I’m wrapping up my manuscript for Permission to Speak Freely this week, so I’ve decided to repost previous blog material from the archives. I went and found some that had great conversation in the comments, and since there are so many new readers, figure it would probably be new to you and we can delve into the dialogue again.
This one was posted about 18 months ago…back in the day when I didn’t use capitalization properly. Sorry about that.
Read and discuss…What do you think? I’d especially love to hear from churches who do this kind of thing, because I still have a very difficult time wrapping my mind around how this is even Biblical, to be completely honest with you.
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Celebrating Big Givers
sometimes churches have special events to celebrate their top givers. most of the churches i know do this for members who give over a certain amount of money per week/month/year. usually there is an appreciation dinner or vision casting event. and the people who don’t “give big” don’t even hear about these events. i was on staff at a church once and was in charge of making sure the invites were sent out. i was talking to someone that worked on facilities to see if he’d be setting up the venue and he didn’t even know about it. his family didn’t give enough to be invited, and the event was pretty much on a need-to-know basis.
so, i?ve always wondered why this is. don?t get me wrong?i realize those who give significant amounts of money to the church typically do it consistently and that saying goes ?20 percent of the people give 80 percent of the income? and i do think giving (in general) should be celebrated and talked about.
here is where i get hug up – equal giving does not mean equal sacrifice.
someone who making six figures a year can easily drop $500 a month in tithing but for someone else to give $500 a month could be extremely sacrificial.
why aren?t those things equally celebrated?
why do people even track what other people give? what about the people who give in cash? or the people who have been financially devastated somehow…shouldn’t they be helped by the church, or have a dinner thrown for them?
does your church celebrate the ?big givers?? do you celebrate all the givers? do you celebrate giving at all? what do you think?
Comments
86 responses to “Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers”
All I can say is UGH! What you said “equal giving does not mean equal sacrifice” is so true!! Right along with “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” said by Jesus.
Do not like the idea at all and am now going to check with my church to see if this happens there.
.-= Janet?s last blog ..The Dailyness of Life =-.
Wow, there is a small part of my brain that knows that this does take place in churches, but I am still shocked to read about it. I don’t understand how it would reconcile itself with what the Bible says (especially the widow’s mite story). Jesus spoke of giving in terms the heart, so celebrating people who have more seems a bit nutty.
.-= Wally Harrison?s last blog ..The Depth of Doing (Or Exercising Jesus) =-.
I am an agnostic but from a church background. This is exactly why I can’t attend many churches today. It literally breaks my heart to see the people who sacrifice get pushed aside because they only give what they can, and it’s not a large amount that gets flagged and recognized. Should giving be celebrated? Yes. Should people who give be thanked? Yes. Should we have secret dinners where the large donors can meet the pastor and make pledges before anyone else does? Hell no.
JL – I rarely actually state my opinion on this blog; I keep it vague and let other people discuss their thoughts, but this is something I feel very strongly about and to most of your points, agree.
Say thanks.
Cast vision.
Don’t just do it to the people who drop the big bucks.
Big gift doesn’t equal big sacrifice.
Little gift doesn’t equal little sacrifice.
I just don’t get it. I am really hoping that someone who has really sought wisdom on this can help me understand. I’m not closed off to the idea, but I am having a serious problem with it lining up to what the Bible says about generosity and celebration of such, you know?
I had not heard of this. I’m with you – seems unbiblical and unhealthy.
I think it’s horrific. Disgusting, actually.
.-= Bernard Shuford?s last blog ..Harrison Barnes? =-.
Hey Anne, I posted a comment on the original post. Our church used to have a breakfast, everyone is invited that has ever given anything. I think we have bounced checks more then any givers to out church :-) yet, we were still invited. AND we are the little givers, we are not wealthy at all. But now they have a “Kingdom Builders” breakfast and invite everyone, not just people who have pledged to give. I think it was formed under the idea of saying thank you to all who sowed into the new buildings etc but my church never made it about who gave more or anything like that.
I LOVE THIS EXAMPLE. I remember being there at the KB breakfast you guys had when Chris was there…and thought THIS is the way to do it. EVERYONE is invited. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE. Vision for EVERYONE. Again, I can not say enough about how much you guys set an amazing, Biblical example for the church. Love you MUCH.
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
Thankfully, I have not ever gone to a church that would do this type of thing. I think the Biblical principle is that when you give, you are giving to the Lord. So, let the amount you give be between you and Him!( I understand that the Recording Secretary knows for tax purposes. This person should keep this info in strict confidence!) He knows the sacrifice (or the lack of sacrifice)of your offering! And, I much prefer that the Lord be my rewarder! He always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him!
Amen.
