Among America’s founders, Alexander Hamilton was his generation’s foremost financial mind. To help launch the new nation, he believed each state and individual citizens should invest in the federal project by servicing a shared debt. Hamilton said, “A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.” How could debt be a blessing? For one, Hamilton believed the states would thrive more if they were members of a stronger union, rather than such a loose confederation. United, the fledgling nation could better defend itself, build infrastructure and send products to market sooner. A national debt would be a national project where everyone shares an interest in seeing it paid.

Churches have shared this perspective for decades. The idea is that keeping debt on the books keeps members financially engaged. Many churches, once they are close to paying off their debt, believe the time has come to borrow again for the next big project. The fear is that once all debts are cleared, members will think they no longer need to support their church.

Things have changed over the last few decades, though, in the minds of many church-goers. 21st century congregations do not seek to exist for their own sake to the extent that they used to. Yes, churches still want a top notch staff, a robust set of programs, beautiful buildings and spacious, convenient parking lots. Of course. But 21st century Christians view these pieces as foundational building blocks. We want to be more than our facilities and what happens there. Building and maintaining “First Lutheran, Onalaska” is not our members’ end game. Our church buildings, our programs and even our worship services are meant to serve a mission that goes far beyond 410 Main Street.

Debt used to unite church members in a shared project that created a religious club. In 2020, though, debt is seen by many as an obstacle as we want every dollar possible to serve our own church and support our community, both near and far. First Lutheran has matured over these first 150 years into a congregation who seeks to proclaim God’s love by serving our neighbors with our time, attention and financial support.

On November 22, First Lutheran will celebrate the complete payment of all our debts. We will burn our mortgage during worship! For the first time in living memory, our congregation will not be united by servicing a debt together. Our generosity can now focus outward into our community more than ever before.

The old theory would suggest that our giving may go down in 2021 because we no longer share a debt that requires payment. I believe that just the opposite will happen. Giving will increase because First Lutheran is directing our proclamation into a world that needs us. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to help pay off our debt. And thank you in advance for the sacrifices you intend to keep offering so that together, we support families, institutions and ministries that proclaim God’s grace in a broken world.