How Much is Enough?

Proverbs 30:8-9

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

When we speak to our donor-friends, there is an overarching question that runs through their minds and one that must be dealt with if they are going to be able to return to the Lord the maximum amount.

Sadly, however, our society promotes accumulation of wealth so the answer to the "how much is enough" question is not one that is dealt with. So, if we want more and more or are afraid that there will not be enough to cover unforeseen events (health care comes to mind), we and our donor-friends never get to see that we may have enough or even more than enough.

Many of our major donors are 50+ years old. They are thinking and planning for retirement. In doing so, they may make assumptions about lifestyle and future expenses that preclude them from seeing that they could be contributing mightily to the Kingdom today. They go on to reason that they will contribute from what is left over. Sadly, they never get the joy of seeing their wealth make a difference.

In order to do this analysis we should refer the donor to the Christian advisor who can help in doing the analysis. Ron Blue (Crown Ministries and Kingdom Advisors) and Generous Giving are two organizations that are committed to maximizing Kingdom impact while ensuring that the donors real needs are provided for.

We can help get the planning process started by asking a few questions:

1. What do you see yourself doing after you complete your paid work?
2. Have you and your spouse talked about and planned for "post-career" ministry?
3. What Kingdom works would you plow into when you are not tied to a daily schedule? What is it about these that blesses your heart?

Don't be afraid to ask these questions. You might be surprised at the answers and how little our friends have thought these through.

Whenever we do ask these legacy questions, we should do with grace and appreciation to the Lord for the privilege of engaging in this kind of conversation.

The thirty-second "Elevator Speech"

Promoting and advancing our institution is the essence our work. Usually, we do this in a deliberate and planned way such as a brochure, letter or presentation.

However, sometimes we are in situations when we have thirty seconds (like on an elevator) to describe our school to a new acquaintance. Are you ready to give the answer to the "what do you do" or "where do you work" questions?

Before you say, "Of course, I can describe my school", I want you to stop and thank about how you do that.

Look at these two statements:

"I work for Harvest Christian School and I am in charge of marketing and fund raising. We have 200 students, loving teachers and make sure the Bible is our source of truth. Our students are prepared for college and go to some great area schools."

Harvest Christian School is an intuition that is training the next generation of leaders to engage their communities for Christ. This education is expensive, but we are committed to helping families bless their children with a biblical world view."

Both are accurate and brief. The second one, however, describes the consequences (results) of a Harvest education. It declares that quality education is costly, but it has value. It also invites the listener to ask a follow-up question, like "how do you raise all those funds?"

As fund-raisers we want to keep the conversation going and see if the Lord is leading this person to take the next step to learn more about the school. We also want to take the attention off of us and focus it on the students (our core) and our parents who (our partners) who sacrifice to provide this type of education for their children.

Lastly, the educational objective is not (only) a good college, but a Christ-centered education. this demonstrates that we want our graduates to have a purpose greater than their own success, but who will be equipped to be Kingdom advancers.

Remember, we don't get two tries to make a first impression.

Pastors promoting the Christian school

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Many of us who promote Christian schooling see the local church and her pastors as critical links to the parent community we are trying to reach. To forge links we have pastors' breakfasts, give them discounts for their own children to attend, and we pepper them with brochures and emails reminding them that we are out here doing Kingdom work alongside them.

I have done this "reaching out" and asked churches to put our school in their missions budget since the local school is an evangelistic effort. My experience with local churches breaks down like this:

- 10% serious about and in favor of Christian school - will educate their own children this way- the church may actually have its own school
- 10% generally in favor and will allow us to speak to a gathering and/or put out literature
- 60% favor public school (the salt and light argument) and because of the breadth of program
- 20% don't have strong feelings either way

Because of these "statistics" we cannot come barging in and expect pastors to be thrilled to see us. They will generally say, "I know all about your school". I always wonder what that means.

God is so good to provide so many wonderful case studies to learn from, and an opportunity to give an answer for my enthusiasm for Christian education.

