Giving becomes a choice, not a call. When we do recognize that we are called to action and effectiveness in this world and that we are blessed in order to meet that call, giving and the act of inviting gifts become a very different matter. Giving becomes not just an act of our own generosity, but a recognition and reflection of God's generosity. It's also an acceptance of our call to be stewards of the Gospel. Stewardship becomes not just a euphemism for fund raising, but its context and essence.
Fund raising becomes an invitation to discipleship, an opportunity for ministry.
Donaldson Hill is Minister and Team Leader of the Financial Development Ministry Team, Office of General Ministries, and a member of Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Cleveland. As I See It is a column to help UCC members become acquainted with church leaders and their views. How To Subscribe United Church News is published by the Office of Communication, United Church of Christ.