Active Generosity Podcast

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Richard Gamble, Founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer.

Richard Gamble shares the inspiring journey of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a new national monument due to open in 2028, that will aim to make hope visible through stories of answered prayers. He discusses the challenges, milestones and the role of faith and generosity in bringing this vision to life. Richard reflects on his personal faith journey, the importance of stewardship and how he models generosity in various aspects of his life, including his former role as the chaplain of Leicester City Football Club. The conversation emphasises the power of storytelling and community involvement in the project.

"When I think about how God talks about being generous and with the gifts that we have and steward doing them wisely, I think about stories about answered prayer. And I don't necessarily, as most people, go to finance. I believe every time that God answers a prayer in our lives, it's like dynamite in our pocket."

Richard's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

'We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.' Psalm 44, 1-3.

Richard comments: "I love this scripture because if we give in line with His will, if we give in line with His promptings, then the person who receives knows that it's God's hand at work."

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray:

Richard's request:

• pray for protection and strength for him and the team behind the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, to help them face any opposition and spiritual battles

Please also pray for:

• the submission of diverse stories of answered prayer - especially reaching the goal of 250,000 stories by 2028
• the monument to become a living testimony to God's faithfulness and leads people to Christ through personal stories
• the successful raising of £5.7 million needed for operational readiness

Related links:

Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer: https://www.eternalwall.org.uk/

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, hear from Tania Bright, Co-CEO of our charity partner Home for Good and Safe Families, which offers hope, belonging and support to children, families and care leavers.

Tarn, as she likes to be known, shares insights on the fluidity of money, the gift of being able to receive as well as give and how she's resisted a scarcity mindset to be generous, even in periods of financial hardship. She also weaves powerful stories of generosity with her faith journey, which includes her experience as an adoptive mum and how she's trying to encourage her two boys to be generous too.

"God designed us to live in that generous flow and we get a sense of wellbeing as a result of that. Well, what a God and what an amazing thing we can give out of lack and feel joy, give out of generosity and overflow and still feel joy. It's the joy of giving, the joy of giving even when it can feel hard."

Tarn's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

'In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.' 2 Corinthians 8: 2 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Tarn:

• for her family's plans to foster a teenager
• for Home for Good and Safe Families, that the generosity of their donors would continue to flow

For the life of the Church in the UK:

• for young people coming back into a relationship with God
• that an overflow of God's goodness would be felt across our country as we tackle some really big challenges
• for more children coming into the care system
• that we would be places of welcome as the Church and would open our hearts and our homes to as many children as possible so that we can live out the Gospel message as fully as possible

Related links:

Home for Good and Safe Families: https://safefamilies.uk/who-are-home-for-good/

GoHenry tools for helping kids to learn about good money management: https://www.gohenry.com/

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Gary Grant, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of The Entertainer, the largest family-owned toy retailer in the UK.

"I wasn't generous before I was a Christian. In fact, quite the reverse, everything that I had was mine so why would I want to give it away".

Hear about the dramatic journey of generosity that Gary has been on, both personally and professionally, since he came to faith in 1991. That journey includes setting up our charity partner Restore Hope, which helps people get back on their feet with practical support.

"You can't outgive God. Be as generous as you can, as often as you can and make as big a difference as you can."

Gary's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

"Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained." 1 Samuel 2:30 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Gary:

· For discernment to use his time wisely to best effect

· For his fundraising efforts to get the new community hub for Restore Hope up and running

· For good health

Related links:

The Entertainer: https://www.thetoyshop.com/aboutus

Entertainer founder hands over shop chain to staff: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm2jjwmw9jo

Restore Hope: https://restorehopelatimer.org/

Give with Stewardship to Restore Hope: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20096832

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Annika Greco Thompson, a Growth and Relationship Manager for Stewardship.

Annika shares insights from her experience of faith and generosity and how they feed into her work with Stewardship, supporting and encouraging donors on their own journeys of generosity.

"One parable that I've been thinking a lot about lately is The Good Samaritan. This one speaks to me of the ministry of reconciliation which I believe is directly linked to generosity… It's not just about giving money, it's giving up of our power and our control…in order to see someone through to health and well being and fullness and that is exactly what generosity is supposed to do."

Annika's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Annika:

• that she may continue to challenge herself to give more and to trust God more in that

• that she uses the platform she has at Stewardship to speak the truth in boldness and to encourage Christians to step up in their generosity

• to not be afraid of what man might think but to really try to be faithful to what God is asking of her

Related links:

Journey of Generosity – find out more and register your interest: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/event-series/journey-generosity

Recent blogs by Annika:

Investing for the Kingdom: A full-time ministry: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/investing-kingdom-full-time-ministry

Just grace, forgiveness and accountability at work: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/just-grace-forgiveness-and-accountability-work

What if Lent wasn't just about giving stuff up?: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/what-if-lent-wasnt-just-about-giving-stuff

Annika's bio: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/about-us/our-people/annika-greco-thompson

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by John Rinehart, Founder of Gospel Patrons and author of the book by the same name.

John discusses the journey he embarked on with his wife to become a global Christian and the pivotal conversation he had en route, which triggered his mission to inspire a new generation of Gospel patrons – Christians in business leadership who generously partner with those in the mission field.

