Deuteronomy 6: 6-7
These commandments (love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength) that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
I would admit that these instructions are primarily written for parents and home life, but since many parents partner with us (Christian schools), the admonition is for schools folks as well.
We can and should teach stewardship to our children. As parents we teach by example the joy of obedience to give our tithe to the local church. We teach giving generously when we contribute or volunteer to other worthwhile causes.
In the school, we can also teach stewardship. We can (as is done in my school) have the upper school students participate in keeping the building clean and neat. The activities of collecting trash and vacuuming remind our young people that stewardship is the "care of" of what God has entrusted to us. The cleaning is not punishment, but training in the basics that we all need.
This platform allows us to move into the stewardship of time, talent and treasure God has given. It is where we can teach money management and generosity from a Biblical perspective. That way, our children become generous young people, people who understand that everything we have has been given by God for His glory and our good.
Learning stewardship before we have so much money - that's a concept worth considering!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The "Giving Blessing"
Acts 20:35 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
If you ask a child what is the most exciting part of Christmastime, they will likely answer - 'getting presents'. That perspective agrees with our own memories of Christmas.
As we grow older, however, we come to see that there is more fulfillment found in the deeper meaning of life.
The deeper level of fulfillment in life is not found in what we get but what we give. Children, of course, cannot understand this - how could anything be better than getting good gifts?
But, as every parent and grandparent knows, there is no gift we could ever receive that exceeds the joy of watching the bubbling enthusiasm of your own children (or grandchildren) wildly tear open a box and squeal with glee as they delight in its contents. Then come the kisses and hugs from grateful recipients. That's a recipe for pleasant memories!
Why should it be any different with the wealth with which God has blessed us? If we or our donors miss the deeper joy of giving then we are stuck trying to derive satisfaction from material wealth that we try to hold on to.
As encouragers of Kingdom giving, let us remind our donor-friends of this generosity-induced blessing. And, let us share in this wonderful joy.
The giving of good gifts, however large or small, reminds us of the greatest gift ever given: the gift of eternal life from the Father through the Son.
If you ask a child what is the most exciting part of Christmastime, they will likely answer - 'getting presents'. That perspective agrees with our own memories of Christmas.
As we grow older, however, we come to see that there is more fulfillment found in the deeper meaning of life.
The deeper level of fulfillment in life is not found in what we get but what we give. Children, of course, cannot understand this - how could anything be better than getting good gifts?
But, as every parent and grandparent knows, there is no gift we could ever receive that exceeds the joy of watching the bubbling enthusiasm of your own children (or grandchildren) wildly tear open a box and squeal with glee as they delight in its contents. Then come the kisses and hugs from grateful recipients. That's a recipe for pleasant memories!
Why should it be any different with the wealth with which God has blessed us? If we or our donors miss the deeper joy of giving then we are stuck trying to derive satisfaction from material wealth that we try to hold on to.
As encouragers of Kingdom giving, let us remind our donor-friends of this generosity-induced blessing. And, let us share in this wonderful joy.
The giving of good gifts, however large or small, reminds us of the greatest gift ever given: the gift of eternal life from the Father through the Son.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Stewardship - A Case Study
Malachi 3:10-12
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the Lord Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty.
My stewardship model / motto is: Helping connect the PASSIONS of God's people with His PROVISIONS for Kingdom PURPOSES. These three P's help me focus and they help me communicate how the Lord is directing me in biblical stewardship.
This past week I had the opportunity to see the process work again:
A donor-friend calls and tells me that his school teacher friend has this wonderful collection of classic resource books for early elementary students. He knows of my work in my new school and gives me their contact information.
I call and make an appointment to have them meet me at the school later in the week. The visit went great, the couple was impressed with our school and decided to bless us with all 1,100 volumes. Our school probably doubled the collection for these grades. The donors were pleased to see their collection received and used. I even received a thank-you note from the donors! This is the "bi-lateral" blessing - when both the giver and receiver are blessed by the gift.
