Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Lovett H. Weems, Jr., says that church leaders can make a difference on issues of extreme political polarization such as guns, if they put themselves in the role of interpreter, reframer, questioner, and fellow seeker.
Exemplary leaders develop the art of framing or reframing an issue. They learn that their first response to a contentious issue is not their personal position but rather how they and their constituents might frame the issue so that meaningful conversation and action can happen. Church and public leaders need not accept the terms of debate framed by proponents or opponents, whether in church issues or public matters.
Today all leaders face a dilemma that cries out for reframing — the debate about the dramatic number of people in the United States who die by guns each year, far beyond the death rate for gun violence in other countries. There is no one way to reframe this hot button issue, but all of us must seek to give thoughtful people alternatives. Here is one possibility.
When issues are framed as extreme alternatives, well-meaning people often feel they must choose sides. Church leaders can make a difference if they put themselves in the role of interpreter, reframer, questioner, and fellow seeker for the way of Christ amidst today’s challenges.How we got here
Over 20 years ago, two powerful government figures faced off at a Congressional hearing — Jay Dickey, a congressman from Arkansas, and Mark Rosenberg from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Testifying before Dickey’s committee, Rosenberg was seeking support for research in the science of gun violence prevention. Dickey was determined to dismantle the project for fear that the CDC work was part of a larger gun control plan. Interestingly, both belonged to the National Rifle Association and believed in the right to gun ownership. But on that day, there was only disagreement and heated debate. In the end, it was the Dickey Amendment added to a funding bill that effectively shut down CDC gun violence research.
Then, a strange thing happened. The two men became friends. Todd Frankel documented their journey in a 2015 Washington Post article. As Frankel put it, “The relationship evolved over years. And slowly, cautiously, they started to talk about guns.” They stayed in touch even after Rosenberg lost his job at CDC and Dickey lost his congressional seat. The two men eventually wrote a commentary for the Post in which they shared their pilgrimage and shared hopes. They now were of one mind. “We have also come to see that gun-violence research can be created, organized, and conducted with two objectives: first, to preserve the rights of law-abiding citizens and legal gun owners and, second, to make our homes and communities safer.”
The most convincing argument Rosenberg made to Dickey was how the number of deaths involving automobiles had come down significantly even as car ownership increased dramatically. It was done through research leading to myriad changes that reduced deaths even as people bought more cars.
What if car ownership were a constitutional right?
That made me think, “What if car ownership were a constitutional right?” There was always opposition to car safety measures and there still is today. Just think how long it took to overcome resistance to mandatory seatbelt laws and air bags. But, while car safety efforts face resistance, they do not have the overlay of “violating a constitutional right.” Yet, even if car ownership were a constitutional right, the goal of car safety workers would have remained: We will reduce the number of deaths involving automobiles while permitting people to own cars.
Is that not the same challenge today regarding deaths from guns? Is there anyone who cannot affirm the goal of having fewer people die from guns this year than last year? Therefore, there should be no reason why people who have influence across political barriers cannot covenant to reduce gun deaths based on research and demonstrated effectiveness. Their mandate is simply: We will reduce the number of deaths involving guns while permitting people to own guns.
Today people offer solutions with no scientific evidence that their proposals reduce the number of gun deaths. One person may suggest arming school teaches while another wants fewer guns, but we don’t have enough evidence on most solutions offered. Remember, deaths from automobiles went down even as the number of cars went up.
Furthermore, with gun deaths, the opportunities for small steps that lead to larger discoveries are vast. Suicides and murders would have to be addressed, since they are the largest category of gun deaths. But people across partisan lines could devote themselves to many other categories, including accidental gun deaths, the deaths of children and youth, school shootings, and mass shootings. Each provides the opportunities for research and testing of options. Likely, an innovation that helps reduce deaths in one category will have spillover effects on other potential gun deaths.
Jay Dickey died in 2017, but the plea he and Rosenberg made remains. “We can’t afford to not even try. We have too much riding on this — all of us do.”
People need alternative narratives
In our time, many people get their narratives from the most simplistic and polarized sources. When issues are framed as extreme alternatives, well-meaning people often feel they must choose sides with everyone else. Church leaders can make a difference if they put themselves in the role of interpreter, reframer, questioner, and fellow seeker for the way of Christ amidst today’s challenges.Related Resources
- 4 Opportunities for the Church in the
- Current Political Tension by Carey Nieuwhof
- God and Guns — Do Something! by Amy Butler
- 10 Ways to Strengthen Relations with Police and Public Safety Officials by Tony Hunt
Read more.
Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: "Thinking Bigger About Stewardship and Crowdfunding"
How can crowdfunding be used for funding ministry? Lewis Center Associate Director Ann Michel speaks with Adam Copeland of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary about trends in congregational stewardship and crowdfunding.