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
dona,
i totally agree…what happened to not letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing??
I think you are on to something. We should celebrate giving. Heck…let’s go all out in celebrating giving! The dinner where we celebrate big giving has me thinking as well. I think even those big givers who may attend those dinners may feel a little awkward. This is something we should definitely rethink!
Let me just make a comment about the “giving in cash” comment. I hear what you are saying. However, I am pretty sure that the cash in most offerings is very slim. The unmarked cash that comes in on a weekly basis is almost non-existent. I think this is an excuse that people who don’t give use. They don’t tithe so they say that they “give in cash” which I find a horrible excuse and highly unlikely. The bottom line is that most of us are wealthier beyond our own good. We don’t steward very well with what God does give us. Maybe many of us need our salary to down to the level of our stewardship. I would take 100 faithful givers to 10 “Big” givers any day. Then I would have a dinner for all of our 100 givers. Now maybe that’s an idea!
We’ve always given in cash. :) And we will always do that. Ain’t nobody’s business. Sometimes it is an excuse, you’re right. But sometimes it’s not. For reasons like the one that sparked this post.
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
Hey Anne,
Thanks for your posts!
I understand why you say it’s nobody’s business, but, I have to disagree. Giving is just as much a spiritual health indicator as the others things we usually look at – attendance, Bible study, prayer, etc. Jesus said that your heart follows your money. People who don’t give regularly to their local churches aren’t invested there.
Giving cash instead of check or envelope # or whatever, means that your pastors *should* wonder if everything is OK in your home. Is there a spiritual issue they need to address? Maybe there’s a financial issue where the church could assist.
As far as having a party for big givers, I love the idea that anyone who gave should be invited. It’s a great way to thank them and cast vision for the coming season or year.
.-= Daniel Goepfrich?s last blog ..How secure is salvation? Part 2 =-.
Dan…woah, In my opinion/experience being “invested” in a church is not my #1 Priority; now being invested in people’s lives -now we’re talkin’… I want a pastor that cares about me psychologically/emotionally/spiritually, if a pastor was to approach me, offering finanical assistance based on my tithing amount or lack thereof–I would stop, drop, and roll-Ok, maybe just run..But I disagree, in sisterly love- I want to be part of a church where the Primary ROI is love & community for all; no discrimination.
.-= Reese?s last blog ..Prayer Request =-.
Reese,
You read “invested” the way most people would – in a monetary sense. I agree with you that being invested is really a heart thing. As a pastor, what I have found many times over is that a person’s checkbook (and heart) leaves the church before the person does.
I’m not talking about scrutinizing the weekly giving record, but there should be something that can throw a red flag for the elders/pastors/spiritual leaders when a person stops giving. There’s almost always a deeper issue.
But for that to work well, people need to give in an identifiable way. Plus, there are tax benefits! :)
.-= Daniel Goepfrich?s last blog ..How secure is salvation? Part 2 =-.
Mr. Goepfrich,
Thanks for your reply. I respect your monetary tactics; as it relates to being proactive with your congregation. I just feel there is a mighty fine line between church leadership and how much they should be in “my business.” Hopefully, I feel comfortable enough to call any-one of them up, if any issues arise vs. the elders/pastors/spiritual leaders diagnosing, me. (maybe this is exactly why I am not in leadership.) :-)
.-= Reese?s last blog ..Prayer Request =-.
I totally LOVE having my spiritual health gauged by metrics!
I can’t attend my home church regularly because I travel. Fail.
I am not in a small group in my home church because my community is in my back yard, and we go to different churches. Fail.
I give in cash, and max out what I can deduct every year in taxes, but nobody at my church would know that. Fail.
Hopefully my church doesn’t monitor my prayer life (She says, looking around for cameras in the house).
Here’s my schtick. We should be spiritually healthy and it is reflected in many ways. If we are living in TRUE COMMUNITY with other believers WE WILL ALL KNOW…and there will be no need to pull the books down on someone.
Pardon the sarcasm I used, but this issue of Big Brother Church just bugs the living crap out of me.
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
Amen.
(nice cap usage)
.-= Reese?s last blog ..Prayer Request =-.
So you forsake the tax benefits? Why not donate the tax benefits to the church and tick off the IRS? :)
.-= Bernard Shuford?s last blog ..I Don?t Believe It =-.
We already max out, so it wouldn’t be an additional benefit.
I think celebrating the big givers is not a good thing for a few reasons
– Obviously, what you’ve said about amount not equaling sacrifice is true. Its so relative. Not to mention that some ways of contributing like prayer or service are not so easily quantified.
– There is a huge risk that once you start setting up rewards for the best givers that people start giving to get. Prosperity gospel was bad enough without adding other rewards to the mix.