So, today, I was visiting a headmaster of a church-sponsored school and had the opportunity to meet the pastor. The reason for the visit was to get to know each other and to see how I (we) could assist a sister school in their work.

The pastor was a little taken aback and asked me why would I want to do this and what could I offer to them. Thankfully, I have been asked this many times and I shared ideas in marketing, development, and strengthening the school culture. Like most of us, offering to serve or help is a pretty foreign concept; there must be an angle for me.

We have so much in common with our neighboring schools that it behooves us to find connections (like cooperative marketing on the radio or a Christian school fair). Like the body of Christ that we represent, each of has a something to contribute to the whole and there is always something we can learn.

Always be prepared to give an answer for why we believe in our mission and how the children, our churches, and our communities will be blessed if we produce strong soldiers of the Cross.

Graciousness in the Stewardship Ministry

1 Th. 5:14-15

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

It has been said that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. This statement is borne out in my life almost every day as I do my work to bless others and to release resources for the Kingdom. I get this little piece of truth and then feel compelled to go out and "share" with everyone I meet. This is not the best way to do this ministry; displaying grace is in order.

I have seen wonderful examples of people who have grabbed hold of the joy of generous giving. These people stand out in their understanding that God's everything and that we are stewards of God's riches (again, time, talent and treasure). What is equally impressive is the humility that they bring to this point in their lives.

Some of the most generous givers are the most humble, too. They have been awed by the grace God has shown and the mercy they have experienced. As such they are not trumpeting this new found awareness or, worse, using as a club to beat others into "submission", or obedience if we want to be more righteous about it.

This passage from Thessalonians speaks to me. It reminds me that I am to be a truth-teller about God's wonderful provisions to each of us, and that we are to use them in Kingdom-building ways that reflects ours passions.

However, I cannot be prescriptive or dogmatic in these interactions. While I should have a sense of urgency about encouraging others to give their wealth, I must be gentle, patient and kind as we talk. It is not for me to do the convicting; that is the work of the Holy Spirit.

So, this situation creates a little tension for hard-charging and passionate people like me; how can I be a bold and confident messenger for our Lord Jesus Christ while remembering that He works in His own way and in His own time.

I must bow my own head in humility and ask to have me display the same grace I have been shown.

Holiness leads to stewardship

2 Peter 2:9-12

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.

We are called to holiness (to become Holy- 1 Pe 1:16) through grace the Lord has given us in Christ. This conversion (called sanctification) process is "powered" by the Holy Spirit who refines our thinking by conforming our will into His Will. In doing so, we put off the "old man" and put on the new man, who is Jesus Christ, our Savior.

The passage from 2 Peter calls us out of the day to day and to live differently, "to abstain from sinful desires...Live such good lives among the pagans that...they may see your good deeds and glorify God..."

Biblical stewardship is counter-cultural. The culture we live in says, "You earned it - it's yours - go out and enjoy it". In contrast, biblical stewardship declares that we own nothing, but are caretakers of what God has given us to manage. Biblical stewardship says that we are to keep the Gospel in our minds as we use our resources (time, talent, and treasure). Others may see this and glorify God on the day He visits - evangelism is in view.

As sons of God with an eternal inheritance (heaven) we are to model "otherness" as we are becoming holy. As it relates to those who disciple others, we have the privilege of making connections for people and showing them them that giving is the model that Jesus gave us; the One who gave His very life for us. We may not be called to called to sacrifice our lives for another, however, we can sacrifice some temporal pleasures in favor of Kingdom expansion.

Let us think of holiness in this light; one who has his eyes on the prize of heaven such that the trappings of this earth are not weighing us down.

Discipleship Through Listening and Asking Questions

In the discipling work that we do, we can contribute to our donor/friends through the process of self-discovery; that is, asking questions that draw them into deeper thinking about their own stewardship.

