Shortly into a conversation with a new acquaintance, I was asked, “What do you do?”  In other words, “What is your profession, your vocation?”

I’m not exactly sure how to answer this question.  Usually, I tailor my response to the person who has asked the question.  For potential clients, I may respond, “I provide hope for faith-based organizations by encouraging passionate leadership, abundant vision, and inspired generosity.”  For others, I offer the brief response, “I am a consultant.”  Still others, “a stewardship educator” or “a planned giving specialist” or “a leadership coach.”

This new acquaintance pressed the issue.  “What type of consulting? With whom?”   He learned that I serve as the Vice-President of Stewardship with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan and also provide leadership and stewardship consultation through Design For Ministry.  I think that he thought I was being evasive with my answers.  He was looking for a simple, straightforward answer. 

He wanted an answer that was as brief and understandable as his answer to this same question.  What does he do?  He plows snow and cuts grass.  He owns a lawn service company.  Simple, straightforward.

As the conversation progressed, he decided to answer this question for me.  “So you’re a fundraiser,” he concluded.

“Well, not exactly.  I actually . . .”

“I always thought that would be a cool job,” he interrupted.  “Basically, you just throw one party after another, right?  You throw the party, get people in a good mood, and then they give the money.  You must always be having a good time.”

Hmmm.  I’ve never considered myself to be a party thrower.  The party that first came to my mind when he talked about parties was the type that I would avoid.  He had many misconceptions about my work, let alone about fundraising. 

Yet, as I reflect on his comments, maybe a glimmer of truth does resonate in his voice.  Parties are designed to be fun, joy-filled experiences.  Parties bring people together, often centered on a common purpose.  Parties are usually moments of abundance and celebration.  Parties can foster relationships.  Parties inspire people, lift people.

When congregations focus on a common purpose, excitement builds to a crescendo.  When congregations give as joy-filled Christians, others are inspired.  When congregations are centered on a relationship with Jesus Christ, people are lifted to see abundant possibility and hope.   When congregations reach out to welcome others in the name of Jesus, the celebration begins.

In the parable of the lost son, the father said, “Let's have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.

Throw a party in Jesus’ name!