The Son Superior to Angels - Hebrews 1:1-3
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
In this passage we see the power of God as he sustains all things by His word. We know from the scriptures that He spoke the world into existence out of nothing (ex nihlio). God does need other raw material from which to create. He speaks with power.
It would be presumptuous and haughty to compare the power of our words to the One who created us, but maybe we should not discount the power of our words when they are spoken with conviction, power, and in conformity with God's will.
I have recently interacted with a small international ministry who is looking to take the next step in their growth to become a more influential gospel ministry. I believe it will happen. There are several reasons for this:
1. They have a clear Gospel mission focused on orphans
2. They execute their plan well and with financial efficiency
3. The board members have a serious financial stake
4. There is a passion that is contagious and powerful
What would our schools look like if every board member, donor and prayer partner were so committed to the educational work that they could not help but bubble over in enthusiasm about the Lord's work in this place?
I submit that this army of evangelists and apologists would be self-replicating and we would see more people connect with our passion for the Kingdom work with children.
How do I know? Look at enrollment. Across the country, eighty percent of new students come to our schools because of the enthusiastic endorsement of a satisfied (thrilled?) parent. Out of pure excitement and conviction, current school parents are powerfully urging their friends to consider Christian schooling.
Similarly, an army of passionate friends can spread the message and get their friends to investigate the reason for our enthusiasm. We trust the Holy Spirit to complete the heart connection if that is His will.
Our job, and the job of our supporters, is go out and give the reason for our hope.
It sounds like evangelism to me.
It looks like power, too.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Special Ask
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
There are times in the course of the year that require a special ask. A special ask is one where we are seeking funds for a particular project or need or opportunity that cannot be met through the normal annual fund giving.
What do we do in those instances? I believe that biblical generosity can be expressed in planned and unplanned ways. After all, if our donor-friends are oriented toward giving, then they would not be offended even if they were not able to respond at the time.
Here is a story that demonstrates this. We had a family whose dad was called up from the Reserves for Desert Storm. The military pay was lower than what the dad earned in his own business, so the family had serious challenges maintaining tuition payments.
Here is how the Lord led me to approach the problem:
1. Find out the size of the need - tuition for the balance of the year - $8,000
2. Think of families or individuals who are in the mode of helping the school
3. Call and present the situation - explain that this is a special request due to unforeseen circumstances
4. Present the entire amount and ask if he or she could see themselves helping and whether they were in position to do so
5. If they asked how much (some did), I suggested no more than $2,000 because I wanted to enlist the help from others who would like to share in the opportunity to help the family
Here is what happened:
1. Six out of seven I contacted people agreed to participate - from $500 to $1,500
2. They were pleased to be asked - it was a great cause
3. They thanked me for thinking of them
4. None wanted anything (card or letter) from the receiving family
When we are building relationships where stewardship is emphasized we are building a "platform for giving", one that honors the Lord who gives and owns it all.
What a privilege it is to be able to have relationships like this - it is also good for the asker to see God's mercy up close!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
There are times in the course of the year that require a special ask. A special ask is one where we are seeking funds for a particular project or need or opportunity that cannot be met through the normal annual fund giving.
What do we do in those instances? I believe that biblical generosity can be expressed in planned and unplanned ways. After all, if our donor-friends are oriented toward giving, then they would not be offended even if they were not able to respond at the time.
Here is a story that demonstrates this. We had a family whose dad was called up from the Reserves for Desert Storm. The military pay was lower than what the dad earned in his own business, so the family had serious challenges maintaining tuition payments.
Here is how the Lord led me to approach the problem:
1. Find out the size of the need - tuition for the balance of the year - $8,000
2. Think of families or individuals who are in the mode of helping the school
3. Call and present the situation - explain that this is a special request due to unforeseen circumstances
4. Present the entire amount and ask if he or she could see themselves helping and whether they were in position to do so
5. If they asked how much (some did), I suggested no more than $2,000 because I wanted to enlist the help from others who would like to share in the opportunity to help the family
Here is what happened:
1. Six out of seven I contacted people agreed to participate - from $500 to $1,500
2. They were pleased to be asked - it was a great cause
3. They thanked me for thinking of them
4. None wanted anything (card or letter) from the receiving family
When we are building relationships where stewardship is emphasized we are building a "platform for giving", one that honors the Lord who gives and owns it all.
What a privilege it is to be able to have relationships like this - it is also good for the asker to see God's mercy up close!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A day in the life....
What is a typical day like for the development officer of a school?
In my talking with peers it is normally filled with logistical, or structural, work. Then, "if we have time", we can make the occasional call to a donor/friend to inquire as to how they are doing. That's the relational or softer work.
How would you split up your day? Do you spend it planning the next event? Many of these are just for the good of the students and their parents, but the "advancement" office gets to handle them.
If we are so busy in the busyness of the job and its related tasks, when do we get to think about and pray for our donors and their needs? Just because they are not demanding our attention doesn't mean that caring for them is not as high a priority.
It also does not mean that we should necessarily be on the prowl for a gift; maybe they need some ministerial care like you and I need.