Lessons for the stewardship officer:
1. Good friends (like the one who called me) are precious gems
2. We must keep talking about the value (and beauty) of non-cash gifts
3. Often the best gifts come at times when we least expect them - be on the lookout for them
4. When PASSIONS connect with PROVISION amazing things can happen
5. Remember to follow through - my interactions with these new donors are just beginning; we want to have them come back to read aloud to the students and let them see the other aspects of our education enterprise
The Lord says "test me". With expectation, pray that the Lord makes us available for those unplanned blessings.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the Lord Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty.
My stewardship model / motto is: Helping connect the PASSIONS of God's people with His PROVISIONS for Kingdom PURPOSES. These three P's help me focus and they help me communicate how the Lord is directing me in biblical stewardship.
This past week I had the opportunity to see the process work again:
A donor-friend calls and tells me that his school teacher friend has this wonderful collection of classic resource books for early elementary students. He knows of my work in my new school and gives me their contact information.
I call and make an appointment to have them meet me at the school later in the week. The visit went great, the couple was impressed with our school and decided to bless us with all 1,100 volumes. Our school probably doubled the collection for these grades. The donors were pleased to see their collection received and used. I even received a thank-you note from the donors! This is the "bi-lateral" blessing - when both the giver and receiver are blessed by the gift.
Lessons for the stewardship officer:
1. Good friends (like the one who called me) are precious gems
2. We must keep talking about the value (and beauty) of non-cash gifts
3. Often the best gifts come at times when we least expect them - be on the lookout for them
4. When PASSIONS connect with PROVISION amazing things can happen
5. Remember to follow through - my interactions with these new donors are just beginning; we want to have them come back to read aloud to the students and let them see the other aspects of our education enterprise
The Lord says "test me". With expectation, pray that the Lord makes us available for those unplanned blessings.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Planting and Harvesting - hard work and waiting
Luke 8:5-7
"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.
Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Here is the parable from the Development Officer's perspective:
There was a moderately successful fundraiser who came to the town of Muchville to raise funds for his school. He printed some beautiful literature and prepared his story to tell the residents.
The first group he came to had no interest in his appeal; they took his literature and threw it away.
Then he came to some donors who contributed a little bit of money to get him off their back and to keep from feeling guilty. This giving did not last and he moved on.
The next group was very wealthy. The folks started to give, but before long they remembered their very comfortable life and the god of materialism choked out the giving they had begun.
The last group had been blessed with the grace of giving and they appreciated the opportunity to show their love for and obedience to God. They responded in a large way and gave great amounts and were privileged to do so.
The development officer exclaimed, "The Lord has visited His people and spoken to their hearts - the joy of generous giving is evident here".
This parable reminds us that we will encounter many adverse situations, but we must keep sowing and planting because the Great Farmer has gone before us, prepared the soil, and brings the harvest.
Let us keep persevering for the good of the Kingdom.
"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.
Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Here is the parable from the Development Officer's perspective:
There was a moderately successful fundraiser who came to the town of Muchville to raise funds for his school. He printed some beautiful literature and prepared his story to tell the residents.
The first group he came to had no interest in his appeal; they took his literature and threw it away.
Then he came to some donors who contributed a little bit of money to get him off their back and to keep from feeling guilty. This giving did not last and he moved on.
The next group was very wealthy. The folks started to give, but before long they remembered their very comfortable life and the god of materialism choked out the giving they had begun.
The last group had been blessed with the grace of giving and they appreciated the opportunity to show their love for and obedience to God. They responded in a large way and gave great amounts and were privileged to do so.
The development officer exclaimed, "The Lord has visited His people and spoken to their hearts - the joy of generous giving is evident here".
This parable reminds us that we will encounter many adverse situations, but we must keep sowing and planting because the Great Farmer has gone before us, prepared the soil, and brings the harvest.
Let us keep persevering for the good of the Kingdom.
Monday, August 17, 2009
"This is too Hard"
Matthew 19:16-22
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Here is the modern-day equivalent for the development officer:
A development officer who had enjoyed some success in raising funds for his school was experiencing some difficulty in an economy where people were holding onto funds more tightly.
He went to the most experienced and faithful stewardship person he knew and asked, "What good technique must I employ to see continued giving to our school?"
