NOT to committee, at least not this one

April 3, 2007 by
Filed under: Life, Religion 

I got a call last night on the answering machine from a member of the Stewardship committee.  This was my “contact later” mentioned in the letter from the pastor.  (I blogged this previously here).

I called her back today.

I started off by mentioning the fact that my pastor had sent me a separate e-mail talking about another initiative that he’d like to speak to me about.  That initiative – which deals with visitors, seekers, and the perception of the church in the community – is a much better fit for me.  It falls right in line with my personal experience, my retreat experience, and some of the things that I’ve written for this blog (which is apparently what brought me to his attention in the first place).  He also specifically mentioned that I should choose either this new initiative or the stewardship committee, but not both – in order to avoid “new member overinvolvement” syndrome.

Then I mentioned my concerns about last year’s stewardship campaign (detailed in my blog post referenced above).  I also listed the good that I took from last fall’s campaign and how I increased my pledge 25% above my original plan based on one speaker’s message about taking risks knowing that God will provide.

She explained that they plan to use Herb Miller’s Consecration Sunday program for next year’s campaign, and that they are trying to get the focus from keeping the church heated to giving what you are called to give.  I agree that this is the correct tack to take when it comes to stewardship.  However, I’m not sure that I’m a good fit.  The last thing that I want is to be the lone voice of dissent no matter how valuable that might be to the committee.  Remember – I’ve only been a member for 6 months.

I’d also like to see some concentration on the gift of time and talents rather than just money.  Based on my committee work here thus far, it seems that the congregation suffers from the usual church disease – a small number of people do a lot of the work.

I really believe that the other “visitor/seeker” initiative is a better fit for me because:

  • It’s something that I’m really passionate about
  • Working on it doesn’t necessarily require knowing lots of other members
  • It’s more focused on giving to individuals rather than taking/accepting from them (I put my youth group work in this category too)

Whether you get buy cialis professional partial erection, soft erection or no erection at all. purchased here viagra pfizer Kamagra has a systematic procedure to work out the erectile dysfunction in men.The main cause or the reason for your cognitive shortage, you can treat it effectively and have great time with your partner. Ajanta Pharmacy has not only brought a cheap viagra 25mg http://www.devensec.com/ch498/dec4989.html tablet form of sildenafil, it acting already in 15 minutes after taking it and it is able to stay active for around six hours. All the forms are totally safe and natural 5-step approach to cure http://www.devensec.com/meetings/Final_ROD_Salad_Bowl_Farm_8-7-15_signed.pdf cheap levitra ringing ears.
I think the way that we left it is that I’m not interested in the Stewardship committee.  I’m hoping that my feedback will be well received (it was clearly heard and understood).

As for the other initiative – Tuesday will tell (next Tuesday, that is).

While I was dreading this phone call, I think it went well.

——————————–

In other news, my blood pressure is acting up.  I got refused by the blood center for a platelet donation last night because my BP was too high.  They tend to get a higher reading than the doctor every time (probably because I go to them straight from work and straight from the highway), but I checked at home this time and it really was that high.  I have a physical scheduled for later this week anyway.  I’ve been on medication for high BP for over 10 years, but maybe my body has adjusted and they need to up the dosage.  We’ll see.  Mom’s BP has been all over the place (from normal to very high) for years, so I guess I inherited a problem.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Comments

3 Comments on NOT to committee, at least not this one

  1. Listing Straight on Tue, 3rd Apr 2007 4:04 pm

    2. Wow. A Church member who is honest and wants to be authentic and engaged.

    You are a blessing. Thankfully, you are not alone.

  2. Quotidian Grace on Wed, 4th Apr 2007 9:11 am

    3. Mark, I commend you for your thoughtfulness. I also commend your pastor for his advice about over-commitment. You contributed to the stewardship committee by raising your concerns with the chair and it sounds like you are better placed with the visitor initiative. You are a blessing to your church!

  3. will spotts on Sat, 7th Apr 2007 11:41 pm

    4. Mark –

    I think this is a good move. You clearly have a passion / interest and skill in addressing the concerns of seekers and visitors. It is far too easy to just say yes when asked to be on a committee which is a bad fit.

Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!