If I hear the word “tariff” again, I swear I’ll pull my hair out. Not really, because I value my hair and don’t want big bald patches. But you get the idea.
I’ve taken it upon myself to learn about this thing called tariffs (BTW, why is there only one “r”?). I needed the basics, so I turned to our friends up north…I’m assuming some still like us. There’s a fifth grader in Canada who clearly spelled out and illustrated these things called tariffs, what they are, and the impact they will have on the economy. Thanks, Sabrina the Canadian!
Now that I have tariffs clear in my mind, the question becomes…is it crass to be asking for money at a time like this? Should I be putting a pause on asking?
The stock market is down, and higher prices are pretty much a given. I even went to Costco to buy vanilla extract since tariffs on Madagascar – one of the few places that makes vanilla – are being assessed at 47%. As some wise person said, you can never have too much vanilla.
Take a deep breath. Keep this all in perspective.
Joe Park, CEO of Horizons Stewardship, recently reminded the Horizons consultants (of which I am one) that “giving has remained flat for the past 40 years.” This includes the 2008 housing crisis and the pandemic. As Joe said,
The question is not if members of my church will be giving, but where they will be giving.
Want to see it for yourself? Take a look at these charts from Giving USA with data from 1983-2023. Here's one:
You probably know the answer. But check out these three ideas for facing the near future.
Yesterday, I attended a FreeWill webinar “How to Recession-Proof Your Nonprofit” by the always good Patrick Schmitt. Among the many things he said in the jam-packed hour was:
Avoid these two fatal mistakes:
- Stop asking for money (gifts to your organization are more important than ever)
- Stop asking for asset-based gifts (e.g. Donor Advised Funds, stocks and bonds, IRAs, etc.)
Your congregation – in spite of whatever is happening in the economy – is doing great work being the hands and feet of Jesus. This is the time to lean into that. So, three things from me:
- Do empathize with people and acknowledge their fear. But also remind them of their compassionate hearts and that they are not a people who live in fear.
- Do keep asking for gifts that will do good on behalf of God and God’s people.
- Do remind your congregation of the life-changing work that is being done through your church. If there ever was a time, this is the time for storytelling and testimonies.
The work of the Church is so important.
You are giving people who need hope, hope.
You are giving people who need light, light.
You are giving people who need joy, joy.
And you are giving people who need love, love.
So no, do not put a pause on asking. People still want to give to the work you are doing.
story by Cesie Delve Scheuermann, Stewardship Consultant, OR-ID Annual Conference
United Methodist Church Giving is about people working together to accomplish something bigger than themselves. In so doing, we effect change around the world, all in the name of Jesus Christ. To read stories about the generosity of United Methodists click here.