Also, it doesn't always mean a personal visit (although it might). Many times a thoughtful phone call is in order. If we spend some time in prayer for our donors the Holy Spirit may bring to mind a person to call. If you have done this, you know that many times He has gone before you and is preparing the person to receive your call. Then, we can offer to pray with or for the donor/friend even in a season of rejoicing.
These pauses in our day can also remind us of how connected we are to our support network and we find, over time, that this reaching becomes more natural. The key: don't hesitate when the Spirit speaks. Pick up the phone, hand write a note, or even send a well-constructed email.
Lastly, if it doesn't come naturally then pray that the Lord gives you an enlarged heart for His people. Maybe you need to block out some time each morning and a time in the afternoon when your planner is not scheduled.
The time (of time, talent, and treasure) may be the most valuable currency we have to spend.
We know the rest of the world is not valuing it in the same way.
Now, go start something!
In my talking with peers it is normally filled with logistical, or structural, work. Then, "if we have time", we can make the occasional call to a donor/friend to inquire as to how they are doing. That's the relational or softer work.
How would you split up your day? Do you spend it planning the next event? Many of these are just for the good of the students and their parents, but the "advancement" office gets to handle them.
If we are so busy in the busyness of the job and its related tasks, when do we get to think about and pray for our donors and their needs? Just because they are not demanding our attention doesn't mean that caring for them is not as high a priority.
It also does not mean that we should necessarily be on the prowl for a gift; maybe they need some ministerial care like you and I need.
Also, it doesn't always mean a personal visit (although it might). Many times a thoughtful phone call is in order. If we spend some time in prayer for our donors the Holy Spirit may bring to mind a person to call. If you have done this, you know that many times He has gone before you and is preparing the person to receive your call. Then, we can offer to pray with or for the donor/friend even in a season of rejoicing.
These pauses in our day can also remind us of how connected we are to our support network and we find, over time, that this reaching becomes more natural. The key: don't hesitate when the Spirit speaks. Pick up the phone, hand write a note, or even send a well-constructed email.
Lastly, if it doesn't come naturally then pray that the Lord gives you an enlarged heart for His people. Maybe you need to block out some time each morning and a time in the afternoon when your planner is not scheduled.
The time (of time, talent, and treasure) may be the most valuable currency we have to spend.
We know the rest of the world is not valuing it in the same way.
Now, go start something!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Testimony of Generosity
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
1 Peter 2:4-12
As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
I have heard recently that a foundation that supports public schools exceeded their fundraising goal. They also had a really good time, lots of teamwork, and genuine appreciation for each others' gifts and talents.
When I see these qualities in non-Christian settings I am struck by their hopefulness, confidence, and joy in the mission. And, their hope is not in the Cross and the promise of eternal life - what gives?
In contrast, many schools seem so defeated and dour in their outlook as though "the world is winning".
What would happen if we lived our faith in victory and in "Cross confidence"?
What if schools were known for the amazing support that poured into them because donors believed (and knew) that wonderful Kingdom work was happening here?
Maybe we could stop looking at "those guys over there" and be blessed with the Christian generosity the Lord is sending our way.
What if non-Christian organizations were looking at how we were doing things so that they would be interested enough to ask about our school?
What if that became an opportunity to share the Gospel? "....they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
1 Peter 2:4-12
As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
I have heard recently that a foundation that supports public schools exceeded their fundraising goal. They also had a really good time, lots of teamwork, and genuine appreciation for each others' gifts and talents.
When I see these qualities in non-Christian settings I am struck by their hopefulness, confidence, and joy in the mission. And, their hope is not in the Cross and the promise of eternal life - what gives?
In contrast, many schools seem so defeated and dour in their outlook as though "the world is winning".
What would happen if we lived our faith in victory and in "Cross confidence"?
What if schools were known for the amazing support that poured into them because donors believed (and knew) that wonderful Kingdom work was happening here?
Maybe we could stop looking at "those guys over there" and be blessed with the Christian generosity the Lord is sending our way.
What if non-Christian organizations were looking at how we were doing things so that they would be interested enough to ask about our school?
What if that became an opportunity to share the Gospel? "....they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Capacity to give
James 2:1-4
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
In the development world we (are instructed to) think in terms of the "big hitters" or the ones with capacity to give. When we focus on the larger donors we are efficient with the use of our time and have, as it were, greater productivity.
This philosophy presupposes that the "most valuable" donors are those who can or do give the largest amounts. While the school (or other organization that we represent) deserves our best efforts, I wonder how the Lord sees this work.
What really comes into play is the idea of ministry. Does the school see donors as a "necessary evil" that we must engage with because our own finances are inadequate? Or, are we convinced that, like the body of Christ, we are designed for meaningful connections, which goes deeper than a simple monetary transaction?
While most schools would say, "Of course we care about our donors more than their current capacity to fund our program", our actions may tell a different story. James warns us about judging with evil thoughts. It looks like we are guilty if we look only at the externals and not at the heart and soul of the person who God has brought us into relationship with.
