Podcast Summary: Leading Your Church Into Joyful Generosity

Podcast: Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast
Episode: #074 – Leading Your Church Into Joyful Generosity
Host: Jabin Chavez
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jabin Chavez discusses how church leaders can cultivate a culture of joyful generosity in their congregations and organizations. Chavez addresses the common challenges pastors face when talking about money and offers practical, biblically rooted strategies for inspiring both leaders and church members to embrace a generous lifestyle. The conversation focuses on personal authenticity, organizational integrity, and effective communication that connects with every kind of giver.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Discomfort Around Money in Ministry

• Many pastors struggle with the topic of money—personally and in their churches.
• “For so many pastors, they’re just very uncomfortable even bringing up the subject. They never preach about it, they never teach about it. The offering has become, you know, kind of this 30 second appeal…by the youth director.” (01:19)
• Chavez stresses there’s a biblical and life-giving way to handle this topic.

2. The Principle of Belief: Anchoring Generosity in Scripture

• Chavez cites multiple scriptures supporting generosity, emphasizing that belief in these verses should drive the culture.
• “I actually believe Acts 20, verse 35…that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I actually believe that, like, for real.” (02:08)

3. Three Principles for Leading Generosity

a. You Must Be Generous

• Everything reproduces after its own kind; the leader must embody what they want to see in their congregation.
• “You have to be a generous person…It all starts with you. You must become a generous soul. Lead the way in generosity.” (04:07)
• Personal testimony: Chavez and his wife have consistently given over 30% of their income to their church, and once gave over 70% in a single year (2023)—linking blessing and joy to radical generosity. (05:21)

b. Your Church Must Be Generous

• The organization must model the same generosity it asks of its members.
• “We ask our church to give 10% of their income…So many churches don’t do that. So the church must be generous.” (07:11)
• The church should give at least 10% away—especially to missions and outreach, even during building campaigns.
• “It would be terrible to stand in front of our church and say, you should give 10% of your income to this house. And then the church doesn’t lead the way in missions giving.” (08:54)

c. Speak the Language of Generosity to Inspire Giving

• Learn to communicate about giving in a way that resonates with various types of people.
• “You must be generous, your church must be generous, and then learn to speak the language of the people to inspire them to give.” (10:07)

Five (Plus One) Ways to Inspire Generosity

Chavez details different motivations for giving and how to address them from the pulpit or in communication (10:27):

1. Biblical Command
   • “For some people, it’ll be that easy. They hear the Word. They love the Word. They honor the Word…The Bible says to give, give. And they go, all right.” (11:10)
2. Gift of Giving
   • Some have a spiritual gift for generosity. Testimony of a congregant who’s contributed for years as her primary form of serving.
   • “You are on a team. You’re on the team of giving. You serve this house by your gift of giving.” (13:13)
3. Mission Endeavors
   • Many are motivated by clear, purpose-driven goals like overseas projects or supporting the poor.
4. Needs Known
   • Others respond to direct, immediate needs (“We have to get this done.”)
5. Special Projects
   • Specific initiatives—like building improvements or new facilities—inspire a different set of givers.
   • “We have a need to do our parking lot—that’s a need. But then we have special projects like the baptistry…that we believe God’s put on our heart to do.” (16:44)
6. Promise of Blessing
   • “Maybe I could say a sixth thing is you tell people they’re going to be blessed for it, because Paul did…You’re going to reap generously.” (17:42)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the Leader’s Example:
  “Generosity starts with you.” (06:01)

• About the Church’s Integrity:
  “You have to build your church off of the same principles that you teach your church.” (09:07)

• Affirming Diverse Motivations:
  “All of those are different fingers on the hand of generosity. And they’re all going to speak to different people.” (10:44)

• On Not Robbing People of Blessing:
  “Pastor, you are robbing your church from blessing when you do not lead them and push them and prod them into the generous life.” (18:51)

Noteworthy Timestamps

• Unpacking discomfort around money: 01:00–03:30
• Scriptural foundation for generosity: 03:30–04:45
• Personal testimony on radical giving: 05:10–06:30
• The organizational principle of tithing as a church: 07:10–09:00
• Five (plus one) ways to inspire diverse givers: 10:07–18:20
• Concluding challenge to pastors: 18:45–20:00

Tone and Style

Chavez’s tone is passionate, pastoral, and deeply rooted in scripture—encouraging but also challenging leaders to examine their own lives and organizational practices. Transparent stories and direct biblical references make the guidance practical and relatable.

Takeaway for Leaders

• Model generosity personally and organizationally.
• Teach and talk about giving boldly and regularly.
• Communicate in multiple ways to reach and inspire every type of giver.
• Remember: Leading your church into generosity isn’t just for the church’s benefit—it’s for the blessing and spiritual growth of your people.

“Don’t rob the people of the opportunity to sow seed into the kingdom of God.” (19:54)