– It risks creating unnecessarily social divide in the church between the rich and poor. I remember how much it would hurt to on occasion not be able to afford to go to church camps. It would have been even worse if i knew the exciting church event i wanted to attend was deliberately excluding me due to my financial status. Not at all a healthy thing for social relations in the church.
Then there is the issue of whether the church has a right to know how much people make and give…….
.-= Joanna?s last blog ..Live like time is running out =-.
Anne, I don’t think it’d be possible for me to agree with you MORE. Amen, amen, amen.
I don’t know about celebrating the big givers but they do the whole if you give you will be rewarded in heaven. Giving the idea that go big or go home and the more you give now the more you get in heaven.
What bothers me the most about all of this is that it teaches us (including myself) to give because you get something you want in return. So what motivates me to give in church is because I will get my name published or announced in front of hundreds of people.
Bible is pretty clear about now letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
But I struggle with this because it is a big sacrifice for me to give $50 to something. i do not have a job and so when I sacrificially give I want others to know about it. I do not give because I am commanded by God, I give so that others will know. I am not free of blame for this terrible mindset, but I think that churches help promote this at times.
.-= Kyle Reed?s last blog ..Mentors Need Your Help =-.
…Wow. I am thinking about giving/tithing in cash, now…Lord, help us, reach the one’ s affected by these “churches” [and, I say church very lightly] distorted view/delivery/etc…Help us fix/unravel the taintedness/jadedness… Amen.
.-= Reese?s last blog ..Prayer Request =-.
Hey Anne, I thought I might share a quick view of our church’s view of giving. Our church rents a renovated Church that was abandoned for a bigger church. Our Giving looks like this. The first Months offering IS GIVEN AWAY. We know that God is using other ministries and so we give of our own. After that, 90% goes to ministries that meet the needs of people in our community. Feeding the homeless, sharing the gospel with traveling youth, housing those in need, etc… We have one staff member, our pastor, and He has chosen to raise support for his salary. We give him a stipend and cover his insurance. Other than that, all of our offering goes to the Kingdom. We have never had a problem with our offerings “drying up” – Just a thought
Whoa, whoa, whoa… BACK in the days when you didn’t capitalize properly?
.-= Jeff?s last blog ..Building Community, Jon Acuff Style (Slowly and Honestly) =-.
I have been consistently using caps since January 1, 2009. :)
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
hmmmm… i’m going to check on that…
.-= Jeff?s last blog ..Building Community, Jon Acuff Style (Slowly and Honestly) =-.
Ok, I just checked. Man, you were right. I guess I had just trained my eyes not to notice any more.
.-= Jeff?s last blog ..Building Community, Jon Acuff Style (Slowly and Honestly) =-.
The American church is so misguided at times. I can’t believe there are some that have such dinners as you’ve described to pat the big givers on the backs. Seems very pharisaical to me.
And it flies in the face of Jesus’ teaching on giving.
Matthew 6:1-4
Giving to the Needy
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
.-= Megan?s last blog ..Non sequitur =-.
No budget for it. :) Nope, just wouldn’t do it.
Wow. I’ve never heard of this, and I’m so glad.
It would be interesting to hear from someone who does this and thinks it’s a good idea. Anne, when you were working at that church, how did they explain it? I feel like I must be missing something, ’cause it doesn’t make sense to me that any church would do that.
.-= Lex?s last blog ..How to divide the Church and weaken the body of Christ =-.
I never asked…I’d probably be fired. :)
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
Yikes. No permission to speak freely.
.-= Lex?s last blog ..Book Review: Five Cities That Ruled the World =-.
I’ve struggled with giving and the idea of giving for a bit now, partially because of stuff like this, and huge capitol building projects. One thing that has changed my heart though is how Jesus recognized the small gift the widow left. Even though it was going to a corrupt (probably) temple system, her heart of obedience and generosity was noticed by Christ. He even mentions that believers everywhere will know about it.
Hopefully that’s the model I’ll follow!
I’ve never heard of this before. I think it’s pretty obvious that it’s 100% unbiblical – just look at Mark 12:41-44.
This concept is ludicrous not just because it focuses on the amount rather than the sacrifice, but also because so many American churches spend almost all their money on themselves anyway. “Giving” is hardly sacrificial if it’s actually just paying for your own enjoyment of fancy sound equipment or VBS programs for your kids. That’s not giving – it’s paying for goods and services!
I’ve always been torn on the cash-vs.-check giving issue. I’ve always hated putting my name on my offering, it doesn’t feel right. But at the same time, the tax exemption enables me to give more. Thoughts, anyone?
I give to other charities outside of the local church and don’t mind a bit making it un-anonymous. non-anonymous? Whatever. :) There is a maximum amount you can write off so we try and hit that amount outside the local church so that way it doesn’t pose an issue of tax breaks and the church. If that makes sense…
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
I totally agree with this. I too have always given in cash until this year and it was also not an excuse. It seems wierd for anyone else to need to know what I give, big or small. It’s very much between an individual and the Lord. I see the benefit of writing a check or giving in a way that you get a reciept, so that you can ‘claim it on your taxes’. I have struggled with that too, as I don’t think we should give to get that ‘refund’. However, after re-thinking that part, you are getting more back to again be a good steward of…hmm…
As for ‘parties and celebrations’ for big givers? I don’t think that is right and agree that it’s probably just as awkward for those givers if they are giving intentionally and as the Lord leads.
I’m sure it happens all the time, but I don’t see this to be at all biblical. Interesting timing, as we touched on this topic at church on Sunday.
.-= Christie?s last blog ..Are you thirsty? =-.
For the sake of discussion, I would agree that I don’t believe it’s entirely Biblical at all.
However, my opinion is this: Give to the point that it’s flat out crazy. Check, ATM, cash, etc…doesn’t matter. You know your heart, and most certainly God does. He is my defense and my portion forever. Let people say whatever they want. They know their heart, and God most certainly does.
Ok…back to the topic. Yes, I believe it’s outrageous and not Biblical at all.
.-= Josh?s last blog ..Shane & Shane: Everything is Different =-.
I LOVE my church!
The more I read about other churches the more grateful I am that I get to attend Healing Place Church. We’re building a new sanctuary right now (which requires roughly a bigillion dollars in offerings) but Pastor continually keeps our vision pointed towards others. The new building is not about anything except making room for people who aren’t here yet.
Pastor Dino always says that HPC has been built on the sacrifices of many, and he doesn’t differentiate between time, talent, touch or treasure. Whatever you have to give, give. I think God’s gonna figure it all out for us. Ultimately, He gets to decide who’s invited to the real dinner.
.-= Donna Frank?s last blog ..What’s your story? =-.
I still think it’s un-Biblical and a reflection of churches that are too caught up in operating like businesses.
And I stopped giving to my local church for awhile because we were just paying for programming rather than paying to do the mission of the church. I was and continue to be honestly convicted that it’s better to direct resources to groups that ARE doing what Christians are supposed to be doing than to pay for the lights to be on for yet another self-centered event or parking garage or whatever.
.-= Laura @ Texas in Africa?s last blog ..shameless blegging =-.
I work at a church and we are in the midst of struggling through issues of finances. I think there are a lot of people who look at the church and say my money’s just going to “programming” so I’m going to give to this other place instead but don’t realize that when that happens it’s not the programming that gets reduced in the church’s budget, but the missional focus. At least in our denomination that’s how it works.
As a church staff and ministry leaders we are looking at how we can be more responsible with the money, but part of being church means lights have to be on, and parking garages have to be built, and building’s have to be updated. We cannot function as the church if our church structure is limited. Perhaps that sounds bad, but I think it’s the reality. If you are living at a home with no electricity your ability to do everyday things would be significantly impeded.
While I recognize that we often lose focus on what is most important in being the church, I think it’s important to remember that some of these seemingly unneccessary things are really important pieces to being church.
I hope that doesn’t come off as being rude.
i’ve always struggled with this. especially being someone with minimal income (working at the church). personally knowing these special dinners and celebrations take place is damaging to my spirit. thankfully God knows what i give and He is the only one i should care about celebrating with.
.-= Crystal Renaud?s last blog ..You Write the Past 25 Years =-.
My husband and I pastor a church. We don’t look at who’s giving what. We teach what we need to teach and trust God for the rest. Everyone that gives time, talents and resources needs to be celebrated.
This raises another interesting question: should full-time missionaries and ministers tithe… and to where? I think I might explore that in a blog later this week.
.-= Jeff?s last blog ..Change the World… One Powerpoint at a Time =-.
As a support based missionary, I think about this subject kind of a lot. Being the direct recipient of financial gifts, both large and small, every single month, we had to come up with an answer to the question of “How do we say thank you appropriately?”. Do we send a bag of coffee beans and a postcard to BOTH the rich CEO who supports us at $500 a month, and the struggling single Mom who gives $10? Do we schedule a private meeting with one, and invite the other to the generic “thank you dessert”? The truth is, “Support Raising Tactics” are just…gross.
I would almost bet money that the idea of throwing a big freaking party to show “top-givers” how special they are came from a creepy missionary! Hahaha!(no, but really, it probably did. *sigh*)
So the answer, for us anyway, is to thank our supporters as unique individuals who are sharing, from God’s provision, with us. And then, to accept their gifts with humility, to use those funds responsibly, and in turn, to give generously. As it turns out, sometimes, the $500 from the rich guy is, in fact, destined for a single mom who gave $10 to missionaries instead of hitting Starbucks…
.-= Jamie the Very Worst Missionary?s last blog ..Got a problem? The Very Worst Missionary can help! =-.
Good thoughts, Jamie. I also raise support for a living, and I’ve noticed that those whom I expect to be big givers NEVER are. Yup, that’s right, never. My “biggest” givers and supporters are people that I never expected to give that much, or at all. And of course, I still struggle with the problem of ranking givers into “big” and “small.” Lord, help us.
.-= Jeff?s last blog ..Change the World… One Powerpoint at a Time =-.
I have heard of this and yet never really thought much about it. I don’t know why I never thought about it. As I read this post I am exploring the concept. I think what comes to mind most is the givers actually attending an event like this. Why would they attend? Is the reason for their giving for the thank you or the recognition? Weird.
I do suppose that churches keep track because of our tax structure system and the write-off and the givers wanting a nice neat print out for the IRS at the end of the year. That opens a different chapter of thought, but I suppose it does lend to understanding why a church keeps track.
As far as the dinner party, the church and the attendee’s both need to take a look in the mirror.
Another thing that this leads to in my thinking to is that these big givers are often asked to also become leaders in the church. I don’t think this is a one to one relationship but it is a mistake that churches make often.
.-= christie farley?s last blog ..Chapter 6 =-.
I didn’t read all the comments, so I’m not sure if somebody already said this. But, this totally makes me think of Matthew 6:1-4:
“?Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
?Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
It seems to me, however, that most churches that give praise to the “big givers” usually have deeper theological and doctrinal issues going on as well.
“It seems to me, however, that most churches that give praise to the ?big givers? usually have deeper theological and doctrinal issues going on as well.”
Amen. :-)
.-= Reese?s last blog ..Prayer Request =-.
In my tenure in the ministry I was a part of 7 churches. None of them held this practice, I am thankful to say.
Sounds like more “corporate” theology. Business models are not going to produce spiritually healthy churches.
As a pastor, I have mixed feelings about this. Our church does NOT have this kind of event. But I can see how it could be appropriate. Here’s why. If there are key volunteers who have given extraordinary amounts of time to serve in the community or the church, we would think it appropriate to host an appreciation event for them. And we wouldn’t be bothered that many others simply don’t have the time to donate (single parents, over-worked executives, physically challenged, etc.).
If there are gifted artists who sacrificially offer their gifts to the cause of Christ in the local church, we would think it appropriate to demonstrate appreciation to them, even though there may be others who are NOT gifted in the arts, but still contribute in smaller ways.
So discretionary time is not equally distributed among all people. And artistic talent is not equally distributed. Neither are financial resources. Could it then be appropriate to show appreciation to those who give generously out of their abundance?
I think we should thank people who give. Period. Because it’s never about how much – time, talent, whatever – it’s about sacrifice. And we can’t judge sacrifice.
Very well put. Now I think I’ll go write some thank you notes. :)
I’ve never heard of this kind of thing but I think it’s awful. Surely they have already received their reward in full. And I think giving sacrificially is what God wants not giving big. Someone who makes 100K could easily give more than me but it not be sacrificial. What ever happened to not letting your right hand know what your left is doing? Why don’t they just stand up and give thanks that they are not like the heathen?! Good grief!
I felt sick to my stomach reading that churches actually do this! I don’t ever recall my church doing this and I am thankful. I do think that if a church wanted to do something like that then they should open it up to everyone that gave not only of their money but their time, and talents as well. I’m curious as well to know why churches do this and feel okay with doing it.
.-= Becky?s last blog ..Inconvenienced =-.
My church DOES NOT do this! Oh my gosh, that is so terrible, so NOT a reflection of the heart of Jesus.
In fact, my pastor always says that he has a responsibility to address sin, no matter how much $$ you give to the church.
If you don’t think your church is doing this, you probably haven’t given enough money to be invited. It’s usually the top 25, 50, or 100 people who have given the most amount of money (again, not sacrifice – they have donated the most $$)
You sound like you’ve worked in a church before, JL. I hate to say it but you’re spot on in some cases. Sometimes not even all the staff don’t even know about it, in my experience.
Pardon my double negative…. :)
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
Anne,
I think I’m the rare kind of person who occupies two disjoint spaces:
1) I have a pretty wild prophetic streak and interally challenge every institution I observe.
2) I have a keen business mind and naturally think in terms of systems.