Listen now.
Lead, Learn, Launch: Getting Started with Digital Giving by Alex Benson
Need a roadmap for getting started with electronic giving in your church? Alex Benson of Luther Seminary outlines a three-step process for implementing the methods of giving that most churchgoers prefer and regularly use in other financial transactions.
Did you know that 34 percent of churchgoers prefer to give by recurring payment via credit card? That the number of checks written between 2000 and 2015 declined by 50 percent? That 50 percent of Americans carry less than $50 cash? And that 60 percent of adults would prefer to give electronically to the church?It’s no secret that electronic giving in churches is on the rise. Recent research by Vanco Payment Solutions suggests that nearly every age group prefers electronic giving. And it’s not only those who are absent on Sunday mornings who prefer more flexible giving options. In fact, this research suggests that some of the most active churchgoers have the strongest preferences for electronic giving.
Lead
The first phase involves cultivating a culture of generosity and gratitude in your congregation. Rogers recommends reminding people of their own generosity, thanking the people who donate their time, energy, and money to the congregation and the congregation’s mission, and carving out space in worship and beyond to share stories of the fruits of such generosity. Fostering a culture of thoughtful stewardship is essential to the success of any giving platform.
Learn
The next phase invites stewardship leaders to delve into the nitty-gritty of digital giving. Rogers encourages leaders to familiarize themselves with common electronic giving terms, such as:
ACH (Automated Clearing House): an electronic network for financial transactions such as direct deposit or automatic bill payment.
Finally, Rogers says to consider your communication plan, examine your timeline, note potential costs of publicity materials, and create a strategy for inviting people to experience electronic giving for themselves. You might even invite a handful of people to make small donations through your new platform and give feedback on their experience. Continue to build excitement and share stories about the potential of electronic giving! Even congregations who have offered digital giving options for years might do well to communicate again what options are available.
Launch
Finally, you can enter the launch phase. After you have cultivated a culture of generous stewardship, researched the logistics of digital giving, and implemented your communication plan, you will be ready to begin to go public. Enroll members, thank donors, celebrate results, and continue to share testimonies around electronic giving.
You will likely find that your journey into electronic giving will require continued nurturing, learning, and adjustment. However, inviting your congregation into digital giving might just be a risk worth taking as we follow the Spirit’s call into the unfolding adventures of 21st century discipleship.
This article was first published in “Stewardship,” the electronic newsletter of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary. Used by permission.
Related Resources
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
When there seem to be continuing reservations by one or more people to a direction a group is planning to take, these questions may help:
Apply by April 13 for the 2018-19 Lewis Fellows ProgramWe are now receiving applications for the 2018-19 Lewis Fellows program that brings together outstanding young clergy (under the age of 35) from a variety of denominational backgrounds for intensive leadership development activities and sustained peer interaction. Support for this program is provided by the Lilly Endowment Transition into Ministry Initiative. Applications are due by April 13, 2018.
Learn more about the program, meeting dates, costs, and eligibility requirements.
Free Video: "Why Giving Matters and Clues for Improving It"
To encourage the spiritual gift of giving, watch this eight-minute video by Lewis Center Senior Consultant Lovett H. Weems, Jr. It provides an overview of the importance of congregational giving and ways you can improve it.
Watch now.
Quotable Leadership
Connective leaders perceive connections and possibilities where traditional leaders and long-term opponents see only separation and hostility. Because they can discern common ground, they can begin to address common problems. (Jean Lipman-Blumen)
Adult Education Study: "Serious Answers to Hard Questions"In this thought-provoking video-based congregational study, leading theologians address ten issues that are obstacles to faith for many both in and outside the church. Topics include the existence of evil, the relationship between science and religion, the sins of the church, and more. Serious Questions to Hard Answers is an outstanding introductory-level study that appeals to a very wide audience and is ideal for your congregation's small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes.
Learn more now.
Pastors Moving to New Churches Need the Right Start
Are you a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting? With The Right Start Video Tool Kit, you'll learn how to end your current ministry well, develop a personal transition plan, and make the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. The Right Start is available in both Pastor's and Group Training Versions.
Learn more and watch a video preview.
How can crowdfunding be used for funding ministry? Lewis Center Associate Director Ann Michel speaks with Adam Copeland of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary about trends in congregational stewardship and crowdfunding.
Listen now.
Need a roadmap for getting started with electronic giving in your church? Alex Benson of Luther Seminary outlines a three-step process for implementing the methods of giving that most churchgoers prefer and regularly use in other financial transactions.
