How do we respond when someone asks us to take on a task?

            Suppose we receive a phone call asking us to assume a committee assignment at the church. Let’s say that the voice on the phone requests that we serve on the finance committee. Maybe we utter a reluctant yes, wishing that the voice had asked someone else. So we show up for the first finance committee meeting. The chair passes out the budget, and we stare at the numbers. Then we hear the gloom: “We have fallen behind for the year. We have to figure out a way to catch up.” Another weary soul at the table suggests that the committee choose a member to stand up during worship to make a plea for more money before the year closes. We feel the exasperation that people in the church won’t simply give more. Why do we need to beg for money?

            Then, at the next meeting, we realize that the plea in church didn’t work. A frustrated voice pipes up: “How about a fundraiser? We could have a cake auction!” We think to ourselves, “Why do we need gimmicks to fund the work of the church?” As the year closes out, the committee realizes that the church won’t make its budget. Then begins the dreary discussion of letting a staff member go. How has it come to this? In flush times, serving on the finance committee feels rewarding. At other times, serving brings us down. Not only do we realize the church’s financial woes, but we feel discouraged that the people in the pews, who receive so much from the church, keep their wallets closed when the church needs money.

            Maybe, instead of the finance committee, we sign up for the congregation’s outreach project.

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