That being said, I think I might be able to speak for “both sides” on this one, if there even are such things.
Churches are really dependent on these large givers. If the elders in the church are truly following God’s vision for their life and ministry, then they will be held to account one day on how they steward their resources to accomplish this. In many cases, the appreciation expressed at these kinds of events includes a nice meal and a nice meeting space. Depending on how big, these “big” donors generally give ($500 a month is HUGE where I come from), the event might actually LOSE money if anyone but the very biggest donors were invited. So I would encourage anyone who reads the article to put yourself in the place of an elder at a church with a huge vision and financial needs, but not many “huge” givers. One day you’re going to have to answer for how you leveraged finances for the Kingdom vision. It’s a humbling thought experiment. So I’m not opposed to hosting events with only the top givers represented. It might be excellent stewardship. These sorts of events are all about maximizing financial resources for the sake of God’s vision for your church.
That being said, to ONLY celebrate big givers is clearly out of line with the heart of God. I believe anyone who gives to the ministry ought to be celebrated. What they’re doing is beautiful. And I think churches would do well to think of creative ideas for how they can celebrate ALL of their givers in a way that makes financial sense. It might be that God is calling you to put down $50k for a giant picnic of love to celebrate every giver. But it might also be that you’re incredibly strapped for that money, and God may want you to put on something for them that doesn’t cost anything.
.-= Mikey?s last blog ..Elam?s Story =-.
I just think of what God did with obedience, a couple fish and a couple loaves of bread and that helps me remember God doesn’t operate in a business economy.
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
Unfortunately, I know of a church that has a “golden circle” for their big givers. Almost like preferred seating at a concert. Those who pledge and give a certain amount or above are in it. Don’t give what you pledged and you’re out of it.
I just remember that sweet little widow that Jesus pointed out to His disciples, praising her sacrifice above the grand amounts others dropped in.
We celebrate obedience. Whether the person is giving of their time, talents or cash, we celebrate that they are giving to the Lord. Not an annual dinner — but leadership going out of their way to thank and notice.
Personally? We tend to give cash, too. We give. God knows. That’s enough.
(And HAHAHAHA! @Jeff for checking for capital letters!)
.-= Faye?s last blog ..It’s a GIRL! =-.
I’m not surprised you haven’t received anyone talking about how their church does this. Not sure who would admit to it…then again, you just may be surprised. I have spent my whole life in the church and never heard of it (then again, you made it clear that is probably the case unless you were invited to such an event). There are however churches that seem to make sure they don’t offend the “big givers” and seem to go out of there way to keep them in their churches. It’s all wrong.
My husband and I are youth pastors and have been on the receiving end of “anonymous” donations for the youth room. We knew who gave but no one else did. I know that there are people out there who just want to be a blessing. There is hope!
Seen it time and again. Special dinners for special givers. Special “preview” presentations of plans before the church sees them. Special mailings and special recognition in church publications for “other things,” such as awards won in the marketplace, but with an agenda to profile them to give them strokes.
All things that the “regular” folks who are just as faithful and serve as greeters and volunteers and teachers and preschool workers don’t receive.
Honor and thanks should be given where it is due and should be fairly ascribed, whether it involves time, talent or treasures. In many cases, time is a greater sacrifice and brings more honor to the Lord than treasure.
.-= Lori?s last blog ..Change: The Great Life-Cleanser =-.
In echoing JL’s comment, I think the same thing.
This isn’t some rare event, appreciation dinners like this are the norm. In many churches, I’d say most.
And as you said Anne, even some of the staff is ignorant of the practice…let alone the lay leaders of the church.
Intentionally.
This is obviously a sensitive thing, how do you show appreciation for people who sacrifice while tracking it through the only metric we have?
We don’t know how much people give as a % of their income, we only know from an amount. We don’t know the sacrifice, we can’t track that.
So we create arbitrary guidelines that if people donate over “x” amount, they’re honored at some event or banquet. But we do the same thing for people who donate time. We have appreciation dinners for those who were associated with special events or departments.
And we rarely have the same sort of response as we get when it involves money.
I’d rather that the large amount donors were celebrated in private. I think it’s a way to show appreciation for their support. By keeping it a “need to know” basis, it can stem off some of the hostility, bitterness (and if we’re honest, sometimes jealousy that we are not the ones being invited as well) that is a natural reaction whenever you show appreciation for any one group over the other. Regardless of how the group was designated as being worthy of appreciation.
Funny, in some ways, keeping it quiet is a way of “not letting the left hand know what the right is doing,” as has been the phrase of choice on this topic.
.-= Danny Bixby?s last blog ..The War of Art =-.
