"A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum"
Two weeks ago I was sitting in a wonderful training course sponsored by The Stewardship Alliance (http://www.thestewardshipalliance.com/). In this first day of a three-day course I was struck down with an illness that caused me to be hospitalized for 5 days.
I hate being confined, not able to come and go when and where I wish. Yet, the ultimate Stewardship Officer had me on my back to remind me of some important things, things that I might not have thought about unless He had my full attention.
Our God is so good; He is always the best at using (shall I say redeeming?) the time we think is wasted.
During my hospital stay I was allowed to think more holistically about my role as a father, husband, church member, and stewardship officer. The change in venue let me see that I need make some changes to my work and life priorities and schedule.
I am returning to my "normal life" with renewed purpose for my work, appreciation for those who love and care for me, and how I can better balance all of these to give God the glory He deserves.
While I do not recommend these forced down times, the summer can be a good time to review our plans, re-connect with key donors and volunteers, and to test what we do in light of the mission of the school.
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Stewardship - The Heart of the Matter
I Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
When you are not "on the clock" what kinds of things do you think about and discuss with others?
Here are a couple of approaches - neither describes anyone exactly, but they represent two tendencies or orientations.
"I'm a fundraiser or administrator all day long. I want to have some downtime with people and not have them see me as one-dimensional."
"Every day that God gives me I will proclaim His glory to anyone and everyone who gives me the opportunity to share the Good News and to encourage others to walk in the way."
As I grow older I realize that my interactions with people will not continue forever. This includes family, friends and strangers.
We stewardship officers have an obligation to be good stewards of our own time, talent and treasure. For many, we may have more time and talent than treasure. So, how will we spend these?
Are we still supposed to witness and encourage others in their "gift deployment" when we are on vacation? Is it presumptuous to believe that relatives and strangers want to discuss what is on our minds?
Here is a question that I have to ask myself to help me make the right decision, "If today was the last day I ever see this person, what do I want them to remember from our recent conversation?"
I think we have a special obligation to be "on call" everyday, ready to give the reason for our hope in Christ and why we do not fear the grave.
That does not necessarily mean that we are advocating for our school at every turn, but it does mean that we care enough for others that we want them to experience the grace of our Lord Jesus.
And, yes, you may be the bearer of that good news!
Go, be blessed, and be a blessing!
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
When you are not "on the clock" what kinds of things do you think about and discuss with others?
Here are a couple of approaches - neither describes anyone exactly, but they represent two tendencies or orientations.
"I'm a fundraiser or administrator all day long. I want to have some downtime with people and not have them see me as one-dimensional."
"Every day that God gives me I will proclaim His glory to anyone and everyone who gives me the opportunity to share the Good News and to encourage others to walk in the way."
As I grow older I realize that my interactions with people will not continue forever. This includes family, friends and strangers.
We stewardship officers have an obligation to be good stewards of our own time, talent and treasure. For many, we may have more time and talent than treasure. So, how will we spend these?
Are we still supposed to witness and encourage others in their "gift deployment" when we are on vacation? Is it presumptuous to believe that relatives and strangers want to discuss what is on our minds?
Here is a question that I have to ask myself to help me make the right decision, "If today was the last day I ever see this person, what do I want them to remember from our recent conversation?"
I think we have a special obligation to be "on call" everyday, ready to give the reason for our hope in Christ and why we do not fear the grave.
That does not necessarily mean that we are advocating for our school at every turn, but it does mean that we care enough for others that we want them to experience the grace of our Lord Jesus.
And, yes, you may be the bearer of that good news!
Go, be blessed, and be a blessing!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Asking Stewardship Questions
Matthew 13:3-9
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.
As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
He who has ears, let him hear."
Development (or stewardship) officers have the opportunity to engage in powerful and revealing conversations with donors. Sadly, we tend to have only our own goals in mind and we miss the ministry potential.
What would happen if we were to ask questions that cause donors to think about their legacy before they think about their checkbook? Are there questions that can do this?
Bob Buford in the book Half Time www.HalfTime.org suggests, "What do I want to be remembered for?" This question moves from the current to the future and gets to the heart of who the donor is and wants to be.
Another question could be "If we were sitting three years from now, what would have to happen for you to say, 'This has been a significant time in my life; here is how my plans were realized'?"
One more question: "What do you want your epitaph to say?"
The follow up questions go something like this, "Is your personal mission and are your plans leading you to the conclusion that you desire?"
If not, then maybe we can be of some assistance in helping our friends with next steps. Even if we can't, just asking good questions in a non-judgemental way can be a blessing.
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.
As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
He who has ears, let him hear."
Development (or stewardship) officers have the opportunity to engage in powerful and revealing conversations with donors. Sadly, we tend to have only our own goals in mind and we miss the ministry potential.
What would happen if we were to ask questions that cause donors to think about their legacy before they think about their checkbook? Are there questions that can do this?
Bob Buford in the book Half Time www.HalfTime.org suggests, "What do I want to be remembered for?" This question moves from the current to the future and gets to the heart of who the donor is and wants to be.
