Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Episode 6

Episode Title: Small Acts, Big Impact: Charlie Deason on Family, Faith, and the Practice of Generosity

Release Date: October 13, 205

Host: Danielle DeNise

Guest: Charlie Deason, Christ Church Member & Father of Three

🎧 Episode Summary:

Host Danielle DeNise talks with Charlie Deason about what it looks like to build a life of generosity - in real time, with real kids, and in real community. Charlie reflects on how he and his wife are raising their three young children to be thoughtful and generous, not just with money, but with time and compassion.

From reading God and Money to participating in the capital campaign, Charlie reminds us that generosity isn't just about what we give. It's about letting go, trusting God, and learning how much is enough.

💡 Topics Covered:

The surprising generosity of young children—and the challenges of parenting

Teaching kids to care for others through simple acts like delivering food

Wrestling with finances, control, and what it means to give faithfully

Why participating in the annual campaign felt like a meaningful step of faith

🛠️ Ministries & Resources Mentioned:

Christ Church Children & Family Ministry: Children and their families are precious to Christ Church, and our primary goal is to offer classes and events that are fun, nurture children’s faith, and equip parents in becoming spiritual leaders at home. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/children/

Christ Church Preschool and Kindergarten (CCK): CCK is half-day program that emboldens each student to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. Children ages 12 months through Kindergarten are encouraged to be active participants in their learning by exploring their abilities, expressing ideas and developing friendships. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/cck/

Christ Church Outreach Ministries: We strive to create sustainable change, equity and dignity for the most vulnerable by seeing and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and advocating for justice and peace. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/serve-the-world/

Nourish Up: Our vision is to nourish our neighbors with food and compassion. We want to create a community where everyone thrives and has consistent access to the food they need for good health and overall wellbeing.  https://nourishup.org/volunteer/

God and Money by Gregory Baumer & John Cortines: John Cortines and Gregory Baumer met as Harvard MBA candidates in a men’s Bible study and stopped asking “How much should I give?” and started asking “How much do I need to keep?” With their top-notch education and rising careers, Cortines and Baumer were guaranteed comfort and security for the rest of their lives. However, when their plans for saving and spending collided with God’s purposes for extravagant generosity, they were each compelled to make a life-changing decision that challenges the values held by mainstream America and many Christian commentators. Cortines and Baumer show not only how to radically give but explain how to do so responsibly.

Transforming Hearts Capital Campaign: The Capital Campaign of Christ Church Charlotte this includes creating established space for the Center for Wellbeing and new gathering spaces including spaces for youth. https://www.christchurchhearts.org/

🙏 Call to Action:

Charlie’s story reminds us that generosity doesn’t require perfection—just presence and practice. Whether you’re raising kids, rediscovering faith, or navigating financial questions, your gifts matter.

Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org

Ready to take a step toward generosity?

Visit christchurchcharlotte.org to explore ways to pledge, serve, or give—right where you are, with what you have.

https://christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge/