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

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Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

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