As the stewardship workshop came to a close, she raised her hand as God had laid something on her heart. She shared her shame that she was one of those people who did not take her giving seriously. She suffered through the annual stewardship appeal waiting for it to end. She didn’t want to serve on council because of the guilt she felt over not tithing. She shared that she felt shame for not being generous.

As we reached the final months of the appeal, rather than accepting less than what we needed, campaign leadership re-engaged our efforts. We asked two members who chose not to give to the appeal for a challenge gift. One of them stepped forward with a $100,000 challenge gift for more contributions over and above what was already committed. A zero dollar donor to the original appeal became a six figure challenge donor!

Those who were generous to the original appeal were invited to extend their gift. Those who didn’t engage the first appeal were invited to new or increased gifts. The entire congregation was engaged to reach what I consider “excellence” rather than accept a shortfall.

Rather than accepting anything but complete success has led this congregation to needing to inform donors what will happen with gifts in excess of the total need. What a great way to enforce an abundance mentality.