Pledge Sunday
By this time of the year, most local churches have concluded or about to conclude the year stewardship campaign for the church’s budget next year. The idea of stewardship campaign, capital campaign or pledging for the church operating expenses actually is rooted in the Bible and has been in practice as early as the early church. Apostle Paul is the first one, writing about the church-wide financial appeal. He sent letters to all the churches he planted, asking for their support for the church in Jerusalem. He appeals to other churches, citing the generosity of the church in Macedonia:
“We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints.” (2 Cor. 8:1-4)
While it looks like Paul uses words to manipulate and pressure the Corinthian churches to give, it’s really not so. Paul wants people to give as a way to build up the church’s spiritual strength and to trust in the providential care of God to all; thus the ‘have’ will share with those who ‘have not’. Paul is mindful to assure people that giving is from the heart and not from guilt.
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to prvide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:7)
Our church is thriving and “busy as bees” in acts of love and compassion. This is possible because of your giving that comes from your love and gratitude in what God has bestowed on us. It is also possible because of God’s grace, which multiplies the giving for the work of ministry. This Sunday is Pledge Sunday. It is the Sunday when you offer your pledge for 2015 financial commitments. Please prayerfully consider how God is calling each of us to support the work of God through the ministries of Chapel Hill in 2015.
See you in worship on Sunday.
~ Mai
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