The Reason for Commitments
Below is a progress report from Phil Ryken on the capital campaign. We are heartened by the progress made - 86% of our goal (3.8 million out of 4.4). Since Sunday, we have already had another 30 or so gifts and commitments made, though I don't have totals. This follows the pattern of the Easter Sacrificial Offering, in which most donations come in on Easter Sunday, then more follows in the coming weeks.
There are several reasons for delayed commitments and gifts. One simple reason is that some people are away. They place their commitments and gifts in the offering plates when they return. Another reason has to do with the signficant commitment being requested, in this case a sacrificial commitment stretching two years. It takes time to think through how much to give and where the resources will come from. Then there are some who prefer to see what the initial giving is and with that information form a commitment.
But knowing how I feel, I suspect a good number of people wish they could commit more than they are able for now and thus intend to give without submitting a commitment. That is okay to do, but it is better to submit a commitment form of a small amount than none at all. Unlike the church budgets where we can reasonably predict how much money will come in based on history, we do not have the same ability to forecast accurately how much will come in for the capital campaign. Meanwhile, we need to make decisions about moving along on the proposed projects. That is why the commitments are important.
Let's say you know you can give $200, but you are hoping to give more; you just don't feel right about making a larger commitment that you cannot meet. Then commit the $200. You can always give more and always increase your commitment. At least we know to expect the $200. You can commit anonymously, but it is better to identify yourself because it allows us to have a clearer understanding of how well we are communicating and what kind of support we have from a cross-section of the congregation. We can also send you the bi-annual reports for your giving. Only 2-3 persons know the amounts of individuals. Neither Phil nor I request to see them.
You don't have to put your commitment forms in the offering plates. You may mail them directly to the church. If you have questions, feel free to contact me (mclark@tenth.org).
There are several reasons for delayed commitments and gifts. One simple reason is that some people are away. They place their commitments and gifts in the offering plates when they return. Another reason has to do with the signficant commitment being requested, in this case a sacrificial commitment stretching two years. It takes time to think through how much to give and where the resources will come from. Then there are some who prefer to see what the initial giving is and with that information form a commitment.
But knowing how I feel, I suspect a good number of people wish they could commit more than they are able for now and thus intend to give without submitting a commitment. That is okay to do, but it is better to submit a commitment form of a small amount than none at all. Unlike the church budgets where we can reasonably predict how much money will come in based on history, we do not have the same ability to forecast accurately how much will come in for the capital campaign. Meanwhile, we need to make decisions about moving along on the proposed projects. That is why the commitments are important.
Let's say you know you can give $200, but you are hoping to give more; you just don't feel right about making a larger commitment that you cannot meet. Then commit the $200. You can always give more and always increase your commitment. At least we know to expect the $200. You can commit anonymously, but it is better to identify yourself because it allows us to have a clearer understanding of how well we are communicating and what kind of support we have from a cross-section of the congregation. We can also send you the bi-annual reports for your giving. Only 2-3 persons know the amounts of individuals. Neither Phil nor I request to see them.
You don't have to put your commitment forms in the offering plates. You may mail them directly to the church. If you have questions, feel free to contact me (mclark@tenth.org).
posted by M Clark at 5/07/2008 09:58:00 AM
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