Passionate in his belief that "the very heartbeat of God is generosity", John also reflects on God's call on us as Christians to be generous.

John's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for John:

That he may continue to have wise stewardship over his resources and the message behind Gospel patrons.

Related links:

Gospel Patrons: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/

Gospel Patrons UK Chapter: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/uk-chapter/

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, Director of Giving for the Church of England and author of The Porcupine Principle (and other fundraising secrets).

From porcupines to a 'MINT IDEA', in this wide-ranging discussion Jonathan outlines the principles that he believes are essential for both enabling giving and growing a culture of generosity in the Church of England. He also discusses his own experience of faith, generosity and the joy that comes with giving.

Jonathan's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning – you must walk in it… How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?" (NRSV)

2 John 1:6; 1 John 3:17

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Jonathan:

That he may be open to and receive the spiritual gift of generosity as embodied by St Anselm's prayer:

"I owe you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you."

Related links:

Church of England's 'Generous Church' model: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church

The fundraising target for Jonathan's own church was met within a month. Read the blog Jonathan and his vicar wrote that tells the story: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generous-church-blog/how-we-cleared-ps30k-deficit-one-month

The Porcupine Principal (and other fundraising secrets): https://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/the-porcupine-principle-2/

Jonathan's discipleship course 'Living Generously': https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generosity-resources/living-generously-films-small-groups-and

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

Shownotes

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Rev. Wendy Pawsey, Elim Minister, Head of Giving for the Evangelical Alliance and author of 'Generous with a Capital G'.

Wendy reflects on her faith journey and how that intersects with her experience of generosity as something that "flows from the heart" to create massive impact. She also shares stories and insights from her book on generosity in which she inspires all of us to rethink the difference our money can make.

Wendy is giving away 10 copies of her book 'Generous with a Capital G'. To enter, simply subscribe to our podcast email and tick the box to enter the giveaway. Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!).

Enter now: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Wendy's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?" 1 Chronicles 29:5 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Wendy:

that she would have more opportunities to share what is in her book about generosity

that God would take her onto another level of freedom in generosity

Related links:

Generous with a Capital G: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generous-Big-Creating-financial-generosity/dp/1912726831

Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Giveaway reminder:

Be in with a chance to win your own copy of Wendy's book 'Generous with a Capital G' by entering our giveaway.

Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!).

Enter now:https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

Shownotes

In this episode of Active Generosity, we hear from Tim Farron, MP and host of A Mucky Business, a podcast that explores the world of politics through a Christian lens.

Tim shares his passion for encouraging a better understanding of the role of faith in the public square and the challenges of navigating his faith in the 'mucky business' of politics, with an encouragement to us to lobby our local MPs on the issues we're passionate about. Tim also reveals insights from his own faith journey and how that's influenced his views on generous stewardship.

Tim's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Tim:

· that he would be a good dad and husband and encourage those members of his family who are yet to put their trust in Jesus to do so

· that he would make good use of his time, putting God at the centre of his life and ensuring that the things he puts into the diary are the things that serve Him the best and the most

Related links:

A Mucky Business: https://www.premier.plus/a-mucky-business-with-tim-farron

Faith in Public: http://www.faithinpublic.org.uk/

Since publishing this episode, A Mucky Business has joined Stewardship as a charity partner: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/AMB

Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

Shownotes

In our third episode of Active Generosity, Sam Malins, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the NHS and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, reveals fascinating insights into the science that shows generosity really can make us happier. In particular, he discusses findings from a series of research studies that tackles the question 'How much happiness can $2m dollars buy?' Sam also shares on how his faith has grown his generosity over the years.

Sam's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Sam:

· that God would continue to lead Sam as he continues his journey exploring psychological science and faith

Related links:

The TED Interview: How much happiness can 2 million USD buy? With Elizabeth Dunn: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mER3wqGT5ZFnpgSmVH1Y7?si=UO0gEtUgS2-P6s1EAk2bAw

The interview draws on findings from a series of research studies:

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2211123119

https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00166-6

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09567976231184887

Stewardship's Giving Account: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/giving-account

Stewardship's Partner Account for Individuals: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partner-account-individuals

Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

Shownotes

Episode 2: Steve Campbell

In our second episode of Active Generosity, Steve Campbell, Senior Pastor at C3 and National Director of the Global Leadership Network UKI, shares insights into what drives his quest to encourage generosity in the church. Often heard quoting The Message translation of Proverbs 11:24 that "the world of the generous grows larger and larger", here Steve unpacks his own experience of the truth of that Scripture and his desire for others to know the freedom and joy that comes with being generous with all that we have.

Steve's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

He also discusses the importance of 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 in learning more about biblical generosity.

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Steve:

That he will keep modelling generosity in his leadership

That he will continue to be bold in talking about generosity

Related links:

The C3 Church: https://thec3.uk/

Global Leadership Network UKI (GLN): https://www.globalleadership.uk/

Stewardship: www.stewardship.org.uk

Stewardship Generosity Report – Explore key findings on the UK Christian giving market plus insights into the factors driving and hindering generosity. This interview references the 2024 report. The 2025 report has now also been published. You can view both at: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/generosity-report

Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/