Do More Ministry: The Silent Middle Archives

August 26, 2009

The Silent Middle: Bring it on!

Note: The Silent Middle began as an idea. Over the past few weeks, it has evolved into a forum to address the the everyday giver who is beyond the bondage of debt but not yet classified in the traditional sense as a high-capacity giver. I'm proud of Jenny's work. She has agreed to continue to pen The Silent Middle as a standing post, not just a guest post series. I hope you'll continue to follow her work as she works through and unveils the ministry capacity of The Silent Middle and seeks to equip this overlooked group to build the Kingdom in new and exciting ways. Be sure to read Jenny's guest post series if you haven't already.)

For months now, you have allowed me the opportunity to share with you my thoughts and ideas about personal giving, specifically concerning the Silent Middle.

Now I want to hear from you. What questions do you have about personal giving? Are there specific giving issues you would like to discuss? Do you have questions about money and the Silent Middle?

I would love to hear from you. I am by no means an expert on money or a personal financial planner, but I really want to know what you're thinking.

Here's your invitation. Bring it on!

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

Read The Silent Middle.

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August 20, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Feeding Jesus

The issue of hunger is never a comfortable, or even sometimes familiar, subject. I remember as a kid when I had food left on my plate after dinner, my mom would say, "You have to eat that. There are starving kids in China."

Whether or not the last few bites of my broccoli made it into my stomach or the trash can, I wasn't sure how that would help the starving Chinese kids. And they were halfway around the world, far from my snug little home where we never missed a meal. I didn't care about hungry children in a far distant land. I just didn't want to eat my vegetables.

These days you don't have to go to China to find hungry people. In America today, one out of eight people are what they call "food insecure," meaning they don't have enough food for a nutritious meal. If you are like me when I read that statistic, I immediately thought, " Well, I rarely have a 'nutritious' meal. I mean, how nutritious can fries and chicken nuggets or Totinos pizzas be?" But the fact is that I have enough resources that if I wanted a healthy meal, I could buy one. Many of the one in eight mentioned above have no access to food, period, much less nutritious.

I know that seems hard to believe considering we live in America, where it seems we have an abundance of everything. But in many places around our country, hunger is a big issue, especially now. The current economic crisis has changed the face of hunger. The number of Americans who can't afford food increased by 30 percent last year. It's no longer starving children in China; it's starving children and adults in your neighborhood or in your children's classrooms.

And while eating all of our broccoli might not help the hungry around us, there are many practical things we can do. Last week I mentioned the child who left a food bank excited that he got to eat that day. When I went to the grocery store Saturday with my coupons in hand, the child's question, "Mommy, do we get to eat today" was ringing in my head. As I found deals on food for my household, I found other deals on food that I could take to our church for a local food bank. My favorite find was a box of 39-cent mac and cheese. While it seems like anybody on earth could afford a 39-cent box of mac and cheese, I realized that a single mom who had to pay the electric bill and buy milk might not have 39 cents left over for dinner. That small amount to me may be a huge deal to a hungry child.

If you are human, it just seems right that as your plate is full, why not give the abundance to those whose plates are empty. Even the government and local prisoners are helping the cause.

But even more than that, as Christians we are following in obedience, serving God and spreading the Kingdom as we help the hungry. In Matthew 25, commending the believers who fed the hungry, Jesus tells them, "Whatever you have done for the least of these, you did for me." The "least of these" aren't just in China. What will you do today to help "the least of these" in your own city?

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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August 13, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Spoiled on a budget

As I reported a few weeks ago, I attended my first coupon seminar in an attempt to save a little more on the grocery budget for the month. By instituting a few of the practices shared during the seminar, I have managed to save about 25 percent on my grocery bills so far. (Woo hoo!)

Part of the coupon success strategy is what they call "stockpiling" - it's buying large quantities of things that are really, really good deals. In the past three weeks, I have managed to "stockpile" eight boxes of cereal in my pantry. If my husband and I had to exist on cereal for all of our meals, we would be set.

Couponing to me is a challenge, and seeing my pantry stocked with lots of food from good deals is exciting to me, even a stamp of success and accomplishment. But this week God gave me a little dose of reality to put my stockpiling in perspective.

