This past week I moderated a discussion on ethics for the Association of Professional Fundraisers. I started my talk by saying that as we begin our stewardship campaign I feel as though I am one of them. I find myself talking about and asking for money more than I ever thought I would. And it used to really bother me.
I like to think I hold money lightly. I try to personally be generous, never ask for anything I wouldn’t support, only ask for what is truly necessary. Money is such a taboo subject in our culture. I try to navigate it carefully both personally and professionally.
When I first came to St. John’s and started visiting people, I noticed that there was some tension, especially the first few times I showed up in their homes. As the visit would come to the end, I would often hear, what exactly do you want? And I would say, to visit. Over and over again people expected me to ask them for money. I don’t know what the practice of previous rectors might have been, but I really like to just visit. Eventually people relaxed.
Now if you ask me what the church needs, I will tell you. The very nature of an old building and extensive outreach necessarily means that there is always a need for something. And people sometimes ask. But I have found that when there is a need, not a want but a need, God always provides in one way or another.
My own attitude toward encouraging generosity has also shifted. I have come to see what it means to people to give, to offer something of themselves. It feels good to be helpful, it is fulfilling. We need to give. In part because we recognize all that we have been given. In part because it creates in us a sense of righteousness and purpose. Being joyfully generous is holy.
It isn’t about guilt. God knows life is hard, finances are complicated, everything is expensive. If giving doesn’t bring joy, you should not offer the gift. But to practice being joyful when you give is a spiritual practice. As you discern what you will give to the church this year, I pray you are filled with joy and hope and excitement. This church is worth our generosity. Let’s pray for a blessed pledge drive!