Last week I met with a major donor to the school. This was our first sit down meeting where we were able to get beyond the quick conversations in the normal course of school events.
I asked him to tell me his story about family, work, and his coming to Christ. As we discussed his work I asked him to tell me about his passions. "No one ever asks about my passions", he replied.
As we talked more, this man talked about a new and exciting ministry in which he and his church are involved. It is a ministry to homeless families that requires lots of hands-on time from the church that is working with that family for that week. My donor friend says this is good way of putting feet on his faith. Direct involvement, versus writing checks, engages us in a way that has the gospel penetrating hearts more deeply.
Knowing his bias for action allowed me to present an opportunity to take on ambassador role with the school. This role will allow him to use his communications skills and his passion for classical and Christian education.
Getting to know donors at the heart level does not require that we know them for a long time. It does require that we listen well and to ask permission to present some other ideas that could fit well with their skills and interests.
What happens next? We both go back and pray that the Holy Spirit clarifies and directs. Our objective is not to get every job filled with a good match, but to see the Kingdom expand as His saints take up the mantle of stewardship of everything He has entrusted to our care. Even our entire lives are not ours.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
Thanks, Harold...Your insights into Kingdom-building (and inviting others into the work) are very encouraging to me, and reading these short blog posts has sparked some creativity in my own efforts. I appreciate your perspective so much!
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