Another question could be "If we were sitting three years from now, what would have to happen for you to say, 'This has been a significant time in my life; here is how my plans were realized'?"
One more question: "What do you want your epitaph to say?"
The follow up questions go something like this, "Is your personal mission and are your plans leading you to the conclusion that you desire?"
If not, then maybe we can be of some assistance in helping our friends with next steps. Even if we can't, just asking good questions in a non-judgemental way can be a blessing.
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.
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, June 8, 2009
The Development Year in Review - How was it?
When we think of this past year, or are asked about it by peers or managers, our responses might be along these lines:
1. We raised __% of our annual fund goal
2. We had these activities or events that involved these constituents
3. We produced this brochure, or video, or improved the web site
4. We raised foundation money amounting to __
5. This % of our parents participated in the annual fund
Why do we describe our work this way? I suggest that it is because these are tangible measures of "performance" against a particular goal. And, none of these descriptors are wrong; they are valuable metrics. The problem is that they don't tell the whole story as I described in my last blog.
Try this. Call three or four donor/friends who you have had the most interaction with this year and ask them to evaluate your work. Listen to what they say and see how they describe you. I hope you hear something like this.
This is not to boast, but it is to show forth our Lord's mighty hand in changing hearts. Two weeks ago a donor/friend said to me, "Harold, had it not been for our interactions and your challenge to give generously to the Lord, I would have not known to do it".
By God's grace this man has joyfully increased his giving ten-fold from where he was before. The amounts are not important; the growing in grace is.
God created us, Jesus saved us, and the Spirit lives in us so that we can reflect (show forth) His glory. That is to say that we may need to evaluate or measure our performance in non-traditional ways.
This is why I suggest that Christian development officers have a ministerial orientation. If not, then we simply do what the non-Christian world does and see how much we can extract from folks that "have plenty".
The One who has plenty owns it all (cattle and hills, right?) and He will give it to our schools in response to our faithfulness to Him.
To "summarize", don't leave out the choicest morsels from your year-end review, even if you cannot put a number on them.
1. We raised __% of our annual fund goal
2. We had these activities or events that involved these constituents
3. We produced this brochure, or video, or improved the web site
4. We raised foundation money amounting to __
5. This % of our parents participated in the annual fund
Why do we describe our work this way? I suggest that it is because these are tangible measures of "performance" against a particular goal. And, none of these descriptors are wrong; they are valuable metrics. The problem is that they don't tell the whole story as I described in my last blog.
Try this. Call three or four donor/friends who you have had the most interaction with this year and ask them to evaluate your work. Listen to what they say and see how they describe you. I hope you hear something like this.
This is not to boast, but it is to show forth our Lord's mighty hand in changing hearts. Two weeks ago a donor/friend said to me, "Harold, had it not been for our interactions and your challenge to give generously to the Lord, I would have not known to do it".
By God's grace this man has joyfully increased his giving ten-fold from where he was before. The amounts are not important; the growing in grace is.
God created us, Jesus saved us, and the Spirit lives in us so that we can reflect (show forth) His glory. That is to say that we may need to evaluate or measure our performance in non-traditional ways.
This is why I suggest that Christian development officers have a ministerial orientation. If not, then we simply do what the non-Christian world does and see how much we can extract from folks that "have plenty".
The One who has plenty owns it all (cattle and hills, right?) and He will give it to our schools in response to our faithfulness to Him.
To "summarize", don't leave out the choicest morsels from your year-end review, even if you cannot put a number on them.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Capacity to give
James 2:1-4
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
In the development world we (are instructed to) think in terms of the "big hitters" or the ones with capacity to give. When we focus on the larger donors we are efficient with the use of our time and have, as it were, greater productivity.
This philosophy presupposes that the "most valuable" donors are those who can or do give the largest amounts. While the school (or other organization that we represent) deserves our best efforts, I wonder how the Lord sees this work.
What really comes into play is the idea of ministry. Does the school see donors as a "necessary evil" that we must engage with because our own finances are inadequate? Or, are we convinced that, like the body of Christ, we are designed for meaningful connections, which goes deeper than a simple monetary transaction?
While most schools would say, "Of course we care about our donors more than their current capacity to fund our program", our actions may tell a different story. James warns us about judging with evil thoughts. It looks like we are guilty if we look only at the externals and not at the heart and soul of the person who God has brought us into relationship with.
OK, so what does this look like in practice? I suggest the following:
1. Look at our own hearts. Do we truly love ALL of God's people - would others confirm this assessment?
2. Can we genuinely celebrate the smallest (the mites) gifts and those who give them?
3. Do we act on that celebration by investing time and prayer with these friends?
The tyranny of the urgent is always nipping at our heels. But our Lord is also placing people in our lives who (although externally poor) have a richness that needs to be affirmed and encouraged.
Can you remember the last time you welcomed the poor stranger?
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
In the development world we (are instructed to) think in terms of the "big hitters" or the ones with capacity to give. When we focus on the larger donors we are efficient with the use of our time and have, as it were, greater productivity.
This philosophy presupposes that the "most valuable" donors are those who can or do give the largest amounts. While the school (or other organization that we represent) deserves our best efforts, I wonder how the Lord sees this work.
What really comes into play is the idea of ministry. Does the school see donors as a "necessary evil" that we must engage with because our own finances are inadequate? Or, are we convinced that, like the body of Christ, we are designed for meaningful connections, which goes deeper than a simple monetary transaction?
While most schools would say, "Of course we care about our donors more than their current capacity to fund our program", our actions may tell a different story. James warns us about judging with evil thoughts. It looks like we are guilty if we look only at the externals and not at the heart and soul of the person who God has brought us into relationship with.
OK, so what does this look like in practice? I suggest the following:
1. Look at our own hearts. Do we truly love ALL of God's people - would others confirm this assessment?
2. Can we genuinely celebrate the smallest (the mites) gifts and those who give them?
3. Do we act on that celebration by investing time and prayer with these friends?
The tyranny of the urgent is always nipping at our heels. But our Lord is also placing people in our lives who (although externally poor) have a richness that needs to be affirmed and encouraged.
Can you remember the last time you welcomed the poor stranger?
Monday, March 9, 2009
"Teacher, be teachable"
Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Ph. 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
One of the problems that I have observed is that many of us operate as Lone Rangers in the fund raising world. We reason that:
"I'm paid to do this, so it's my job"
"No one else knows how the development function works (in my unique situation), so there is no one who can really help."
"I have volunteers who help with mailings and things - isn't this asking?"
It seems that we administrators have a strange sense of pride when it comes to asking for real help and wisdom. Some of us have the need to "go it alone" in our work believing this is our calling or burden. Or, maybe we are already overloaded. I have been told that "I don't have time for advice; I can't get everything done as it is!"
The foolish person does not know what they do not know and, hence, plunges ahead without the benefit of wisdom from others.
The wise person knows what they don't know and and he or she has great respect for the wisdom and insight of others.
Are you known for being teachable? Do you seek advice from others? A wise friend once reminded me that Jesus taught in parables or stories and that our communications should include stories of how God has blessed families through our school. That was great advice; ever since we try to tell stories of the consequences of a Christian education and to dwell less on our particular need. Our donors, like us, relate to stories.
Whether you seek advice from someone within the school, or a donor, or a peer, make sure you are doing so with a humble heart and that you are earnestly seeking advice, not just using the conversation as a pretense for some other objective. God knows and sees the condition of our hearts.
As we teach others about stewardship we need to be seeking the Lord's wisdom in every aspect of our work. It may mean putting down the mailing and picking up the phone.
Ph. 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
One of the problems that I have observed is that many of us operate as Lone Rangers in the fund raising world. We reason that:
"I'm paid to do this, so it's my job"
"No one else knows how the development function works (in my unique situation), so there is no one who can really help."
"I have volunteers who help with mailings and things - isn't this asking?"
It seems that we administrators have a strange sense of pride when it comes to asking for real help and wisdom. Some of us have the need to "go it alone" in our work believing this is our calling or burden. Or, maybe we are already overloaded. I have been told that "I don't have time for advice; I can't get everything done as it is!"
The foolish person does not know what they do not know and, hence, plunges ahead without the benefit of wisdom from others.
The wise person knows what they don't know and and he or she has great respect for the wisdom and insight of others.
Are you known for being teachable? Do you seek advice from others? A wise friend once reminded me that Jesus taught in parables or stories and that our communications should include stories of how God has blessed families through our school. That was great advice; ever since we try to tell stories of the consequences of a Christian education and to dwell less on our particular need. Our donors, like us, relate to stories.
Whether you seek advice from someone within the school, or a donor, or a peer, make sure you are doing so with a humble heart and that you are earnestly seeking advice, not just using the conversation as a pretense for some other objective. God knows and sees the condition of our hearts.
As we teach others about stewardship we need to be seeking the Lord's wisdom in every aspect of our work. It may mean putting down the mailing and picking up the phone.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Ron Blue on Economic Uncertainty
Based on the January 2009 video seminar presented by Ron Blue, Kingdom Advisors
For more information on Kingdom Advisors, click here to visit their website.
For more information on Kingdom Advisors, click here to visit their website.
Perspective on Prosperity
- The paradox of prosperity - the more you have the more choices you have which leads to greater confusion and complexity, resulting in less real freedom.
- We do not have financial peace of mind or financial freedom even though the net worth of American families is well beyond what it was 50 years ago.
An economic perspective
- Economic uncertainty is always symptomatic of the violation of biblical principles - we cannot borrow our way to prosperity or peace. "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender's slave." (Proverbs 22:7NASB)
God's Perspective on Economic Uncertainty
- Economic uncertainty is certain
- God will never leave you "...I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b HCSB)
- Do not fear "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10a HCSB)
A Spiritual Perspective
- Faith and fear cannot coexist - one will tend to dominate "...while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18 NASB)
- Fear reveals what I worship
- The eternal perspective begins with understanding God's ownership of everything I have
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone," (1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NASB)
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