The Donor's Bill of Rights - Part 2

Why is it that donors to Christian charities, such as schools and other ministries, have missed the opportunity to be blessed as they give to the gospel work of their choice?

This observation comes from seeing so many Christian schools and other gospel-based works employ a secular methodology. Here is what I mean.

Take the typical appeal letter that arrives in our mailbox on any given day. It has, in general, several standard components.

1. A greeting
2. The great work
3. The needs of the great work
4. Your opportunity to fund our needs

That is fine as far as it goes, but is "there's nothing really wrong with that" the standard?

This begs the question, "If the Lord has principles by which gospel ministry is done, then does He care about the way resources are raised?"

I believe the answer is a resounding "yes" and I am concerned that donors do not experience ministry when they give. Not only do the scriptures provide much guidance for the accumulation and use of money, they also teach how our hearts should be oriented as we give. If we give "God's way" then we should expect to be blessed in the process. It's a kind of growing in grace if you will.

What kind of ministry should a donor experience? Is that too much to ask of a school or crisis pregnancy center?

But, if the fundraising methods "work", then do we really care whether they are secular or not? A ministry can raise great sums with a secular appeal with a little Bible sprinkled in to sanctify or bless it. But, God will not be mocked. If a ministry pays lip service to God's provisions, why should he throw open the gates of heaven and bless it?

As a donor I want to see my local or national ministries flourish especially in times of economic stress. When they do I can see the Lord defying conventional wisdom and demonstrating that He is, in fact, the owner of everything.

Here is the continuation of last week's list:

Donor Right #6: Make the connection to the Gospel a regular part of our dialogue; let me know you are more than Christian in name only.

Donor Right #7: Show me good stewardship of how you spend money; get an annual audit or accreditation from ECFA. Also, let me know how you are leveraging your gifts to help other works that are similar to yours.

Donor Right #8: Remind me that accumulation is fleeting (and dangerous); I need to remember that I cannot take it with me

Donor Right #9: Get to know me personally; help me connect my own passions and provisions with Kingdom purposes.

Donor right #10: Show me the eternal consequences of this work; even more than the direct relief it provides.

If donors demanded more of ministries then maybe that would drive the ministries to seek the scriptures to learn how they should go about raising resources.

Then, and only then, should they expect to experience God's favor in His pouring out more from the heavenly treasure stores He controls.

If you believe this way of thinking is helpful please contact me and we can discuss where to go from here.