A few of my coworkers and I went to serve breakfast at the local homeless shelter before work this week (a separate dose of reality that I can talk about at another time). When we arrived back at work, I was sharing with another coworker about our experience, and she mentioned that her church had committed to have each family bring at least one perishable item a week to church to help their community food bank. She said that the gentleman who proposed this idea volunteers at the food bank and he was inspired by one single question proposed by a young boy to his mother as they walked out of the food bank one day. With food in hand, he turned to his mother and said,

"Mommy, do we get to eat today?"

Hearing this from my coworker immediately made me sick to my stomach to think of the eight boxes of cereal in my own pantry. It is good to save money and my husband and I will definitely end up eating all of the cereal, but who am I to hold on to eight boxes of cereal while children are going hungry, desperate for food?

Even though my husband and I are on a budget, we are definitely spoiled. God opened my eyes this week, which is really the first step in giving. We all have resources, whether its money or groceries or clothing we don't wear, that we can share with others in need. Ask God to open your eyes today to areas where you, like me, are spoiled on a budget and can instead give with an open hand in His name.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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August 6, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving is exciting, even without dodging bullets

I remember earlier this year when I began to see advertisements for a new TV show coming this summer called The Philanthropist. I thought, "How cool! They are finally creating a show that exposes the thrills of giving!"

Much to my disappointment, the show didn't turn out as I imagined. The storyline follows a billionaire as he dodges bullets and danger while going into war zones or foreign countries to create multi-million dollar deals that benefit his company financially while supposedly benefiting hurting people groups. Now doesn't that sound like a realistic everyday giving scenario!

To make philanthropy exciting, Hollywood has to throw in a little danger, some drama and an international wealthy playboy on private planes and an expensive lifestyle. There was an attempt last year by Oprah to highlight the positives of a generous life through her show The Big Give. But even that show had to spice up giving with nail-biting challenges and grand finales where people were voted off the show for not giving or raising enough for charity.

Giving in its purest form is exciting, even without the drama and danger. There are some people who are called to go into dangerous countries to help the needy, but for most of us, giving is a simpler act - it's throwing extra money in the offering plate above the tithe amount. It's dropping some groceries on the doorstep of a neighbor who was laid off and is having trouble paying the bills and feeding his family. It's giving up a Starbucks coffee once a week and instead sponsoring a child halfway around the world who you may never meet but whose life is changed because of your willingness to give.

And while there may not be drama and big excitement on our end of the giving equation, there is on the receiving end. Imagine the face of a man who has no idea where the next meal will come from, but opens the door to see a bag of groceries delivered by God on his doorstep.

Or picture the face of a child who is told that she can stay safely in a Christian group home with a roof and hot meals because a stranger is sponsoring her second chance at a good life.

Envision the face of a person who hears about the life-changing Gospel of Christ for the first time from a missionary God inspired you to sponsor, and think of the joy you will feel when you see that person in heaven, knowing that God gave you an opportunity to be a part of that person accepting Christ.

Have faith that while giving can sometimes seem insignificant or mundane on your end, even the smallest amount given in God's economy can mean exciting life changes for someone on the receiving end.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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July 30, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Give from the heart, not a mathematical formula

A common misconception about giving is that it is a numbers game - it's all about the amount you give compared to your income or how much tax deduction you can give or the number of children you sponsor or the number of charities you support.
In all reality, giving in its purest form is not about the numbers, it's about the heart. What is your motivation to give? Do you donate money out of obligation or because the "law" dictates a certain percentage? Is your giving out of guilt because others have less than you do? Do you give expecting God to give back to you in return? Does giving generously build up your pride because you long to be important to others or you want to be known as a generous person merely for reputation's sake?

Check your motives. Check your heart when giving. Follow the example of Psalm 26 when the author ask God, "Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind." Giving that honors God is done with a heart of gratitude, not guilt. Giving with pure motives doesn't expect anything back, including glory, fame, or financial gain.

And because giving isn't just about numbers, that also means that it isn't just a practice for those who are "wealthy." People with incomes at any level can honor God with their giving. Giving in its purest form isn't about you or your glory - it's about Him. So honor Him today and share with others the blessings He has shared with you.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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July 23, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Cutting Coupons can lead to Kingdom Impact

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a detailed planner with great math skills nor many domestic talents. But hard economic times call for drastic measures - I actually attended a coupon seminar last night. With my husband and I trying to eat at home more, our grocery bill has gone up, and we need it to go down. Hence the coupons.

