My Expectations Around Pledging

One of the things that can lead to trouble or conflict in relationships is when we have expectations that are not communicated. I realized the other day that I have some of those around pledging. That is, for those of you who consider St. Ambrose your church home, the truth is that I have some expectations of you when it comes to pledging. In the name of making those expectations explicit, here they are:

• I expect that you will take some to time to pray and think about what you will give to St. Ambrose next year.
• I expect that, as you pray and deliberate, your process will include an appreciation of all the ways that God has blessed you, and all the ways that your involvement in this church has blessed you.
• As you think and pray about your pledge for next year, I expect you to consider your ongoing commitment to God and to this community – a commitment that is based not in fear or scarcity, but in faith, trust, gratitude, and generosity.
• I expect you to give money and to give of your time and talent, as an expression of that faith, gratitude, and generosity. Everyone who calls St. Ambrose home can give something. Otherwise you are a consumer, not a creative partner.
• As you think and pray about how much money you can give, I expect you to think in percentages – i.e., giving a percentage of your income back to God, as a grateful response to how much God has given to you.
• I expect that you will strive to be generous in your giving, and that you will give with joy, as opposed to giving out of a place of guilt or a burdensome sense of obligation.
• I expect that you will fill out a pledge card and turn it in, on or before November 14.
• I expect that in 2011 you will live into your pledge commitment by giving regularly to support the people and ministries of St. Ambrose, and God’s work in the world.

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “A wedding is a day; a marriage is a lifetime.” Being married to someone for years and years can absolutely transform your life. This is similar. A pledge is one day; giving is a lifetime spiritual practice that transforms your life.

Step into your commitment. Embrace it fully. And whatever God wants you to learn will follow.

Thank you for your faithfulness to God and to St. Ambrose. I look forward to our celebration together on Consecration Sunday at our combined service at 9:30 am. I’ll see you then!

Grace and peace to you,

Peter+