How can churches move beyond simply asking people to give and instead inspire generosity as an act of discipleship? During her workshop, Dr. Alisha Vincent from the Dakotas-Minnesota Methodist Foundations encouraged participants to think differently about stewardship by focusing on the purpose behind giving rather than the act itself. Drawing on the story of the widow's offering in Luke 21, Vincent reminded attendees that Jesus didn't praise the amount the widow gave; instead, He praised the heart behind her gift, showing that generosity begins with understanding our "why."

Throughout the workshop, Vincent compared transactional giving with transformational giving, demonstrating how the words churches use regarding stewardship can shape how people view generosity. Through discussion, personal reflection, and an interactive exercise, participants experienced how conversations centered on stories, mission, and impact can inspire generosity in ways that budget-focused appeals often cannot. Quoting author Simon Sinek, Vincent shared, "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it," encouraging church leaders to connect giving with the lives and ministries it makes possible.

Participants also reflected on their own experiences with money and generosity, considering how those experiences influence conversations within their congregations. Vincent challenged leaders to approach stewardship with authenticity and curiosity, listening to others' stories while helping their churches build a culture of generosity rooted in faith, mission, and relationships. She concluded by encouraging attendees to identify one conversation to have, one story to share, and one stewardship practice they could change as they returned home.

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