I love what HPC does in this though – they celebrate anyone who has given time, money, talent. Doesn’t matter how much or what. If someone has given, they celebrate. Period.
I think keeping it quiet shows that there is something wrong about it, IMHO. Because yeah people will be offended. I’d be offended. Not because I wasn’t invited, but because it’s completely wrong.
Not that I am passionate about this or anything. :)
.-= Anne Jackson?s last blog ..Going Way Back: Celebrating Big Givers =-.
I think that if the church wants to or tries to ‘keep something quiet’ there’s a pretty good chance that we shouldn’t be participating in it. Agreed.
I don’t think this practice is necessarily “right”…but it is what just about everyone does.
And I do think it’s better than some alternatives, like parading the large donors onto the stage during worship service, or reserving specific seats, putting plaques on the wall or publishing the data…for examples.
That said, given the choice of celebrating everyone or celebrating just a few, I don’t know how anyone would argue against the 1st option being more Biblically sound.
But wouldn’t an even more sound option be not celebrating anyone? I mean yes, people want to be recognized and appreciated by others…but wouldn’t it be more appropriate to not attempt to give some sort of physical reward via the appreciation dinner, recognition, celebration etc etc.
Especially when the celebration that we’re (at least I’m) talking about requires spending the money that some have given through their sacrifice and struggling in the first place?
.-= Danny Bixby?s last blog ..The War of Art =-.
My church just recently did this. Of course like you said no one new that didn’t need to know. Except someone I knew that was invited mention something about it. Therefore I told my employer about it to see if they received the invitation. I will say they did in fact get the invite and thru it in the trash. They felt offended that friends of theirs who tithed as much as they were able would not get the same appreciation. It also came at a time that the church was launching a fundraiser. To me no one should be pampered in to give more or appreciated more than others someone. It seemed like it might have been more of a we need more event than a thank you event. Although I wasnt there so I cant be too judgmental. God should be the one rewarding us for the tithes not the church, because the earthly reward is not want we want. All that said I love my church regardless and no church can please everyone and sometimes decisions are made that you don’t agree but you support anyway.
I know most of the “big givers” at our church. And I can’t think of one of them who would actually want to be a part of a big “invitation only” celebration event. I’m really glad for that.
Most comments assume giving is for the giver. That somehow by celebrating some, it’s unfair to others. For the church to celebrate people who make a difference, it’s a good thing. If we celebrate great teachers, should we feel bad for those not gifted as teachers or those not smart enough to teach? That’s just silly. Most people can’t remain objective about giving because they don’t really want to.
I don’t think it’s unfair to others – I don’t think it’s Biblical period to especially “love on” the people who drop more cash than others. Because we can NOT determine sacrifice, which is how we are asked to give.
I was totally nauseated by the whole concept. We have Get Acquainted dinners where anyone can come, regardless of being a member or not. We also just had a Volunteer Dinner, where the paid staff serve the volunteers and they had entertainment and giveaways. I’ve never heard of anyone EVER being ranked due to their giving. I think it’s my business whether I give at all or what I give. If I chose not to give to my church at all (which, I do) then I think that’s an issue that needs to be taken care of between me and God, not the church trying to play God. I just had ten months of being unemployed and I didn’t give a cent. But I play in the band every Sunday to help facilitate worship, which I honestly think takes more from me than giving money!
.-= Kayla?s last blog ..Smacking My Priorities Back in Line =-.
I’ve seen it at our old church during a building campaign. If you pledged over a certain amount you were invited to a special dinner.
Wow! Such passion! Most here will probably discount anything that I say here as I have a company that helps churches raise funds and yes we do IF it fits the churches culture, hold events for top end donors. So, before you throw rocks at me some perspective perhaps?
First, the saying is, “Not equal giving but equal sacrifice.” That is a principle anyone can strive for and obtain.
Second, I have looked at church financial statements for hundreds of churches from the small to the largest in North America. It is a truth that the few give the most. You would be surprised how little it takes to make the top end donors of your church. Also, cash to the church represents a very very small amount in terms of total receipts.
Segmenting your donors is not the same as segregating your donors. We are admonished in Scripture not to show favoritism to those with wealth. Extrapolating out the instances given here as showing favoritism strains that applications. I don’t get asked to sing in the choir of my church due to my inability to carry a tune. I am not offended by that.
Let me say that we always counsel our churches that any event where high end donors might be asked to attend be called a Leadership Event. We invite all who are in leadership despite what they give. We simply want those that can make a difference with their gift to be there. Our premise is that leaders should lead. Look at I Chronicles 29 for instance.
Those who do have high donor capacity feel, sense and respond differently than others. They have different sets of questions and concerns that need to be addressed. Barna has found that churches that segment their donors will raise significantly more dollars than those that do not.
