

One couple sold their family home. Another simply gave a handful of rice at each meal. A business owner started encouraging his employees to live generously, offering to match their giving every month.

These stories didn’t make me feel guilty - they inspired me.  They gave me vision for what life could look like if I stopped asking, “How much should I give?” and started asking, “Lord, what do You want me to do with what You’ve given me?”

The Learning: It’s All His

The biggest shift for me was this: I stopped seeing myself as the owner of my resources and started seeing myself as a steward.  Everything I have - time, money, influence, even my home - is God’s.  I simply get to partner with Him in using it well.  

This realisation brought freedom, loosened my grip and gave me a joy I hadn’t expected.

The Living: From Thought to Action

My first JOG didn’t just inspire me - it propelled me into action.  Hearing how ordinary people lived open-handedly showed me that generosity isn’t something to admire from afar; it’s something to step into now.

Whether it was giving more intentionally, opening my home, or simply being attentive to needs around me, the JOG gave me courage and clarity to respond.

The Leading: Sharing the Freedom

Talking about generosity and finances can feel daunting - especially in the UK, where money conversations are often seen as private.  I felt inspired to lead, but I was also aware of my inadequacies.  I knew I’d be leading people more generous, wiser, and more biblically knowledgeable than myself.

But early on, I realised three key principles that gave me the confidence to lead - not from a place of expertise, but from authenticity and freedom.

Wholehearted Belief

When I truly believed in the principles I was sharing, it created authenticity in the room. That authenticity built trust, stirred faith, and made space for the Holy Spirit to move.

Maintaining a Hunger to Learn

You don’t need to be an expert on generosity or public speaking to lead a JOG - you simply need a willing heart.  Each time I host, I learn something new, either through the Holy Spirit or someone attending.  JOGs aren’t about having all the answers - they’re about journeying with others and learning from God every day.

Trusting That God Will Do His Part

I’ve learnt that it’s not my responsibility to convict - that’s God’s work. I’m responsible for showing up prepared, leading with authenticity, enthusiasm, and trusting that God will move.  When I rest in that, it frees me to lead with joy and without pressure.

Interested in Attending or Hosting a JOG?

I now travel around the UK facilitating these JOG’s and would love to speak with you if you’re interested in attending, hosting or getting your church/organisation trained up in running JOG’s.  

The course is split into six sessions and can be run over a day, two days, or weekly, in small group settings.

“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.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

Trust Him to meet you there - you could leave lighter, freer, with a vision bigger than you ever expected.

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Emily Shilling

Chief Generosity Officer

GLN UKI

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