The seminar hosted by FaithfulProvisions.com was actually very informative and entertaining. The leader, Kelly Hancock, was a career woman who decided to stay at home when she became pregnant with her first child four years ago. Going from a double-income, no kids household to a single-income home with children required Kelly to become quite the whiz at coupons, meal planning, and budgeting. God has graced her with a talent for this, and thankfully she passes on her wisdom to the rest of us also concerned with budgets and meals.

What does this have to do with giving? Well, first of all, the more money you have, the more opportunity you have to give that money away. In the past four years, Kelly has cut her food budget down from $1,100/ month to $40-50/week, freeing up funds for other areas of stewardship. Even if you have two incomes or one really large income in your home, cutting back on groceries is good stewardship and could free up funds in case a friend needs support for a mission trip or the family down the road needs some financial help.

Second, many grocery stores now offer "buy one get one free" deals on products. Taking advantage of these sales in addition to coupon usage can also free up more funds for giving. Or, if you don't need the extra product, keep the product you pay for and donate the free one to the local food bank or women's shelter.

Third, by following Kelly's guidelines for couponing, many times you can find products that are free. Even if your family can't use free dog food, maybe you know another family who is hurting financially and has pets. Give the free dog food to them. (Great idea straight from Kelly's mouth, by the way.)

All in all, meal planning and utilizing coupons can help your personal budget, but in the end they can be a great tool to help increase your giving, through cash or extra free products. In this economy, all of us need all the money-saving tools we can get!

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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July 16, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Who's the hero in your giving?

Last Sunday I was reading an article in our local paper about some families who were living in a local campsite because they had lost their homes due to medical issues or job losses. The sacrifices they made were humbling - one family of five was living in a small camper with absolutely no air conditioning at all! Their air conditioner had broken and it was lower on the priority list of expenses than other critical needs.

Immediately, I thought to myself, "If I had the extra cash, I would go buy them an air conditioner!" How awesome would it be to be the hero that sweeps down and saves the day by making their small camper more comfortable during this extreme summer heat!

Disappointedly, I had to accept that I didn't have the cash at that moment to help this family. Sometimes I wish I had all the money in the world, or at least just more than I have now, to help out with all the needs I see. In addition to this family, I would love to pay for a children's camp this summer in Lebanon. I would love to to help my sister who wants to adopt a child, but can't afford it right now. I would love to give large amounts of money to the local food bank that is working hard to meet the increased needs of hungry families during these tough economic times. And the mortgage at my church for our last building project drives me crazy. It would make me feel so good to pay that off for them.

But, I don't have that kind of money. I would love to be the person who came in with the money and saved the day, but I can't in my current financial situation. Honestly, though, I think that is the reason why God hasn't given me that kind of money - to remind me that He is the hero, not me. He is the one who cares for all the needs. He is the Provider who takes care of His children - not me. I may be a tool He uses sometimes, but even then the glory for my giving is not for me. It's for Him who provided the opportunity and funds to help others.

Who is the hero in your giving? Do you give because you like being the perceived hero? Or because you know how God has been the hero of your life, and you give in appreciation and thanksgiving?

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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July 9, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - I love the "t" word ... tithing

I used to work for a Christian financial planning firm in Atlanta, and I once heard the story there about a high-net worth client who was complaining about having to pay taxes. His advisor told him, "You can avoid paying taxes - just stop making money."

I personally don't love paying taxes, but I do appreciate the fact that paying taxes means I was able to earn a paycheck on which to pay those taxes. Ironically I have that same twisted view about tithing. I actually love tithing for many reasons, but one of the reasons is this - paying a tithe means that I earned an income. My personal belief on tithing is that you pay 10 percent or more on the money you've earned. If you don't earn anything, you have no tithe to give. If you have a tithe, it's because God provided you with the ability and opportunity to make an income. In this day and economic crisis, earning a paycheck is a gift that all of us can appreciate. For a few months last year, I wasn't sure if I was going to earn a paycheck, so every payday now represents God's grace and provision for my family. Out of a grateful heart, I give back a tithe to Him. It honestly is the least I can do.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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July 2, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving when money is tight

If you are anything like me, when I read headlines about the 9.5% unemployment rate, the number of people losing their homes, and how bad the economy is, I immediately begin to tighten my fist around "my money." I take on an inward focus about money - What if I can't pay my bills? What if I lose my job? What if miss a meal? What if my bank account drops below a level with which I'm not comfortable?