"Why do you ask about good techniques? There is only one set of principles which are good."
"What techniques?" the young officer asked. The wise one replied, "Relational development, a good database, gospel-based letters, edifying banquets, and donor-driven auctions".
"All these I have done", the young officer replied. "What do I still lack?"
The wise one declared, "If you want to be perfect, pray for your donors and minister to them even when they cannot give. Spend your days serving and blessing and you will have great treasure in heaven". "Then you will reap a harvest in God's perfect time".
The officer went away sad because he had more foundation applications to write and big donors to chase. And, the annual fund goal was looming large.
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Here is the modern-day equivalent for the development officer:
A development officer who had enjoyed some success in raising funds for his school was experiencing some difficulty in an economy where people were holding onto funds more tightly.
He went to the most experienced and faithful stewardship person he knew and asked, "What good technique must I employ to see continued giving to our school?"
"Why do you ask about good techniques? There is only one set of principles which are good."
"What techniques?" the young officer asked. The wise one replied, "Relational development, a good database, gospel-based letters, edifying banquets, and donor-driven auctions".
"All these I have done", the young officer replied. "What do I still lack?"
The wise one declared, "If you want to be perfect, pray for your donors and minister to them even when they cannot give. Spend your days serving and blessing and you will have great treasure in heaven". "Then you will reap a harvest in God's perfect time".
The officer went away sad because he had more foundation applications to write and big donors to chase. And, the annual fund goal was looming large.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Blessing - the "Healthy Alternative to Greed"
Proverbs 11:23-26
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
The Bible reminds us frequently of our need to think of others. Of course, this is modeled perfectly in the life and sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus when He (the innocent one) volunteered to leave the glories of heaven to come to earth to fulfill His commission to redeem the lost.
We cannot do what Jesus did, nor are we called to. But, the wisdom literature of the Bible instructs us in a pattern of healthy living that calls us to let go of what is "ours" and commit it to the Kingdom.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others hemself will be refreshed."
How refreshing! Does the Bible tell us (me) that we are really healthier when we give our time, talent and treasure away to those in need? Yes, indeed!
When we, as "stewardship agents", commit ourselves to blessing others with our gifts we are exercising the same disciplines that we ask our donors to; give out of our blessing in response to what Christ has done for us.
As an aside, when we put others in the center of our view, our own problems and challenges seem to to shrink; that is a good thing, too.
There is no act or thought that we have that does not have a spiritual dimension. Let's ask the Lord to give us that heart for others so that the next interaction we have enriches someone else.
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
The Bible reminds us frequently of our need to think of others. Of course, this is modeled perfectly in the life and sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus when He (the innocent one) volunteered to leave the glories of heaven to come to earth to fulfill His commission to redeem the lost.
We cannot do what Jesus did, nor are we called to. But, the wisdom literature of the Bible instructs us in a pattern of healthy living that calls us to let go of what is "ours" and commit it to the Kingdom.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others hemself will be refreshed."
How refreshing! Does the Bible tell us (me) that we are really healthier when we give our time, talent and treasure away to those in need? Yes, indeed!
When we, as "stewardship agents", commit ourselves to blessing others with our gifts we are exercising the same disciplines that we ask our donors to; give out of our blessing in response to what Christ has done for us.
As an aside, when we put others in the center of our view, our own problems and challenges seem to to shrink; that is a good thing, too.
There is no act or thought that we have that does not have a spiritual dimension. Let's ask the Lord to give us that heart for others so that the next interaction we have enriches someone else.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thinking about Capital Campaigns
As I begin my work in my new school I am forming up my own description of the Tall Oaks Classical School "story". It includes the courage and faithfulness of the pioneers who began the school 15 years ago (a few are still involved!) and the growth from the "networked home school" to a fully-accredited organization poised for growth today.
With that potential for growth, we get to dream about the future and I am in the process of doing with that various stake holders of the school. While each person has a different slant on things, I am hearing three recurring themes that might be helpful to share with other schools in a similar position.
I call it the "Human, program and property" Capital Campaign - not catchy (yet), but hear me out.
