Capital Campaign 2016
HOW WILL YOU DECIDE?
All of us will be asked to make our own giving decisions and to do so prayerfully, thoughtfully and cheerfully. These kinds of decisions are best made over a period of time rather than instantly at one time. So, how to proceed? The following is a guide to making your or your family’s giving decision.
PRAY: Seek God’s leadership in determining the specific amount God would have you give. Pray individually and with your family, or a close friend.
DISCUSS: With your family or a friend, talk about your prayer experiences regarding your gift. How much is God leading you to give? How can you give that amount?
PRIORITIZE: Evaluate all the ways you invest your financial resources. What priority should your church and its ministry have at this time? How does your gift represent sacrifice for you and your family?
COMMIT: Trust God to sustain you in your giving decision, just as you trusted God to lead you in making this decision. Give the gift amount that has meaning and value for you.
“Everyone must make up their mind as to how much they should give. Don’t force anyone to give more than they really want to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes.”
II Corinthians 9:7
WHAT IS MY PART?
Our For the Long Run capital campaign is seeking gifts and commitments to give that are “over and above” the members’ regular giving that supports the annual ministry plan. How does a person or family decide on what amount they will give?
A story comes to mind. During one church’s capital campaign, a church member came up to the pastor on Sunday and said, “I have already decided on my campaign gift. Here, I brought it with me and I hope it is the right amount.” As an envelope was handed to the pastor, he replied, “I am sure it is the right gift if it represents you.” The member then paused and took back the envelope saying, “I will have to think about that some more.”
The next Sunday the member again approached the pastor and said, “Pastor, here is my campaign gift. I hope it is the right amount.” The pastor replied again, “I am sure it is the right gift if it represents you.” The member, looking a little frustrated, took back the envelope and said, “Well I really do have to think about this and I might as well pray about it too.”
On the third Sunday the member came up to the pastor, handed him an envelope and said, “Pastor, here is my gift and believe me, this gift represents me!”
Deciding to give an “over and above” gift is a challenging process. It requires thought and prayer and finally action. No effort will be made to tell any person what he or she should commit. There are, however, some questions that might be helpful in determining one’s part.
“Have I asked God to direct my decision?”
“Does this amount give an accurate reflection of who I am and what my resources are?”
“How does this amount represent sacrifice for me?”