Finally, what is most important is to value each and every gift. The widows might is much more valuable in Kingdom terms than the wealthy gift. You have to know how to value and appreciate all gifts.
I would hope that this passion evoke as a result of this post will translate into passionate giving! If you are interested I have a new book coming out called “Stewardship Myths,” that addresses some of these issues.
I’ll rent you my flame suit if you’d like. :)
Thanks for the great perspective. No flames thrown from me.
However, I come from a completely overly-idealistic and nonlogical personality. And my dear friend is the President at Barna, so, I feel comfortable saying this, but who cares what Barna says?
I think God can and does work beyond statistics…if we help the people who are “little” donors understand generosity instead of thanking the “big” ones, won’t we help them cultivate generosity?
What if we put our time and efforts into teaching the 80% who “don’t get it”…?
It seems even logically that would raise more money.
I understand the need for those who give much to have separate questions, and there should be an avenue to address those.
I like the idea of a LEADERSHIP dinner, but then again, how can *we* classify leadership?
For me, this is more of an issue of how humans perceive other humans and determine a course of actions based on their perceptions, which is not cool.
My use of quoting Barna was that his statement was not based upon his opinion but upon facts. Too often we let our passions rule in discussions like this and ignore facts. I don’t give counsel based upon perceptions but upon what will work, as long as what will work does not violate Scripture or a ministries particular DNA. The means do not justify the end but to me motivation is the essential driving factor.
And (this is NOT projected at you at all – I actually worked with a captial campaign company 10 years ago, analyzing data, so…I get it…) but too often we allow facts to drive our actions instead of allowing the holy spirit to surprise us. :)
Anne,
Like many here, I can honestly say I have never heard of this practice. I am relieved to say that I don’t know of any churches who do it. I guess it wouldn’t surprise me that some do, sadly . . . It goes against every understanding I have of how Scripture calls us to compassionate giving. And, I question the motives of “givers” who would attend such a celebration.
.-= Andy?s last blog ..A Picture of True Friendship =-.
I can’t help thinking of the dinner parables Jesus tells–especially about the one where we’re told to leave the good seat so we’re not embarrassed when someone more important comes in and we have to be moved. I wonder if our perceptions of people are totally wrong–if, like you said, the biggest givers (think the widow with the mites) aren’t actually on our big giver lists. I wonder if the people we honor with the best seats wouldn’t be unseated by a clearer sighted host.
And I wonder about people who accept the seats of honor. I don’t think it’s wise. Maybe not wrong, but probably not wise.
No question, it’s nobody elses business what you give. My former pastor at a market-driven church knew how much the staff made and we were expected to give accordingly but we could not know how much HE made or gave.
If you don’t think this thing about givers being honored at dinners and such actually takes place, there are probably a lot of things going on in your church you don’t know about.
There are other ways to give also such as serving with your time. People who sacrifice and give of their talents and expertise to do things like paint and lay carpet or repair in the church building are giving also.
Love that you re-posted this Anne.
How about we all stop drinking the “kool-aid” of the institutional “church” and their “tithing” and follow what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Another great quote from Barna’s “Revolution” I think applies :)
“They have no use for churches that play religious games, whether those games are worship services that drone on without the presence of God or ministry programs that bear no spiritual fruit. Revolutionaries eschew ministries that compromise or soft sell our sinful nature to expand organizational turf. They refuse to follow people in ministry in leadership positions who cast a personal vision rather than God’s, or who seek popularity rather than the proclamation of truth in their public statements, or who are more concerned about their own legacy than that of Jesus Christ. They refuse to donate one more dollar to man-made monuments that mark their own achievements and guarantee their place in history.”
dangit, I ran out of ” …… ;) … I guess I have to stop….. ;)
I agree with Eropper….
The verse in Corinthians is right on. I especially like the comment from Barna about the attention to their own personal vision rather than God’s. So true.
Interesting that 2 Corinthians 9 was quoted in an earlier comment. I immediately thought of that chapter, and the one preceding it, as one to “defend” the churches that are being so harshly criticized here. These verses are best understood by reading the entire chapter, but check these out:
2 Corinthians 8:8-9 – I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:24 – Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
(Paul is not really encouraging anonymous giving here…)
My church has regular dinner that is open to anyone willing to give a certain amount “above the tithe” every year. It is not based on the amount we tithe, but the amount we give towards expansion projects and vision.
My husband and I are not wealthy, but we are excited to make the necessary sacrifices to give this reasonable amount and attend the dinners made up of other people with the same passion to help build the church. We love our church. We don’t love our money. That’s why we don’t get offended about this.