What does faithful generosity look like? 

In this episode we tackle the honest question so many believers face: can I give to a charity instead of giving to my church? Rather than chasing a quick yes or no, we slow down to name the real motives, bring scripture into view, and outline practical next steps that honor both your calling and the Church.

It's the age-old debate: do I need to tithe or not? 

The tricky thing is, when we begin to discuss tithing it's hard to let our guards down. In this episode we seek to bypass many of the obstacles that keep us from an honest, open discussion about tithing. We'll trace the history of tithing in the Old Testament, introduce "grace giving" in the New Testament, and reflect on Jesus' example. 

Our aim is not to convince you to tithe (or not), but rather, help you evaluate how tithing can either hurt or enhance your relationship with God. 

If you're looking for a gentle discussion about tithing, consider this your guide.

Links from episode:

Bible Study: The Good Investor's Guide to Spiritual Health and Money

Website

What if your money told a story about who you worship? We dive into a question many believers feel but rarely voice: why would an infinite God care so much about money? The answer starts with identity. We were created first as worshipers and then as stewards, and that order reshapes every choice we make—earning, giving, saving, and spending. When worship leads, stewardship becomes an act of love rather than a race for output.

In this conversation, we trace this through scripture: Cain and Abel show that God weighs the heart behind the gift, not just the gift itself. Mary and Martha remind us that presence with Jesus outranks productivity for Jesus. And Paul’s letters to the Corinthians reveal generosity as a test of sincere love, pointing us back to the grace of Christ, who became poor so we could become rich in Him. Along the way, we wrestle with a real-world tension faced by high-capacity leaders: should I push for more ventures that crowd my calendar, or slow down to abide? The answer isn’t anti-ambition; it’s about alignment—offering God worship first so our work flows cleanly from it.

You’ll leave with practical questions that recalibrate the heart: Do my financial choices deepen my dependence on God? Does my giving lead others to thank Him? Where is my money training my affections? We share rhythms for prayerful decision-making, frameworks for planned and spontaneous generosity, and a simple test for stewardship that echoes Paul’s vision: use money in ways that meet real needs and spark praise. 

What if the real tension in your finances isn’t about math, but about desire? In this episode, we look straight at the quiet canyon many believers feel between the life of faith they affirm and the money choices they make—then trace that divide to its source in the heart. With Scripture, lived experience, and clear-eyed data, we map how cultural wealth, silence in our churches, and rising anxiety have normalized a Christian lifestyle that is nearly undistinguishable from its non-Christian neighbors.

If you’ve felt the ache between your values and your Visa, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and next steps. We want to help you cross the canyon with trust, and your wants are slowly reshaped toward Christ. 

If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find these honest, Christ-centered money conversations.

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this fall! In the meantime, enjoy one of our fan-favorites:

Discover how a life-altering shift in financial perspective can deepen your faith and transform your approach to money. Courtney Markley welcomes Leo Sabo, President of the Christian Stewardship Network, to the Heart of Money podcast, where they explore the intersection of spirituality and finances. Prepare to be inspired by Leo's journey from conventional money management to a life where every dollar is a testament to his relationship with God.

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast in August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite conversations....

Struggling with the idea of how to pass on your wealth to your children? In this episode we welcome back the ever-insightful Kate Gardner, a young inheritor with a powerful voice in shaping the next generation of stewards.

This conversation is a masterclass in the delicate art of family stewardship, where love, shared values, and communication take center stage. We share stories and strategies for involving the next generation in wealth decisions, considering their aspirations and encouraging their agency. From the unique challenges they face to the "burden of blessing," we take an honest look at the lives of inheritors, aiming to support them and maintaining people as the true treasure in the Great Wealth Transfer.

Whether you're a wealth holder, an inheritor, or an advisor, this episode is a goldmine of insights for nurturing financially savvy, compassionate, and responsible stewards of wealth. Join us for a heartfelt journey through the heart of money.


Links from episode:
Connect: MagnifyGeneration.com
Listen: Ascendants Podcast


Go to: financialdiscipleship.center to see available Bible studies, courses, or apply for 1-1 coaching.

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite past conversations. 

In this episode Courtney interviews Michael Blue, Director of Discipleship for Ron Blue Institute and author of Free to Follow. In his early 30s, Michael was living the "quintessential Christian life," but there was a problem. He was spiritually empty. During their conversation, Michael shares how he came to a pivotal moment in his life: decide to live as if the Bible were true, or walk away from his faith.


Reference link:
Purchase Michael's book, Free to Follow.

We are excited to bring you new episodes of the Heart of Money podcast this August! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite past conversations....

Would you give up your affluence and influence to follow God's call? Our conversation with Mark Greaves, co-founder of Tithe Lending, centers on the real cost of discipleship.  

Mark's testimony, from worldly success to kingdom impact, gives us a profound look at the impact of integrating faith with everyday life. 

This week we continue highlighting some of our favorite episodes of The Heart of Money! 

In this episode Courtney interviews financial coaching expert, Tracy Shunkwiler. Tracy has a knack for helping people gain clarity on their spending habits. During this discussion, Courtney and Tracy explain the four 'money scripts' that describe our behavioral patterns. 

This week we continue highlighting some of our favorite episodes of The Heart of Money. Renee's testimony is a fan-favorite, deeming this our most popular episode from 2024. 

Picture this: a life where your deepest desires for adventure and your spiritual calling coalesce into a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate both wanderlust and faith. This episode takes you on that journey.  Join our guest, Renee Rinehart, as she shares her story of becoming a global Christian, learning to walk by faith, and allowing God to use these experiences to form the Gospel Patrons movement. 

It's an episode that promises to nourish your soul, ignite your generosity, and maybe even coax out a chuckle or two.