What’s Always Missing From Pleas To Give

What’s Always Missing From Pleas to Give
I’ve been to a lot of fundraisers over the years, and I’ve watched countless churches execute capital campaigns. Some of these appeals are polished and professional, others heartfelt and homespun. But they almost always share one thing in common: the pitch.
It typically sounds something like this:
“You have a choice to make. You can be generous—or not.”
The implication is clear: giving to this particular cause is the only legitimate path to generosity. If you give, you’re obedient, faithful, even holy. But if you hesitate—or worse, decide not to give—then you’re selfish, indifferent, maybe even sinful.
But that’s not the whole story.
There’s always a third option, one that almost never gets mentioned: You can be generous, but give somewhere else.
A Billion Choices
The truth is, there are a billion places to give. The needs in this world are endless, and the opportunities to meet them are just as abundant.
You’ve probably felt the weight of this yourself—the tug-of-war between your desire to be generous and the overwhelming challenge of deciding where to give. How do you know which cause deserves your resources? How do you choose when everything feels urgent?
What’s missing from most pleas to give is guidance on this very question. And the answer isn’t found in guilt or pressure—it’s found in your values.
The Answer Comes Back to Values
Generosity, at its best, isn’t reactive. It’s intentional. It flows out of what you value most and what you believe God has called you to do. Giving isn’t just about meeting a need; it’s about aligning your resources with a purpose that resonates deeply with your heart and faith.
Before you decide where to give, take a step back and ask yourself these questions:
    •    What do I care most about, based on my values and calling?
    •    What kind of impact do I want my giving to have?
    •    How does this align with my faith, my priorities, and the legacy I want to leave?
When you take the time to reflect on these questions, your giving becomes more than a transaction. It becomes an act of worship. A reflection of your heart. An extension of your purpose.
The Three Primary Channels of Generosity
When you approach generosity through the lens of values, the decision-making process becomes much clearer. Most giving falls into one of three primary channels:
1. Church
For Christians, giving to the local church is foundational. The Bible calls us to tithe and support the church as a spiritual act of worship and obedience.
When you give to your church, you’re not just paying bills or funding programs—you’re investing in God’s kingdom work. You’re equipping pastors, serving your local community, and helping spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
If you’re not already giving regularly to your church, this is the best place to start. It’s your spiritual home base, the place where your faith is nurtured and your family is discipled. If it’s a value, then given to support it. 
2. Charity
Beyond the church, there are countless charities doing incredible work—feeding the hungry, rescuing the oppressed, caring for orphans, and tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges.
When you give to a charity, you’re partnering with an organized effort to meet specific needs. But not all charities are created equal. If you’re considering giving significantly, take the time to vet the organization. Look at their mission, their track record, and how they steward their resources.
I always ask for a copy of the budget if I’m going to give a large amount. If they can’t or won’t provide one, that’s a red flag. Generosity is a two-way street—it deserves your trust as much as your money.
3. Individuals
Finally, some of the most meaningful acts of generosity happen one-on-one. Maybe it’s helping a struggling friend, paying for a stranger’s groceries, or mentoring someone in need.
Relational giving allows you to see the direct impact of your generosity. It’s deeply personal, and it often builds a connection that changes both the giver and the receiver. These moments remind us that generosity isn’t always about scale—it’s about the heart behind the gift.
Reframing the Plea
The next time you hear a plea to give—whether at a fundraiser, in church, or somewhere else—pause for a moment. Instead of letting guilt or urgency drive your decision, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to give?
Generosity isn’t just about saying yes to the loudest voice or the most emotional appeal. It’s about obedience, alignment, and making decisions that reflect your deepest values and your faith.
An Invitation to Give Intentionally
I want to challenge you to rethink how you approach generosity. Instead of reacting to every appeal, take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Identify your values, pray about your priorities, and ask God to lead you. If you need to say, “No, I don’t want to round up without seeing your financials,” then do it! 
Because when your giving flows out of your values, it doesn’t just meet needs—it transforms lives. Including yours.
Generosity is one of the most powerful ways we get to partner with God in His work. So don’t rush it. Don’t waste it. Give where it matters most.