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American generosity has not gone out of style, but it is not keeping pace with burgeoning prosperity. As Americans make more they are giving more—but only in certain quarters. A Chronicle of Philanthropy survey reports that private donations to the nation's top 400 charities rose 16 percent in 1998, the largest gain since 1991. Some charitable groups, however, received substantially higher than that 16 percent: educational causes enjoyed a 21 percent increase in 1998. In contrast, the research firm empty tomb, inc. reports that proportional giving to churches was lower in 1997 than in 1921 or 1933, the depth of the Great Depression.

There is more for us to do beyond giving more generously. Our focus must also rest on developing opportunities, especially for people who have been sidelined economically.

Churches should embrace not only their traditional work of meeting immediate needs for food, shelter, and community. Christians also should cultivate a capacity to focus their economic strength in life-giving ways. Through their churches, Christians need to see themselves as economic powerhouses for righteous reinvestment in their communities. (Many African-American and Latino churches are already leading the way.) Churches regularly tap the assets, income, and wisdom of their members for parking lots, education wings, and more worship space. With a larger vision, churches could pool financial resources to stimulate jobs and investment in neglected neighborhoods.

Members of the Christian Community Development Association, working with churches, have made bold beginnings in housing, employment, and worker training. Overseas, Opportunity International and Five Talents International provide bright examples of organizations harnessing the financial power and economic know-how of Christians. They establish so-called microcredit Trust Banks to help start small businesses in poor communities worldwide.

Throughout the Bible, God promises to prosper those who seek him—an abundance that addresses physical need as well as spiritual hunger. "Why do you spend money for what is not bread and your wages for what does not satisfy?" the prophet asks in Isaiah 55:2 (NKJV). Our question today is: Of what value is a prosperity not shared generously and justly?

Jim Wallis's Sojourners Internet commentary on "prosperity for some" is available at sojo.net

Many of the statistics from empty tomb, inc.'s study on proportional giving are available at the firm's Web site.

The Christian Community Development Association's site has information about its member organizations, a youth site, information about community development, and other resources.

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April 3 2000, Vol. 44, No. 4