Abundance . . . and Transparency
Folks tend to have feelings about stewardship – aka church fundraising – that are as strong as their feelings about money in general. To some it’s something to be spoken about in muted tones, while to others it’s a chance to share our stories of abundance and faith or to celebrate how our relationship with money can actually draw us closer to God.
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that I fall in the second category! Here’s why:
There’s another big stewardship debate that breaks along these lines: some want to hear only about the expenses and budgets that allow a church to stay vibrant, while many stewardship experts will say, “just focus on the spiritual life of the giver.”
I believe both are vital to our faith lives and to growing the church that cares for God’s world. We must be clear and transparent about how we resource the ministry to which we are called, so that you can know we are good stewards of your generosity. That is the transparency and practicality that grounds our holy work in the real world.
At the same time, giving and pledging is, first and foremost, about you and your relationship with God. Few faith practices have had as deep an impact on my life and well-being as the decision to give proportionally. I hope you will make that a part of your discernment this year. Giving generously and proportionally – whether 3%, 10%, or more – is all about taking steps towards a healthier relationship with God and with money.
Yet that journey does not just stay with you. It means we continue to grow a thriving church, caring for young and old alike while opening our doors to the world ever wider.