What does “Giving” mean?

By Charlie DeMaio

The word “giving” has many interpretations. Merriam Webster defines “to give” as: to commit to another as a trust or responsibility and usually for an expressed reason. To some it means the giving of items or money to a cause. It can mean giving of time or treasure to an institution. Giving can be motivated by blind faith, legacy or tax deductibility. In a faith based capital campaign it can also mean many things to the participants. A lead element of the campaign is to engage every member of the church. Giving is meant not only to assure the success of the campaigns goals but to bring the membership closer as a result. The old phrase “give until it hurts” is not really applicable. A family or individual should experience joy and happiness when giving to a capital campaign and “give” within their means. The size of the gift should be determined after prayerful and thoughtful deliberation. All members of the church should be given the opportunity to participate. It doesn’t matter if a family can give $1 or $1 million to the campaign. The opportunity to work to advance the church’s goals is what will bring the membership closer together. The church leadership should pave the way with 100% participation in the capital campaign. They in turn will visit church members to discuss support and “giving” to the campaign. This volunteer engagement will encourage members who have decided to support the campaign and give the opportunity to visit church members who they know to joyfully discuss “giving” to the campaign. Not only are the volunteer visitors “giving” to support the capital campaign they are “giving” the individual members of the church the opportunity to “give” and support the church and the capital campaign. As mentioned there are many ways of “giving”. The various forms of “giving” will lead to the success of the capital campaign and will leave a solid legacy for future generations.