Between the Heart and the Head
The distance between the heart and head is what some have called an eighteen-inch journey. In viewing the world, and interacting with people, some of us start with the head, others with their heart. The Myers Briggs folks would describe it as the difference between thinking and feeling. Isabel Briggs Myers identified 16 personality types based on the way people prefer to see and engage the world.
I have heard it said that self-knowledge is the foundation to spiritual and personal growth. Using tools such as Meyers Briggs helps me to understand myself. And when these tools are used in the workplace, I can better understand my co-workers. For instance, I lean toward the “feeling” preference. If I am giving a report to someone who leans toward the thinking preference, I know that I will have to spend more time providing data, rather than elaborating on the story highlighting the human impact.
When it comes to our faith, some approach it with logic and heady theology, while others need quiet prayer or loud praise music. Fortunately, the head and the heart are connected, it is not an either or, but a both and, learning encounter with God.
In the world of development and philanthropy striking a balance between the head and the heart takes skill and empathy. When making a large gift, donors give from the heart and justify their gift with reason and experience. Therefore, a campaign heavy on emotional content will often result in donor’s remorse or unfilled pledges. In these kinds of emotionally driven campaigns, donors can get swept up in the moment, even manipulated to make a gift commitment. On the other side of the coin, just giving a donor a list of numbers to review will not motivate them to give. In fundraising, striking the balance between the head and the heart is an art form all its own.
It would be great to know who in our church is motivated more by the heart or the head; of feeling and thinking. We could tailor our campaign letters to each person, giving them what they need to make a thoughtful and heartfelt gift. But we have something better than a Meyers Briggs tool to guide us. We have been given the Holy Spirit. Here is the difference. While I receive many gift solicitations from the other not-for-profits I support, none will ask me to pray about my giving. Without prayer, a churches annual giving campaign resembles the letter from my local food pantry. In prayer, the Holy Spirit provides the bridge from my head to my heart. And on that bridge, I am met by Christ who invites me to give myself, as well as my treasure.