OK, so what does this look like in practice? I suggest the following:
1. Look at our own hearts. Do we truly love ALL of God's people - would others confirm this assessment?
2. Can we genuinely celebrate the smallest (the mites) gifts and those who give them?
3. Do we act on that celebration by investing time and prayer with these friends?
The tyranny of the urgent is always nipping at our heels. But our Lord is also placing people in our lives who (although externally poor) have a richness that needs to be affirmed and encouraged.
Can you remember the last time you welcomed the poor stranger?
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
In the development world we (are instructed to) think in terms of the "big hitters" or the ones with capacity to give. When we focus on the larger donors we are efficient with the use of our time and have, as it were, greater productivity.
This philosophy presupposes that the "most valuable" donors are those who can or do give the largest amounts. While the school (or other organization that we represent) deserves our best efforts, I wonder how the Lord sees this work.
What really comes into play is the idea of ministry. Does the school see donors as a "necessary evil" that we must engage with because our own finances are inadequate? Or, are we convinced that, like the body of Christ, we are designed for meaningful connections, which goes deeper than a simple monetary transaction?
While most schools would say, "Of course we care about our donors more than their current capacity to fund our program", our actions may tell a different story. James warns us about judging with evil thoughts. It looks like we are guilty if we look only at the externals and not at the heart and soul of the person who God has brought us into relationship with.
OK, so what does this look like in practice? I suggest the following:
1. Look at our own hearts. Do we truly love ALL of God's people - would others confirm this assessment?
2. Can we genuinely celebrate the smallest (the mites) gifts and those who give them?
3. Do we act on that celebration by investing time and prayer with these friends?
The tyranny of the urgent is always nipping at our heels. But our Lord is also placing people in our lives who (although externally poor) have a richness that needs to be affirmed and encouraged.
Can you remember the last time you welcomed the poor stranger?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Joyous is the Generous Giver
"Never be afraid to challenge someone to do something significant for God."
John Haggai
Giving generously can be seen on three levels:
Level 1 - "Should Give" - that proportion that we are commanded to give, like the tithe
Level 2 - "Could Give" - that which given from a look at our assets, or balance sheet
Level 3 - "Would Give" - finish line giving - "if God were to provide this, then I..."
When we meet with donors, we may be looking only at our institution's specific need and this donor's ability (or capacity) to give. When we do that we are missing the heart issue. "Listen" to some of these questions and see if they would help to open up new dimensions (and blessings) for our donor friends. Also, listen slowly and allow our friend to think through the answers - you may be the first to have posed these questions.
1. Are you giving to all the ministries that tug at your heart?
2. If not, what is in the way of you doing so?
3. If there were no limitations, what you give, why to these, and how much and in what time frame?
Sometimes we settle for a specific gift because we have our own goals. But, if we were to put our donor-friends' interests and spiritual growth higher, there would be some amazing ministry happening. Here is what we and our friends can look forward to:
1. They will experience God and His joy in a greater way
2. Their heart will grow for God
3. They will experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from doing something significant
4. It will break the power of money in their lives
5. They will be eternally rewarded - Matt. 6:19-21. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
6. They will please God and their faith will grow
But, there is more - there are wonderful benefits to us as well:
1. We are seen as "enablers of grace"
2. We have a more significant relationship with our donor-friends; again, we may have been used the Spirit to show them aspects of their stewardship lives that they had never seen.
3. We can learn from them and be encouraged ourselves - we need to grow, too
4. We have a greater sense of satisfaction than just "getting the gift"
So, joyous is the generous giver - joyous are we to be used in this process!
John Haggai
Giving generously can be seen on three levels:
Level 1 - "Should Give" - that proportion that we are commanded to give, like the tithe
Level 2 - "Could Give" - that which given from a look at our assets, or balance sheet
Level 3 - "Would Give" - finish line giving - "if God were to provide this, then I..."
When we meet with donors, we may be looking only at our institution's specific need and this donor's ability (or capacity) to give. When we do that we are missing the heart issue. "Listen" to some of these questions and see if they would help to open up new dimensions (and blessings) for our donor friends. Also, listen slowly and allow our friend to think through the answers - you may be the first to have posed these questions.
1. Are you giving to all the ministries that tug at your heart?
2. If not, what is in the way of you doing so?
3. If there were no limitations, what you give, why to these, and how much and in what time frame?
Sometimes we settle for a specific gift because we have our own goals. But, if we were to put our donor-friends' interests and spiritual growth higher, there would be some amazing ministry happening. Here is what we and our friends can look forward to:
1. They will experience God and His joy in a greater way
2. Their heart will grow for God
3. They will experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from doing something significant
4. It will break the power of money in their lives
5. They will be eternally rewarded - Matt. 6:19-21. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
6. They will please God and their faith will grow
But, there is more - there are wonderful benefits to us as well:
1. We are seen as "enablers of grace"
2. We have a more significant relationship with our donor-friends; again, we may have been used the Spirit to show them aspects of their stewardship lives that they had never seen.
3. We can learn from them and be encouraged ourselves - we need to grow, too
4. We have a greater sense of satisfaction than just "getting the gift"
So, joyous is the generous giver - joyous are we to be used in this process!
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