Josh Birkholz

Tuesday, Jan 24

3:15 – 4:30 pm

Building a Culture of Gospel-Driven Generosity

For many Christians, giving to the church feels like an afterthought—something done out of obligation or offered from what’s left over. But what if giving was seen not as a burden but as a joyful response to God’s grace? This session explores how to cultivate a church culture where generosity flows freely—not through pressure or guilt, but through gospel motivation.

Participants will learn how to teach biblical stewardship without falling into legalism; how to model generous giving as leaders; and how to help members see their offerings as an act of worship, trust, and thanksgiving. We’ll also explore how to communicate financial needs transparently, tell generosity stories effectively, and cast a compelling vision for mission impact. Through faithful teaching and a focus on Christ’s abundant grace, your congregation can become a place where generosity is not just practiced—it’s celebrated. This session will give you tools to lead with integrity and inspire giving that reflects the gospel we’ve freely received.

Josh Birkholz is the CEO of BWF, the nonprofit service and technology company known for its innovations in elevating philanthropy around the world. Josh is a leader in big philanthropy and an architect of the business of fundraising across universities, healthcare, faith-based, and human services nonprofits in North America, Europe, and Asia. He is the author of the books Fundraising Analytics (Wiley, 2008) and Benefactors (Wiley, 2022). Josh was recently the chair of the Giving USA Foundation and is an instructor at the Rice University Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. He serves as president of Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran Church and vice chair of the board of Kingdom Workers.