Human - parents are so willing to sacrifice to send their children to a premier Christian school, but it does cost a lot to operate one. How about an endowment for Financial Aid? A fund whose annual earning would fund the amount parents need to finish paying tuition?
Program - Is there a Christian school teacher who is paid what they are worth? Of course not. These men and women are called by the Lord to a good work, but they should be able to afford to live without having to supplement their income with unrelated work. How about an endowment for Teacher Enhancement? This fund's earnings could be used for increasing pay, offering bonuses or providing enhanced benefits.
Property - This is the capital campaign we are mostly familiar with, providing for future numerical (and program) growth. How about an endowment for our next home? This fund could provide the seed corn for the expansion or re-location to a new physical plant.
However we think and plan, let us share these big ideas in an atmosphere of expectation that the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills delights in giving good gifts to His loved ones!
With that potential for growth, we get to dream about the future and I am in the process of doing with that various stake holders of the school. While each person has a different slant on things, I am hearing three recurring themes that might be helpful to share with other schools in a similar position.
I call it the "Human, program and property" Capital Campaign - not catchy (yet), but hear me out.
Human - parents are so willing to sacrifice to send their children to a premier Christian school, but it does cost a lot to operate one. How about an endowment for Financial Aid? A fund whose annual earning would fund the amount parents need to finish paying tuition?
Program - Is there a Christian school teacher who is paid what they are worth? Of course not. These men and women are called by the Lord to a good work, but they should be able to afford to live without having to supplement their income with unrelated work. How about an endowment for Teacher Enhancement? This fund's earnings could be used for increasing pay, offering bonuses or providing enhanced benefits.
Property - This is the capital campaign we are mostly familiar with, providing for future numerical (and program) growth. How about an endowment for our next home? This fund could provide the seed corn for the expansion or re-location to a new physical plant.
However we think and plan, let us share these big ideas in an atmosphere of expectation that the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills delights in giving good gifts to His loved ones!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
A "Stewardship Trajectory"
Matthew 19:27-29
Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?' Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.'
When I think of the legacy question, there are three specific questions that come to my mind:
1. What will I be known for in this life and the next?
2. What am I leaving behind?
3. What am I looking forward to?
Considering these questions can be helpful to us as we consider short and long-term decisions about our time, talent and treasure.
For example, when we don't have anything planned at a particular moment, maybe we should ask, "Who could use a blessing?" Thinking about others and their needs takes the focus off of us and it sets up an opportunity to be blessed by others as we use our gifts (maybe time and talent).
So, are you (we) known for extending Christian love to others? Do we have the reputation of being more concerned about the relationships and giving blessings than of accumulating wealth?
Being "heaven minded" causes us to think about God's desires and His Kingdom before we think of our own comfort.
Eternal life is that future state of glory that Jesus came to secure for all who would believe. We should look forward to it and be less concerned about maximizing our own glory here on this earth. That's the longer-term view that puts on the "stewardship trajectory", or a path managing all that God has given us for His glory.
Keep the future state in mind provides a template for making the right decisions today.
Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?' Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.'
When I think of the legacy question, there are three specific questions that come to my mind:
1. What will I be known for in this life and the next?
2. What am I leaving behind?
3. What am I looking forward to?
Considering these questions can be helpful to us as we consider short and long-term decisions about our time, talent and treasure.
For example, when we don't have anything planned at a particular moment, maybe we should ask, "Who could use a blessing?" Thinking about others and their needs takes the focus off of us and it sets up an opportunity to be blessed by others as we use our gifts (maybe time and talent).
So, are you (we) known for extending Christian love to others? Do we have the reputation of being more concerned about the relationships and giving blessings than of accumulating wealth?
Being "heaven minded" causes us to think about God's desires and His Kingdom before we think of our own comfort.
Eternal life is that future state of glory that Jesus came to secure for all who would believe. We should look forward to it and be less concerned about maximizing our own glory here on this earth. That's the longer-term view that puts on the "stewardship trajectory", or a path managing all that God has given us for His glory.
Keep the future state in mind provides a template for making the right decisions today.
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