While I'm focused on me, me, me, there is a whole world of people out there who are already living the reality of those fears - people living out of cars or homeless shelters or families who now depend on food banks for meals. It's kind of a "duh" statement to say, but as the economy gets worse, more and more people are in need. I understand that in my head, but somehow my heart doesn't seem to get it because instead of giving more to help others in this time of crisis, all I'm focused on is me and clenching my fist around "my money."

The truth is this: It's not my money. It's God's money. Yes, I need to be wise about cutting back on spending, but that doesn't mean I should cut back on giving. If anything, now is the opportunity to give more, investing in those ministries who are serving those who need meals or shelter or hope in Christ. First Timothy 6:17-18 instructs those who are rich not to put their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. We are to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share. You may not feel rich, but if you are out of debt, not living in car and you haven't missed a meal or missed a bill in a long time, then you just might fall into that "rich" category.

Even if you aren't rich in terms of your bank account or net worth, you can be rich in good deeds and with your giving. When we serve others by physically feeding the poor or even financially giving so that others can feed the poor, then we honor God with the wealth He has entrusted to us.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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June 25, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Bring the givers together

I recently attended the Downhill@Dawn half marathon event held at LifeWay's Ridgecrest Conference Center this month - not as a runner, but as an observer and supporter. (I don't even run when chased.)

About 100 runners attended the event, some who had participated in races for years, and some who had just begun running and were amazed they even crossed the finish line. There were people from all walks of life at the event, but the one thing they had in common was running. They were either avid lovers of running or just beginning to fall in love with the sport itself. Races and training were the topic of many conversations. And no matter how much pain they experienced, almost every person expressed joy over being able to finish the race.

I left that event excited about running. These people made it look so fun and rewarding, just by sharing their personal experiences with running with me. They were so inspiring! And on the way home, I thought, "Wouldn't it be awesome to have a weekend at Ridgecrest completely devoted to giving?"

Can't you see it? People who have been giving for years and people who are just starting to catch the giving bug coming together to talk about challenges with giving and the amazing rewards of seeing lives changed through faithful generosity. Christians inspired by someone who quietly helped a neighbor who was had lost his job but had a family to feed. Stories about lives in Africa changed because of someone in Texas who was compelled to give to an international ministry. Testimonies of churches who were growing because their church members were practicing good stewardship and were giving more to outreach in spite of drops in income.

Givers brainstorming new ways to give time, talent, and treasures to glorify God and expand His Kingdom. Encouragement shared around the room for those who are hurt by the current economic crisis but still feel God's call to give while trusting Him to provide. Bibles open as people study God's word to fuel that spirit of selflessness and giving in honor of how God has given to us.

I gotta tell you, I absolutely love the idea. I would be the first to sign up. Not because I'm a super giver, but because giving is contagious, and I want to catch the bug. I want to be with others who love giving, too. And it doesn't have to be at Ridgecrest. What if pastors or stewardship leaders did this in their communities or churches?

Wouldn't it be awesome?

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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June 18, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Planting seeds

With times being economically lean right now, it seems home gardens are on the rise. More Americans are inspired to get their hands dirty as they plant seeds in their backyards with the hopes of growing fresh food and saving money.

I often tell my husband that we are also in a season of planting seeds - not physically, but financially. Even though we have limited resources at the moment, we seem to have unlimited ways in which we would like to spend our money. I'm sure many in "The Silent Middle" can relate. Even though you may be free from consumer debt and credit card payments, your car could use new brakes or your house could have more insulation. Your local furniture store is having a sale and you'd really like a new coffee table. And that long weekend at the beach really seems to be calling your name.

None of these ways to spend money are necessarily bad, but considering where we are economically, what is the best way to spend our paychecks, for those who still have them? My husband and I are trying to spend money by planting seeds. We continue to invest in our retirement fund, trusting God as we plant seeds for our future. Instead of buying a new coffee table, we chose instead to put that money in savings, planting seeds of savings in case an emergency comes up.

My husband has his own business and opportunities seem to appear every week that might be good investments. Praying through each opportunity, we select a few to invest in, planting seeds in businesses that may temporarily reduce some of our cash flow, but God-willing, will result in future income.

