Pledging helps us embrace the spiritual discipline of giving.
Like prayer, scripture reading, fasting, and dedication to service, the practice of giving regularly and intentionally helps us grow in faith and mature spiritually. It serves as a continual reminder of God’s claim on our lives. It requires us to put our own needs and wants into proper perspective, to set aside our own interests for the sake of God and others. Generosity is a tool God uses to shape our hearts. And through the spiritual discipline of giving, our hearts become one with God’s heart and our faith grows. Pledging helps us embrace the spiritual discipline of regular, faithful giving.
Pledging helps us grow in generosity.
In their major study of the giving habits of American Christians, sociologists Christian Smith and Michael Emerson found that in every denomination studied, those who filled out pledge cards contributed significantly more that those who did not. Their evidence led them to conclude that the process of annual planning, deciding, and pledging as a structured means of regular, deliberate, and consistent financial giving itself influences giving to higher levels. And even when pledging toward their personal interests within a certain ministry or group at the parish, they are more likely to follow through with it when asked.
A pledge is a promise between us and God.
Some people are afraid of making pledges because they fear being unable to fulfill them. But it’s important to remember that neither a pledge nor an estimate of giving is a legally binding contract. A pledge is a promise between the giver and God shared with the church for the purpose of being more faithful, accountable, and generous. A pledge can be modified if someone’s circumstances change.
Pledging is just one part of an overall stewardship focus.
Pledging is a spiritual instrument that helps people be more intentional and generous givers. But it is also important to acknowledge that a pledge renewal alone is an inadequate approach to cultivating generosity. New people invariably give before they pledge. So, congregations that are serious about the spiritual significance of pledging need a creative “both/and” approach that engages all kinds of givers with the goal of moving them toward pledging. What are the “on ramps” that allow new givers to begin to experience the joy of giving as they mature toward more consistent giving and pledging? New givers, for example, often respond to special appeals for specific mission activities because they can easily see how their gift makes a difference. This more nuanced approach to cultivating generosity isn’t as easy as a one-size-fits all pledge campaign. But it’s what’s needed to help develop people as faithful stewards and generous disciples in our times. Pledging yes! But not pledging alone.
That is why we will present a consistent message at all times and all year here at Corpus Christi – a message of the presence of God in our community and especially in the celebration of the Sacraments. We always remind each member how precious they are and how needed and important their gifts are to be shared with others. For all you are and do and desire to be – Corpus Christi is walking with you in faith and love!
Thank you for trusting us with your pledge of your time, your talents, and your financial gifts.
God Bless,
