Thu
Oct 1
2009
Mitch McCartney
Director of Communications & Development
Nebraska Synod, ELCA
Back in the day when I served on a church council, I remember the tough discussions we would have around this time of year.
Few things would cause more anxiety than conversation about where the congregation would spend money in its upcoming budget. Our church was typical: we had building expenses that had to be covered, staff obligations that had to be met, requests to fund ministries within our doors that various individuals supported.
There was always this feeling that “there was only so much to go around.” (As if we hadn’t read about feeding of the 5,000 lately.) So when it came to the end the process, there would always be a discussion about whether we could fund mission share to the larger Church at the level we did the year before.
I have a confession to make. I once advocated for cutting mission share from my congregation’s annual budget. At the time, I was a strong advocate for our congregation’s youth ministry and with all of the “brick-and-mortar” items having already been funded, I was worried that every dollar that we spent in mission share, ministry outside of our church doors, would mean one less dollar we would spend on ministry between our church doors.
I was unsuccessful, but not without some support, in making the argument to cut mission share. It’s good that I failed. I was wrong.
My thinking was flawed because my view of giving was based on the need to see and realize the results of the spending, which investing our own ministries would allow me to do. However, you and I know that is not how Jesus taught us to give: “But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)
The mission share that our mission centers and congregations offer are used to fund vital ministries with real impact, making a real difference in real lives. Because of your generous support, we are able to offer ministry to the impoverished and the imprisoned. Because of your generous support, ministries are in place to bring God’s word for the first time to people from other cultures and countries living within our own state. Because of your generous support, we are able to show children and families the love of God, both here at home and in nations far away.
Mission share is not about supporting budgets and organizations. It is about supporting ministries serving people with critical needs who depend on us. And just because we may not physically witness the fruits of every dollar we give does not mean God is not using our gifts. As people of faith, we must give with faith.
So as your congregation begins this budget-setting season, please remember the lives that can be impacted by our shared ministries together through the Nebraska Synod and churchwide. Please prayerfully consider the simple act of giving… giving with faith.
For more information on the Nebraska Synod and its ministries, you can be in contact with Mitch McCartney at mitch@nebraskasynod.org or (402) 896-5311.
Thank you Mitch, The first year I served on church council a few years back I went in with the idea I was going to “fix” the budget process. I thank God that I was not able to do so! What better way to live in faith than to give of the first fruits of God’s bounty we receive.
Thanks Mitch,
It will help me “say it again” when people tell me the only way to object to the ElCA decision about ordination is by cutting the funds.
Thank you Mitch!
There has been some discussion as to not sending mission share, now I have some additional help in repeating the message of helping our ministries and being in partnership with others.