By Bob Hulteen
As I write this blog, I am preparing to walk out the door for an in-person, outdoors gathering of the synod’s communicators. We are going to talk about the annual Give to the Max event, and how congregations might engage with such a fundraising effort.
First, I want to note that the turnout for this quarterly gathering of congregational communications staff is light. Some folks are still resisting in-person gatherings outside their own “bubble,” even ones outdoors. Other communicators are telling us that they continue to be too overwhelmed by their work, even while acknowledging that it might be helpful in the long run. Folks, like it or not, the reality of COVID-19 is still having a profound effect on our communities – and no moreso than in our congregations and on their staffs.
“Historically the synod has not participated in Give to the Max, seeing it as more of an opportunity for our congregations, colleges, and service organizations to find financial support.”
Second, you all probably know about Give to the Max. Likely your neighborhood school or your college or your community organization reminds you in advance to be prepared for this annual day of giving before the Black Friday rush. As an organization, Give to the Max offers space to promote your organization or event to people who are looking to give.
Historically the synod has not participated in Give to the Max, seeing it as more of an opportunity for our congregations, colleges, and service organizations to find financial support. (This year the synod will make an exception, and you will be hearing more about that soon.)
BUT, AS SYNOD STAFF members have been preparing for this event (to discuss the Give to the Max promotional material and support each others’ writing of the GTTM web pages), I have been wondering what it means to “give to the max.” I mean, clearly within the Christian tradition we talk about sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross. Stewardship calls us to sacrificial giving.
But, do we give to the max?
What does that even mean? Is it everything? Is it up to the point it really hurts – like I eat only one meal a day? Or, is it simply a great promotional tool?
“What does it even mean to give to the max? Is it everything? Is it up to the point it really hurts?”
I think it certainly is a challenge to all of us who seek to live a faithful life – about how we use our time, talents, and treasure. How close to the max do we get? What risks are we willing to take? Are they only financial? Or, are we willing to go into places that create discomfort in order to be changed by those places?
Both Give to the Max and Giving Tuesday (a similar event) happen in November. Often our congregational stewardship committees are asking us to be thinking about our gifts to the congregation during that same time. I encourage you to think about what the max is for you. What are the ways you can be agents of healing the breach and sharing the good news in this time? How are you being called to spiritual growth within your community of faith? What is the calling you feel?