But we don't just want to plant seeds for our future here on earth. We in "The Silent Middle" need to plant seeds for our eternal future - through giving. Giving may not necessarily provide more income right now or enable us to retire, but giving does plant seeds for God's glory as we use the resources He has entrusted to us to further His name and help those in need.

With so many people hurting, right now is an incredible opportunity to plant seeds of love through giving. And here's a news flash - even if you save all of your pennies and one day have what seems like unlimited resources, there will always be unlimited ways to spend those resources. Go ahead and start learning today how to intentionally choose to plant seeds with your spending and giving. The fruit that will result will be greater than you ever imagined.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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June 11, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving out of gratefulness

A financial crisis never comes at a "good time," but for me personally, the downturn in the economy occurred during a new season of life. Last August, I became a newlywed for the first time at 33 years old, the same weekend that I was laid off from my job. Talk about a lot of change at once!

So the day after my husband Joel and I came back from our honeymoon, we sat down and wrote out a monthly budget (a challenge of its own after handling my finances on my own for years, but that's a story for another time). We knew we had to trust God to provide, and through the following months, we were humbled to see God work in our financial lives.

By God's grace I was able to pick up some contract work with my previous employer while Joel, who owns his own business, continued to work at home. By Christmas, we were debt free except for our mortgage. And in January God provided another job at my former company without a cut in pay from my previous position.

We are completely humbled by God's faithfulness these past nine months of marriage. Money has been a little tight, but my new favorite saying is, "We haven't missed a bill and we haven't missed a meal!" It is God has given us the ability to earn an income. He has given us the opportunity to pay down debt and save some for the future. And out of grateful hearts, we want to give, and we aren't alone. Many in the Silent Middle are humbled by the fact that they have jobs or are out of the bondages of debt or have seen God meet or exceed their monthly budgets.

We in the Silent Middle want to give. We want to help others. We want to honor God by being generous. Pastors and stewardship leaders, we ask for your support and help. Teach us what God's word says about giving. Equip us with the knowledge we need to give effectively so that out of heart of gratefulness, others will also see the glory of God.

Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.

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June 4, 2009

Guest Post: The Silent Middle - A letter to pastors

Dear Pastor and Stewardship Leader,

You don't need a major headline to know that times are really tough, and money is extremely tight. You can see that in your church budget, and your church members also see it in their own personal monthly budgets.

God commands us (especially you) in 1 Timothy to "Instruct those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant or set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth...Instruct them to do good, be rich in good works, be generous and willing to share."

I don't know about you, but I don't feel rich. When I have to consciously think about every spending decision I make, as I watch my 401(k) drop and as our household income decreases 60% from last year, I don't feel rich at all.

But I am really. God has graciously provided for every need for my family. And out of a heart of gratitude for God's grace and provision, I want to be generous.

Help me. I don't have money for a private foundation, and I don't have a personal financial advisor to turn to for giving questions. But I want to learn more about being generous.

What does the Bible say about giving? What are other people in my income bracket doing to help others? How do I know if a ministry is financially sound and would be a good investment in the Kingdom? How can I be an even better steward of my resources so that I can give more?

"Instruct those who are rich" to do good, be rich in good works, generous and willing to share. Start with me.

Sincerely,

The Silent Middle

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June 3, 2009

An appeal from "The Silent Middle"

I'm really excited about this new series that Jenny Wingard will be writing for the Do More Ministry blog. Jenny and I met recently to talk about her interest in giving more, beyond her tithe, but not certain how to go about doing that. She wants to be an informed giver, ensuring every dollar she contributes makes a difference, but she is frustrated because no one is available to show her the way.

What Jenny articulated is the mantra of what has been termed The Silent Middle. In the world of Generosity, those in debt have lots of options and get lots of attention. In the same way, those at the top - with lots of money to give - receive very special attention and have unlimited options. But what about the crowd of every day, ordinary givers? What about those individual, couples, and families who aren't struggling with debt but also aren't in the super-wealthy category? Where can they turn for advice?

I've asked Jenny to share her heart over the next several weeks to raise some important questions and help us explore the frustrations of this overlooked and undervalued group of people.

I wonder how many dollars from this crowd never make it into the offering plates of our churches because church leaders are too busy to cultivate this giving base. If more money means more ministry, then church leaders have a responsibility to fund the work of the Kingdom in every possible way.

Tomorrow signals the beginning of a weekly post from The Silent Middle.