Theming a capital campaign

Every one of us has the tendency to turn inward unless we're reminded to turn outward. Our natural default is "It's all about me." So, instead of fighting it...we went with it.

We themed our capital campaign "My Life."  Which, at first, might seem like a contridiction to the desired spiritual maturity we're teaching (e.g., "It's not about me"). Here's the rationale.

• The whole it's my story, it's my decision, it's my chance to make a difference, it's my place, my space, my life. The ownership context is easy...regardless of age, environment or spiritual health. In other words, there's an immediate connection because "it's all about me".
• It's short & simple...easy to remember and easy to use.
• It lends itself well to stories in the creative execution. The stories of changed lives are where people get inspired and shift their thinking to "Oh! Right! It's not about me". [Example in print. Example in media. Another example in media.]
• The tag line (Belonging. Changing. Sharing.) projects movement and addresses all parts of the journey; personal, church and community. It progressively moves from felt-need to action.
• It's personal and doesn't sound like a national sales convention or fund-raiser. It's believable and creates possibilities.

Comments

[Brian Glass]

OK, this really got me thinking...

A couple weeks ago I came across this bizarre and extreme example of this way of thinking. It sounds a bit fantastical, but it gets the point across in an uncanny sort of way.

http://nourishedmagazine.com.au/blog/articles/ho%e2%80%99oponopono-lessons-from-hawaiian-shamanism

And no, I'm not suggesting we all become shamans, but it makes a great parable.

[Brian Glass]

I think it has potential.

I think there is a dividing line when thinking about self. You might call the dividing line blame or responsibility.

Most people (myself included) want to think that when we are discussing responsibility or blame, it's all about everyone else. We all want to reap the benefits of responsible action (e.g. we like clean bathrooms). But, we don't want to be the party responsible for the clean bathroom. Likewise, when something goes terribly wrong, we don't want to receive the blame.

So in reality, from the perspective of responsibility, it is all about ME. It's my life. I'm responsible. However, when you're talking about experiencing the benefits of responsible action, it is absolutely not all about me. It is about making life better for others.

Many of the problems in this country arise because people are unwilling to accept responsibility or blame. They don't see it as "my life." They see it as a show for them to enjoy that someone else is responsible for producing. They fail to take ownership and take action.

It's all in the perspective. Or if you want to use '90s lingo, it's a paradigm shift.

[Jeremy Scheller]

Bold, Understated, Intrigueing.

Do you worry that the church might tend to go from "Our Jesus" to "My Jesus" for promotional purposes, without getting back to "Our Jesus" in the end?

I love the concept, but it also comes up against some theological obstacles for me. Sounds like it might have for your team as well.

We're hitting campaign season this summer...Love to hear the progress from your efforts.