Stephen Herbert is the diocese’s Finance Director – here he explores how generous giving could transform us and our communities
Soft light pushes through the rising smoke;
the faintest breeze caresses it lazily
up, along, across – then gone.
The old trees know it’s time for change
and gently let their offspring go:
all shapes, all colours, they arrange
the carpet for us down below.
That’s how a poem I wrote in my mid-20s begins. I’d been out for an afternoon walk in Lullingstone Country Park in Kent: it was a mesmerisingly beautiful, still autumn day and I was trying to absorb the stunning scenery all around me. It was one of those precious moments when I felt almost overwhelmed by the wonder of what I was observing, and my heart was bursting with gratitude to our awesome Creator God for the glories of the countryside bathed in the glow of soft autumn sunshine.
The memories of that afternoon came back to me as I walked through a carpet of colourful fallen leaves in woodland a few weeks ago. Almost every conceivable hue of orange, gold, brown, yellow, red, crimson spread out beneath my boots. Again, that sense of wonder and thankfulness to our generous God, the one “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17b).
That section from the apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy also includes this charge:
“Command[1] those who are rich in this present world not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God …. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share … so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIVUK)
Last month, our diocesan synod approved the 2025 budget with another substantial (£1.2m) operating deficit, to continue to invest in the work being done locally in our parishes. Yet I’ve often thought that the financial outlook for our parishes could be much rosier if more of us were to choose to make a transformational difference – yes, by being ‘rich in good works’ as we offer our time and skills as volunteers, but also by being generous with our finances and ‘ready to share’.
Is this season of Advent a good time for us to revisit the Church of England’s invitation to Anglicans to give 5% of their net income to the church, and a further 5% to other charitable organisations?[2] What an extraordinary difference we could make to our communities if our local churches were to receive at least 5% of our post-tax income! Yes, there are many demands on our household finances but, in my role as diocesan Finance Director, I observe that some of the most generous financial contributors to the Church’s mission and ministry come from our most deprived communities.
As we marvel at the remarkable intricacy, diversity, and beauty of the natural world around us, please join me in praying that we might “do good, be rich in helping others, and be extravagantly generous” (1 Timothy 6:18 The Message version). In doing so, our journey of personal discipleship will be enriched, and we “may take hold of that which is truly life.”
- ENDS –
[1] The Greek word parangelle used here has the sense of ‘entreat solemnly’.
[2] parishresources.org.uk/givingforlife/general-synods-resolution/ For further reflection on Christian giving, I recommend The Art of Giving by Bishop Matthew Porter: it’s short, accessible, and ruthlessly practical.