Speaker: Dr. Russel James

Generosity is not only a biblical mandate, it’s a measurable catalyst for spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and ministry expansion. Drawing from research and Scripture, Dr. Russell James will help us understand the psychological and theological drivers that move believers from scarcity-based giving to Kingdom-motivated generosity. You’ll see fundraising and generosity as acts of discipleship that reshape hearts, multiply mission impact, and open the Church to the abundance God has always intended.

In many churches, stewardship and generosity have never been intentionally discipled, leaving leaders unsure where to begin and how to lead faithfully. This panel brings together experienced church leaders who have introduced stewardship as a discipleship priority with wisdom, patience, and pastoral care. You’ll hear honest stories about building alignment, gaining trust, navigating uncertainty, and laying foundations where little previously existed. This conversation will encourage you and equip you to lead stewardship formation in a way that strengthens unity, honors people’s journeys, and reflects the heart of the gospel.

This panel explores what it really looks like to lead stewardship and generosity change inside a church without damaging trust or unity.

What’s missing is space to talk honestly about the relational and leadership challenges that come with change: resistance, fear, misalignment, and fatigue.

Engage with fellow church leaders who share your passion for biblical stewardship and generosity. This time is intentionally set aside to build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

The Missing Ingredient in Our Worship
Ryan Zeulner 
If our mission is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, what if an essential element of discipleship has been missing or underutilized? This session explores why generosity is not an optional practice but a pathway into deeper joy and fuller worship. You will learn how generosity shapes the heart, reorients our loves, and aligns our lives with God’s purposes. You’ll also gain practical insight into how to teach and model generosity in a way that leads people into greater joy and expands the Kingdom’s worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness That Overflows: Modeling, Teaching, Encouraging, and Storytelling
Mike Kocolowski
Faithful stewardship shapes the heart, and when the heart is rightly formed, generosity follows. In this session, Mike Kocolowski will explore four catalytic practices that will guide that formation well: modeling faithful living, teaching biblical stewardship, encouraging generous giving, and sharing stories that ignite mission and inspire action. You’ll learn practical, Scripture-rooted insights for cultivating faithfulness that naturally overflows into joyful generosity and lasting Kingdom impact.

Ask the Experts: Open Forum on Building a Healthy Stewardship Ministry
Have questions about leading or growing a stewardship and generosity ministry? Here’s your chance to get answers directly from veteran leaders who have walked the path and seen results. In this interactive session, panelists will respond to both pre-submitted and live questions on topics related to stewardship and generosity ministry. You’ll gain practical strategies, hear real-world examples, and have the opportunity to connect with peers, sharing insights and learning from one another. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your ministry, this session is designed to provide guidance, inspiration, and tools you can put into action immediately.

Leaving More Than Assets: Inspiring a Generous Legacy
Chris Goulard and Dave Hess
Estate planning can be one of the most difficult generosity conversations for churches - not because it is unimportant, but because leaders are unsure how to approach it with wisdom, clarity, and pastoral sensitivity. This session invites you to explore the why of estate planning, reframing it as a meaningful expression of Christian stewardship and generosity. You will gain practical language and perspective to help senior leaders see estate planning as a discipleship issue and to guide congregations into thoughtful, hope-filled conversations about legacy that inspire generosity to extend beyond a lifetime.

Tracking What Transforms: Metrics That Move People Toward Generosity
Rodney Ross & Monica Beeler
This session will explore how churches of any size can use giving data and key metrics to better understand the spiritual health of their congregation and guide next steps in discipleship and generosity. Rodney Ross and Monica Beeler will unpack the core principles behind effective data use—why it matters, what to measure, and how to turn insights into meaningful action. You’ll learn simple, scalable ways to evaluate the effectiveness of your stewardship efforts, test new ideas, and make informed decisions that help people grow spiritually. Attendees will walk away with practical frameworks and transferable practices they can apply immediately in their own ministry context.

Engaging Young Adults: Inspiring the Next Generation Toward Generosity
Blair Graham
Younger generations approach money, purpose, and giving differently than previous ones—but their desire to make a difference is stronger than ever. This session will explore creative and practical ways to engage young adults in conversations about generosity and stewardship. Learn how to connect biblical principles with their passion for impact, cultivate trust, and plant seeds that will bear lasting fruit in their financial discipleship journey.

Engage with fellow church leaders who share your passion for biblical stewardship and generosity. This time is intentionally set aside to build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.