LIVING
GENEROUSLY
a stewardship narrative series presented by TENS
A ll S aints D ay
author of “Zombie Church: Breathing
Richard Felton
ould there be a greater definition
Life Back Into the Body of Christ,” says
of living generously than what
we are to make disciples, not converts.
is found in the sixth chapter of
Tyler makes a powerful distinction:
Luke’s Gospel? “But I say to you who
Converts are new to the faith; that is
are willing to hear: Love your enemies.”
where we all start. But disciples go furThe gospel appointed for All Saints Day
ther. “Converts go to church,” he says;
concludes with: “Give to everyone who
“Disciples are the Church.
asks and don’t demand your things back
“Converts are involved in the mission
from those who take them. Treat people
of Jesus. Disciples are committed to it.
in the same way that you want them to
“Converts cheer from the sidelines.
treat you.”
Disciples are in the game.
And Psalm 149 encourages us to praise
“Converts hear the word of God. Disreflection questions
God with dance, with the drum and the
ciples live it.
lyre because “the Lord is pleased with his
••Who are the role
“Converts follow the rules. Disciples
people.” Alleluia!
follow Jesus.
models in your life for
All Saints Day is a day to remember
“Converts are all about believing. Disliving generously, and
those who have gone before us as we joyciples are all about being.
living committed to
fully strive to be God’s disciples. We’re
“Converts are comfortable. Disciples
called to remember them not simply as a
faith?
make sacrifices.”
way to honor their good work but to be
••What qualities did or
I’ve found that disciples willing to
inspired by them and their work. We are
do
they
have
that
you
make
sacrifices are committed to living
called to live generously — as they lived.
aspire to replicate?
generously. We are called to be and make
The work of discipleship is ongoing.
disciples. We are called to generously live
As members of “The Episcopal Branch
of the Jesus Movement” — as Presiding Bishop Michael in gratitude for all that God has given us.
On All Saints Day, let us rededicate ourselves to doing
Curry refers to us — we are called to be and make disciGod’s
work in the world just as those who went before us:
ples. Tyler Edwards, the discipleship pastor at Carolina
Forest Community Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and sacrificing and giving of ourselves in joy and in gratitude.
C
Richard Felton is the Executive Director of The Episcopal Network for
Stewardship (TENS). A cradle Episcopalian, Richard has worked with
churches around the country in the areas of stewardship, planned giving
and capital campaigns. Before joining TENS, he was the Vice President for
Advancement at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.
The Episcopal Network for Stewardship