In this edition of Lake Insights, explore conversations on the past, present, and future of faith-inspired generosity. Dr. Jack Wertheimer, Lake Institute’s 2025 Distinguished Visitor, discusses the history and patterns of Jewish giving, while Managing Director Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee reflects on how faith leaders can shape a generous imagination that transforms communities beyond their own.

In this week's Insights, Josh Packard, PhD, highlights how younger generations express generosity through small, authentic acts of impact—micronarratives that prioritize trust, immediacy, and connection over institutional giving. David Edwards offers a lived example of that same spirit through a childhood lesson in presence and sacrifice. Together, their reflections reveal that generosity today is less about grand gestures or systems and more about showing up intentionally, faithfully, and meaningfully for others.

In this conversation with Rabbi Adam Miller and Elizabeth Le'anani Coffee, Dr. Jack Wertheimer speaks about the history of Jewish giving and Jewish giving practices in the present day.

David P. King, PhD, explores how faith-based organizations play a vital and often overlooked role in disaster response, offering resilience and hope when crises strike. Complementing his reflections, Rev. Rebecca Gurney shares a moving account from her North Carolina congregation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, illustrating how generosity, community, and faith come together to restore both roads and hearts.

This guide from Jewish Funders Network draws on timeless Jewish wisdom to support and inspire thoughtful, values driven philanthropy.

This issue of Insights explores innovative expressions of generosity within faith communities. Dr. Carlos W. Perkins reflects on the impact of ECRF cohorts designed for Black Christian leaders, highlighting how these spaces cultivate generosity, leadership, and legacy in culturally resonant ways. We also feature Dr. Anthony Riley’s story of applying ECRF tools to inspire his congregation at Central Baptist Church in Saint Louis, raising significant support for community outreach.

When a church invites a line dancing group to use its basement for practice, a mutually beneficial relationship develops.

A comedian-turned-pastor opened an alcohol-free comedy club in his church's basement to support the sober community.

In this issue of Insights, Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee reflects on generosity as a spiritual practice shaped by faith and cultural heritage, reminding us that it is less about what we give up and more about how we are bound together. Building on her vision, David P. King, PhD, highlights how stories and practices of generosity can expand trust, strengthen communities, and guide Lake Institute’s mission in today’s changing landscape. Together, their reflections point us toward a richer understanding of generosity that connects research, practice, and lived experience.

In this edition of Insights, we take a closer look at the language and practice of stewardship in congregational life. Mark Sampson challenges churches to move beyond stewardship’s focus on ownership and ask deeper questions about the purpose of their resources, while David King reflects on whether “stewardship” has become too broad or too narrow to remain useful.