ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, Kenny Barnwell and Shannon Thompson have an honest conversation about generosity, gratitude, helping people in need, and what it actually looks like to love others as followers of Jesus.
The conversation begins with Kenny returning home from tour for a short break and reflecting on how easy it is to take the blessings in our lives for granted. Family, work, opportunities, health, resources, and even the ability to simply be present with another person can become normal if we are not intentional about recognizing what God has given us.
From there, the conversation turns toward something Kenny has increasingly felt convicted about: What are we actually doing with what God has given us?
Kenny shares about feeling strongly led to give away $1,000 by helping 20 people with $50 each. What happened next surprised him. Several people reached out saying the money came at the exact moment they needed it. One person needed almost that exact amount to make ends meet, while another had recently moved into an apartment after years of homelessness and needed help keeping the lights on.
That leads into a bigger conversation about generosity, the church, homelessness, stewardship, and whether Christians sometimes wait for a big opportunity to help while overlooking the opportunities directly in front of us. Kenny and Shannon talk about giving money, but also about something much bigger: giving your time, attention, skills, encouragement, prayer, a conversation, learning someone's name, looking someone in the eyes, or simply giving somebody a hug.
The conversation also explores what it could look like for the church to activate the resources already sitting within a community of believers. Instead of only thinking about what one person can give, what could happen if Christians brought together their skills, property, businesses, time, money, and resources to directly serve people around them?
Questions like:
- Do we need a lot of money before we can become generous?
- What can we give when we do not have money to give?
- What did Jesus mean when He talked about helping “the least of these”?
- Should Christians be doing more to help the people struggling in their own communities?
- What can we learn from the widow who gave two small coins?
- How can the church activate the resources already sitting within the body of Christ?
- Are we waiting for God to give us more while ignoring what He has already placed in our hands?
And more...
We do not pretend to have all the answers. This is a real conversation between two Christians thinking through generosity, stewardship, the church, and what it means to actually love our neighbors.
This episode is a reminder that generosity does not have to start big. You do not need a massive platform, a nonprofit, or enough money to change thousands of lives. Start with what you have. Maybe it is $20. Maybe it is your time, your skill, a conversation, or simply seeing someone who feels invisible.
Give what you have.
Love the person in front of you.
And trust God with what happens next.
Scriptures Referenced
- Matthew 25:35-40
- Romans 12:2
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
- Luke 21:1-4
- Acts 3:1-10
- John 12:1-8
- Luke 8:1-3
- Matthew 14:13-21
- Luke 6:38
As Mentioned in the Episode...
We launched The Rock, our community for people who want to grow deeper in their faith, build strong foundations, and do life alongside other believers. The Rock is a free Facebook group.
If you would like to join the conversation beyond the podcast, you can join us here: JOIN THE ROCK!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/onsolidgroundcommunity
THEME SONG BY: Joe Wolfe
