Discerned Giving, Inspired Solutions
THE DISCERNMENT PROCESS: The Quadrilateral, based on the work by John Wesley, used in spiritual formation provides the basis and framework for discerning our philanthropy. This back to basics approach connects personal dreams and goals to social needs, both locally and globally. Using scripture, tradition, reason, and Christian experience in the philanthropic discernment process draws upon the best of our Wesleyan teaching. Discerned Giving leads to inspired high-impact solutions. As individuals and families we often question the role wealth has in our lives and how to discern how God is calling us act generously. By using Wesley’s Quadrilateral we can begin to answer those questions.
SCRIPTURE: St. Paul begins the 12th chapter of Roman’s with the charge to:
1. Present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God
2. Not be conformed to the world
3. Be transformed by the renewal of your mind
All this is to prove or understand the Will of God. For Scripture to transform and renew our minds we need first to give ourselves to God and separate our desires for worldly things. Otherwise we conform Scripture to our wants, needs and worldview. Much of the teachings of Jesus were about wealth, possessions and how money influences our spiritual development. Daily reading of Scripture provides the nourishment for our heart and soul as well as food for thought.
TRADITION: Tradition is not rote habits or standard operating procedures. Our tradition is the connective tissue of accepted truths. Tradition anchors our practices of faith in tested history. Tradition informs our present and reaches for the future. Grounded in tradition we can hear the prophet Isaiah declare,” behold I do a new thing!” With respect to generosity, our Wesleyan tradition gives both purpose and meaning to human economic endeavors. Earning all we can through just means, saving all we can through prudent living and giving all we can to those in need is a way of life. This traditional formula is counter cultural and transformational.
REASON: In the world of philanthropy, fundraising efforts are most often directed at the heart and emotions where we can be easily motivated to give. “Discerned” giving is steeped in prayer and calls upon our intellect, rational reasoned thinking. This is not a “my way” exercise, rather a partnership with the Holy Spirit. The larger the gift the more we need to apply reason to the process. This is especially true when creating our will or trust. In these legal documents we give all away; either to family and friends, or to charity. Here the questions we ask ourselves reveal our hopes, dreams, and fears for people we love and organizations we support. What to give, how to give, when to give are questions that your Foundation can help you discern. We can even facilitate meetings to ask those deeper, meaningful questions, e.g. “What do I want most for my family, for my church?’’
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE: John Wesley spoke of his heart being strangely warmed, others have shared St. Paul’s experience of the “peace that passes all understanding.” The encounter with the Holy, a relationship with Jesus, assure us that our redeemer lives. Our encounter with our creator allows us to see Christ in others and transforms how we view our philanthropy. Discerned giving brings us joy and happiness. We are filled full even as we give abundantly. The profound joy and peace of mind that is experienced through discerned giving is further assurance that our giving is drawing us closer to Christ. When the hungry are fed, the sick healed, the prisoner visited because we gave, we experience the paradox of faith; receiving more than we gave.