Helping the Church to Bank Well
Sam, part of the Bank Well campaign, shares his story of helping his local church to switch banks:
“I find it curious how we can make some decisions in a fraction of a second, but elaborate for days about others. Sometimes this is for good reasons, like making space to reflect on the potential consequences of these decisions, but often these delays can be difficult to explain.
We see this in particular with decisions around sustainability and ethical consumerism, where there is a need for due consideration. To ask questions like “Do I really need it? How long will it last? How is it made? What's it made of?” These questions usually involve significant time, research, and thought. Perhaps this is why even those with best endeavours can't always investigate their choices fully, or feel apathetic and overwhelmed in the face of so many factors to consider.
In my own experience of asking these questions and making the necessary changes, I've found my apathy greater when it relates to items or services I already have or use than when making new purchases. Sadly, I admit I see the inconvenience of changing or switching a reason to try and make different decisions going forward in an attempt to rectify past regrets.
That's why, when I attended the Just Love 2023 National Gathering, I was interested to hear about the Bank Well campaign. Bank Well encourages churches and organisations to think about how their money is being put to use by their bank, whether that aligns with their ethical and moral standings, and equips them to make a tangible change by switching banks.
As someone who works in finance, I see firsthand the need for efficient and effective use of money, and was encouraged by how Bank Well helps organisations to consider the harm that their money may inadvertently be used for. However, what excites me most about the campaign is that money sat in the bank can be used to expand God's kingdom - like giving loans to churches and charities seeking to bring restoration and hope, or giving mortgages to missionaries and church workers. After all, it's all his anyway!
As the treasurer of my local church, I took part in this campaign by discussing with our Trustees what we want our money to be used for. Through these prayerful discussions, we considered the local impact our savings could be having and the need to align our money with our teachings as a church. We've now begun an ongoing bank switch, and we're excited that our money will now be used to offer low-interest loans to churches, missionaries, and others who are helping bring God's kingdom to earth.
We all likely have an established bank account, and it takes an active decision to move away. I appreciate it's easier to have these considerations when choosing something new. But I would encourage everyone to take a second to consider what you would like your money to be used for. And if your bank, building society, or safe place under the mattress meets those preferences!”
Learn more about the Bank Well Campaign here, or sign up to join the project below - there's a particular need for people with experience in fundraising and web design!