The Stewardship of Talent

In this blog I describe the sphere of our work to include God's gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure. This is the reason I prefer the term "stewardship". Stewardship allows us to speak in terms of all three types of gifts.

Identifying talent for the Kingdom is an important role for the Development and Stewardship officer. Actually, it is important for every member of the leadership of the school. When done well, resources are identified and applied to the school in a way that blesses the donor as they become good stewards of their talent gifts.

Most people do not walk around proclaiming their own greatness or their skill in a particular area; that would be the sin of pride. However, it is helpful for each of us to see and assess the gifts that God gave us to use to glorify Him.

Since we know that God Himself is generous, we can proceed on the assumption that He has lavished many gifts on His people. So, we start with the "presupposition" that everyone has some talent and we can help uncover these. Sometimes the gift is not reflected in the specific vocation or experience background; we may have to dig deeper and listen longer.

Here is an example. One of our new donor friends wanted to come and learn more about where she could be of assistance. When we looked at her background of science, there wasn't a great fit, at least not at the present time. We probed further and we learned that she really wants to come in and assist a teacher in a lower grade. So, now she is happily ensconced as a Kindergarten aide one day each week. Praise God for good fits!

One word of caution is in order. As we interact with our donor friends, we must be careful to be encouraging (which is biblical) and not flattering (this is sinful). This goes to our motives. Are we doing what we do to manipulate to achieve a certain goal, or are we raising up people to honor the Lord by applying gifts for His glory and for their edification?

Raising talent can be more difficult than raising money, but it is part of the ministry to which we are called. Let us do so with vigor and confidence; this comes from God, too.

The Fundraiser's Legacy

When we get the opportunity to speak to donor's about the future we often invoke terms like legacy or (more recently) "paying it forward". The goal of these discussions is to encourage our donor friends to think about the longer-term impact of their giving. Planned giving often means annuities, wills, trusts, insurance policies. These are, however, the technical instruments by which the donor implements their desires. The fundraiser, however, can help flesh out some ideas that the donor might have. We can ask questions like:

1. What are your big ideas or ambitions for the school - maybe 10 years away?
2. What do see being your role in those plans - assuming that all of the resources are in place?
3. What would have to be happening now and in the near future to begin to put these plans in place?

These kinds of conversations give donors permission to dream, something they don't often get to do. For example, a donor and parent told me that they would like to see Tall Oaks do something in the area of special education. We started to talk about what would be required to add this dimension (without specific commitments) and we did some structured brainstorming.

Now, how about us? Do we look five to ten years in the future and think about what we could envision?

If the Lord gave us capable people, do we have a plan for multiplying ourselves through them? What are the plans for connecting with the community and building long-term and cooperative relationships? Have we thought about endowments for scholarship, teacher training and benefits, facilities, and additional offerings?

Thinking about legacy causes us think more proactively than reactively, which is better for the long-term health of the school.

When the Donor thanks You

Yes, that is exactly what happens when we seek to match the donor's passions and provisions (gifts) with the Kingdom purpose.

Today a donor told me that it was his privilege to give the school. I asked permission to ask "why" was it his privilege. He explained that he and his family get to express their gratitude to God for His goodness (they have a successful family business) and they are thrilled to see the good work of Tall Oaks continue and expand to touch more children. Interestingly, each gift they have given has been larger than the previous one. They are givers of time, too, when they volunteer in various activities.

Another donor became a volunteer this week. She has known about the school and recently made her first gift. Now, she will be coming in each week for two hours to work in a classroom. When asked why she does this, she replied that the change of venue from her other duties refreshes her.

Make no mistake, ministry to donors is hard work and it is not straightforward. I have made many suggestions for the "ideal fit" that were not even close. We have to take time to get to know folks and to hear their heart as they express passion for serving the King. People are not accustomed to being asked "what stirs your soul?"

One more, we have a parent who has not given any money, but loves to volunteer her time in the office - it let's her work in a people-intensive setting which energizes her. She has time and organizational skills - the office is a great fit.

We honor the Lord by the good use of our gifts and when we assist others in the unleashing of their blessings for Kingdom purposes.

Lastly, celebrate these successes, even when they don't (immediately) show up on the donations budget.

The Gift of Networking

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

We know that our reputation in the school and the larger community is important. We desire to be known as people of integrity, hard work, strong in the faith, and desirous of seeing God's glory - not what will bring glory to us.

This is also true of the whole school community and our donor friends as well. Each one has a circle of friends, people who trust them and who appreciate their friendship. This reputation and credibility is another form of treasure as Proverbs reminds us.

This morning I met with a school parent who has vast experience with and connections in local civic organizations. In their weekly meetings, the chapters have guest speakers and we (our school) are looking to be introduced to these groups of service-minded men and women.

So, today my friend decided that he will spend some of his relational capital to help others see the benefit of a classical and Christian education.

A good name and good reputation - another form of treasure that we can raise up. In doing so, the "donor" is blessed that they were helpful, too.