Did you know that 34 percent of churchgoers prefer to give by recurring payment via credit card? That the number of checks written between 2000 and 2015 declined by 50 percent? That 50 percent of Americans carry less than $50 cash? And that 60 percent of adults would prefer to give electronically to the church?It’s no secret that electronic giving in churches is on the rise. Recent research by Vanco Payment Solutions suggests that nearly every age group prefers electronic giving. And it’s not only those who are absent on Sunday mornings who prefer more flexible giving options. In fact, this research suggests that some of the most active churchgoers have the strongest preferences for electronic giving.
You will likely find that your journey into electronic giving will require continued nurturing, learning, and adjustment. Even congregations who have offered digital giving options for years might do well to communicate again what options are available.
Digital giving has become the norm in nearly every realm of charitable giving, yet the church has often lagged far behind. Electronic giving options remove impediments for givers, but more importantly, perhaps, offering a way to give electronically can be an act of hospitality, as well (see Adam Copeland’s “Embracing Electronic Giving”.) Electronic giving allows families to give while they are on the go, helping to avoid a summer lag in giving, for example. It helps people commit to more regular giving. And it allows donors to think about congregational giving in a way that better connects to their day-to-day lives.So, maybe you’re already convinced that electronic giving is an important next step for your congregation, but you aren’t sure how to get there. You’re certainly not alone. In The E-Giving Guide for Every Church: Using Digital Tools to Grow Ministry (Abingdon Press, 2016), Richard Rogers offers strategic insight on how to introduce congregations to electronic giving. His approach? Lead, Learn, and Launch.Lead
The first phase involves cultivating a culture of generosity and gratitude in your congregation. Rogers recommends reminding people of their own generosity, thanking the people who donate their time, energy, and money to the congregation and the congregation’s mission, and carving out space in worship and beyond to share stories of the fruits of such generosity. Fostering a culture of thoughtful stewardship is essential to the success of any giving platform.
Learn
The next phase invites stewardship leaders to delve into the nitty-gritty of digital giving. Rogers encourages leaders to familiarize themselves with common electronic giving terms, such as:
ACH (Automated Clearing House): an electronic network for financial transactions such as direct deposit or automatic bill payment.
- Automatic Draft (auto-draft) Authorization: a form filled out by donors to enroll in electronic giving via a debit or credit card or automatic withdrawals from a bank account.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): the electronic transfer of money from one bank account to another, either within a single financial institution or between institutions.
- Electronic Payments Service Provider: company offering services, software, equipment, etc., to support a church or other organization’s program for electronic donations and payments.
- A donation button on your website
- A giving kiosk
- Automatic draft authorization
- Mobile giving
Finally, Rogers says to consider your communication plan, examine your timeline, note potential costs of publicity materials, and create a strategy for inviting people to experience electronic giving for themselves. You might even invite a handful of people to make small donations through your new platform and give feedback on their experience. Continue to build excitement and share stories about the potential of electronic giving! Even congregations who have offered digital giving options for years might do well to communicate again what options are available.
Launch
Finally, you can enter the launch phase. After you have cultivated a culture of generous stewardship, researched the logistics of digital giving, and implemented your communication plan, you will be ready to begin to go public. Enroll members, thank donors, celebrate results, and continue to share testimonies around electronic giving.
You will likely find that your journey into electronic giving will require continued nurturing, learning, and adjustment. However, inviting your congregation into digital giving might just be a risk worth taking as we follow the Spirit’s call into the unfolding adventures of 21st century discipleship.
This article was first published in “Stewardship,” the electronic newsletter of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary. Used by permission.
Related Resources
- Embracing Electronic Giving by Adam Copeland
- Electronic Giving: A Matter of Vision, Not Just Convenience by Heber Brown
- Online Giving Connects Ministry and Mission by Cynthia D. Weems
The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
When there seem to be continuing reservations by one or more people to a direction a group is planning to take, these questions may help:
- What are your major concerns about this action, project, etc.?
- What other options do you see to accomplish the same goal?
Learn more about the program, meeting dates, costs, and eligibility requirements.
To encourage the spiritual gift of giving, watch this eight-minute video by Lewis Center Senior Consultant Lovett H. Weems, Jr. It provides an overview of the importance of congregational giving and ways you can improve it.
Watch now.
Quotable Leadership
Connective leaders perceive connections and possibilities where traditional leaders and long-term opponents see only separation and hostility. Because they can discern common ground, they can begin to address common problems. (Jean Lipman-Blumen)
Learn more now.
Are you a pastor preparing to begin ministry in a new setting? With The Right Start Video Tool Kit, you'll learn how to end your current ministry well, develop a personal transition plan, and make the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. The Right Start is available in both Pastor's and Group Training Versions.
Learn more and watch a video preview.
Editor: Dr. Ann A. Michel
Connect with the Lewis Center:
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue North West
Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
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