So I was reading (as I so often love to do, I truly am I book geek and proud of it) and I came across the interesting story of Steven Futrick and Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. The story of the church there is interesting in and of itself, but the truly interesting part of the story in my opinion is a project they undertook on great faith and more than a little creativity.
Normally on Sunday mornings the basket or tray is passed through the rows as we give back in order to help our churches (and hopefully our communities). This church decided to do something that at first seems very crazy. As they were preparing for a Capital Campaign they took part in what they called a "Bless Back Project" meaning that instead of taking up a contribution that week (which at the time meant about $40,000) they gave that much back to the people. Now that sounds awkward, but there were stipulations: 1) They couldnt just turn around and donate it to the church 2) They had to give it to someone else and tell the church what they did with it. The church compiled the stories of the people on a website.
As I read this, I thought how amazing that would be, if we in our churches could do this reverse contribution in order for our members to truly begin understanding on a real and personal basis just what it looks like to bless someone else with a wonderful gift. Some received $5, some $10 others $100 and even a few $1000. What an impact we could make as the people of God (and what a step of faith for a church to go a week without contributions!) to the community around us when we actually see the faces of those we can help. I am certain just as at the Elevation church in NC, we would find that our members become more sacrificial in their giving not only to the church but also to the community in need.
So what do you think?
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2 comments:
Hmmm, interesting concept. There is a video on youtube, similar idea but less rules: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CCiobYKcEU4
Personally, I have benefited from the benevolence of others a time or two in my life, and knowing the impact it made on me does increase the "good feeling" that comes from blessing others. And while our congregation has a great benevolence program and it is different when you just put that check in the bowl, less messy maybe? Perhaps it's time to roll up our sleeves
I love it as well and wish our church would try it. Perhaps its a little like the more popularized "Oprah's Big Give"?! Sadly, sometimes the one place we cut back first is in our giving just because we are already so close to the wire already that there isn't a whole lot else to cut out in our lives. Anyway, I am always seeking for more ways to give but often feel strapped for the resources. It would be interested to just be handed those resources one time and see how responsibly I could use them to help people.
Randomly - someone sort of did this for us for our wedding. They gave us a large sum of money with the instruction that 1/2 was for us and 1/2 was to give away benevolently.
[Lastly, good to see you blogging!]
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