One Great Hour of Sharing

Other Ministry Profiles on our site:
American Bible Society - Ten Thousand Villages - SERRV International - Prison Fellowship - Billy Graham Evangelistic Association -  L'arches - Christians for Biblical Equality - Habitat for Humanity -  Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus - Bread for the World - Covenant House

How different the world looks now from when One Great Hour of Sharing began; yet how similar the face of human need! In 1949 leaders from several denominations organized an appeal to support the campaigns of Protestant churches for relief and reconstruction. Would it be thinkable today to ask all major radio networks to set aside an hour for a dramatic broadcast urging listeners to attend local churches the next morning and make a contribution? How likely would such an effort be to recruit dramatic stars of the magnitude of Gregory Peck and Ida Lupino, or to prevail upon the President to bring greetings? Today something contemporary and compelling remains in the statement supporting that effort:

This nationwide united effort by America's Christians has an importance

far beyond the practical goal of fund raising. For this great joint program

will not only strengthen the vitally important relief and rehabilitation work

of the churches overseas, but will also prove to all the world how great is

the power generated when Christians unite in a common cause.

Surely after the attacks of September 11, 2001, reawakened people in the United States to the horrors of war and terrorism, the call rings clear: to witness to God’s love in Jesus Christ by standing with our brothers and sisters around the world who experience need.

The broadcast, called "One Great Hour" that first year, is estimated to have elicited the participation of more than 75,000 churches. Since then, the offering has been known as "One Great Hour of Sharing" in most denominations that receive it. For many years, the Episcopal Church, one of the denominations most instrumental in initiating the offering, received it as part of its Presiding Bishop’s Fund. And to this day, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) calls its offering "Week of Compassion."

Despite the difference in terminology and dates when denominations receive the offering, this always has been an ecumenical effort. As denominations changed and merged, One Great Hour of Sharing varied from eight to 29 participating communions. Currently the One Great Hour of Sharing committee officially comprises nine Christian denominations: American Baptist Churches USA, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Church of the Brethren, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ and The United Methodist Church.

What does "ecumenical" mean in the context of One Great Hour of Sharing? A common misconception is that all participating denominations pool their offerings and give the total to a central agency that determines and administers the offering’s use. In fact, each denomination decides how its members’ gifts will be used. Yet, though it is not a requirement, all One Great Hour of Sharing denominations choose to do part of their ministries through Church World Service. This reflects a shared commitment to work ecumenically when possible, recognizing it is both more practical and better stewardship than creating multiple mission structures. Being ecumenical also means the denominations use commonly developed resources. The denominations and Church World Service work together to create a theme and to produce promotional materials jointly. Most denominations add other resources specific to their own programs and focuses.

Today projects supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are under way in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada. In recent years, U.S. Christians have given more than $20 million annually. While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance and development aid, both in the United States and around the world.

Contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing make a difference in people’s lives. Whether gifts take the form of immediate relief to people experiencing crisis or of partnerships with communities focused on long-term solutions to chronic problems, contributions are a powerful, tangible witness to Christ’s healing love. Those wishing to support the ministries of One Great Hour of Sharing should contribute to the offering in their congregation or send contributions to Church World Service.