Before we look at the list, it is always important to remember that asking questions should be done with a humble heart, keeping in mind that we did not always "get it" nor are we the agents of change. The Holy Spirit does the heart work; we are used by Him to help others see the Lord in deeper and more profound ways.

Also, for men like me, listening is a difficult skill. It is much more than just taking turns at talking. It is a high-energy effort that requires full attention to both the "what" and "how" is being said. It means not racing ahead to the next point so we can arrive at the proper conclusion. Building relationships is a process and we need to understand that transformation (as it is for us) is a marathon, not a sprint.

Even when we have the time, we may not have the relationship yet to ask really probing questions. It is also important not to get ahead here, too. Asking permission is a good way to know how to proceed.

All that said, here are some questions that can be helpful in beginning the dialogue to generous giving:

• Why do you give?
• Who is the owner of all you possess?
• How much (money) is enough?
• What is an appropriate lifestyle?
• Where do you experience the most joy in giving?
• Who is the next steward of your resources, and is that person prepared?
• Have you considered establishing annual and lifetime giving goals?

As we ask these, remember that the Lord is asking these of us as well - it will orient our minds and hearts.

Transforming People Through Relationships

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

There are at least four elements that help people become generous givers:

1. Teaching
2. Relationships
3. Experiences
4. Appropriately-asked questions and attentive listening

I would like to speak about experiences today and the questions and listening in the next blog.

One of the most effective discipleship "gifts" is to put people in touch with other generous givers, even if they don't give to your school or ministry. As a matter of fact, it may have even more impact since there is no appearance of manipulation to our particular cause. These interactions can inspire others in their giving journey.

A second way to inspire givers is to introduce them to stories of other givers. There is something powerful about hearing the testimony of someone with whom you can relate. The Holy Spirit can and does quietly work in the hearts of people when they sit back and contemplate someone else's journey.

Appeal letters that feature generous giving can be very powerful especially if the readers can "hear" the first-person account of how they came to this point.

Lastly, and very carefully, we can share our own lives and what the Lord has done and is doing in terms of our stewardship. It sis important that we speak from first-hand experiences, lest we fall into the trap of being outside of the process and lose the legitimacy of our ministry.

There are several cautions as we share our own story with others:

1. Check your heart - make sure you are not puffing yourself up or using experience to coerce others
2. Remember Who brought us this far - it is a work of grace that we can stand and testify; give glory to God in all things
3. Ask yourself -would this be the kind of witness that will encourage?

To think of donors is to understand their needs and offer appropriate encouragement. This means we have to know them well enough to know to how to communicate. Also, we have to have our own antennae up to see the stories that are appropriate for sharing.

I suggest we find others in our stewardship world who will "sharpen our iron" as well.

The Process of Discipleship in Raising Funds

1 Timothy 6:17-19

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

In the world of Christian fundraising, which often follows a secular model, those seeking resources tend toward one of two extremes: the relational fundraiser or the transactional fundraiser.

While the relational fundraiser are primarily concerned with being friends or "buddies" with the donor, transactional fundraisers focus solely on the "gifts" and moving on to their next "prospect".

Both extremes have their downsides: one avoids the financial issues entirely; the other misses the relational connection. How about a new perspective: financial discipleship.

If askers will take the discipleship of givers seriously, they will intentionally build relationships to address specific, spiritually significant financial issues in givers' lives.

Specializing in financial discipleship allows us to focus on one area, eliminating the burden some of us feel to be the "everything" pastor. Plus, stewardship of financial resources is plenty to concentrate on - we never master it anyway.

In this passage Paul presents two prohibitions and four exhortations:

Prohibitions:

1. Do not be arrogant
2. Do not put your hope in wealth

Exhortations:

1. Believers should put their hope in God
2. Do good
3. Be rich in good deeds
4. Be generous and willing to share

All of this is designed to help the giver to be "blessed to be a blessing". In this way the giver realizes that they have more than they need and are in position to benefit others.

If we approach or work this way, we will be rendering valuable service both to the school and to the giver.