Two months ago I met with newer school family who had given a small annual fund gift in December. The family was thrilled with how their child was doing in the school and is grateful to the Lord for leading them to our school. They have become regular volunteers and are present at all school functions.
However, it was only seven months earlier when the parents were concerned that they could afford the tuition, much less the younger siblings who were not school age yet.
Throughout the school year, God blessed their private business and grew it to the point that they gave me permission to speak to them about a larger year-end gift. When we met together we looked back over the year and marveled at God's abundant provisions to their family that is now totally committed to Christian schooling. In the span of a few months, they went from "can we afford tuition?" to "how can we say thanks for the blessings?".
So, I encouraged the family to pray about a gift that reflects their thankfulness. I promised not to ask again, but that I would pray for them as they sought the Spirit's leading in how to respond.
The result? This week we received a gift that was almost 6 times their first gift! When I called to thank the father he told me that they feel very good about this act of worship (giving).
Further, he said that they believe this is just the beginning of giving larger and more frequent gifts.
We are called to help people connect faith and finances for their growth and God's glory.
Showing posts with label Thanks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanks. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanking the Lord for Fundraising
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
Too many people have told me that raising resources is a "necessary evil" in the administration of the school.
I think these folks have their theology and history wrong. Raising resources to advance the Kingdom to win others to Jesus has always been part of the fabric of the Christian life.
We recognize that every good gift came from God, that these are merely on loan to us, that good stewardship was an obligation and (when done with a right spirit) a joy. The apostle Paul commended believers for their generous giving as they responded to God's mercy and forgiveness (see the Macedonians).
Nowadays we think, "If someone would die and leave the school with this giant estate, then all our troubles would go away." No, they wouldn't. Lack of funds is not the problem anyway; lack of funds is a symptom of another problem. We'll talk about that another day.
Plus, why should our "problems" go away? In Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica (as in other letters), he addressed persecution of the faithful. He told us to persevere and continue to worship and, yes, to give thanks - in all circumstances.
No, I don't want fundraising to be easy or fast. Here is why:
Please pass the gravy....
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
Too many people have told me that raising resources is a "necessary evil" in the administration of the school.
I think these folks have their theology and history wrong. Raising resources to advance the Kingdom to win others to Jesus has always been part of the fabric of the Christian life.
We recognize that every good gift came from God, that these are merely on loan to us, that good stewardship was an obligation and (when done with a right spirit) a joy. The apostle Paul commended believers for their generous giving as they responded to God's mercy and forgiveness (see the Macedonians).
Nowadays we think, "If someone would die and leave the school with this giant estate, then all our troubles would go away." No, they wouldn't. Lack of funds is not the problem anyway; lack of funds is a symptom of another problem. We'll talk about that another day.
Plus, why should our "problems" go away? In Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica (as in other letters), he addressed persecution of the faithful. He told us to persevere and continue to worship and, yes, to give thanks - in all circumstances.
No, I don't want fundraising to be easy or fast. Here is why:
- It keeps me listening and looking for the Lord's leading in my work
- It reminds me that raising funds is not technique-dependent; while it does require that I do everything with excellence as our Lord deserves.
- It keeps me praying and causes me to praise as friends become generous givers
- It makes me grateful for each gift as it comes in - I can celebrate the details of God's blessing
- It allows me to look back and see how the Lord provided for our needs and gave exactly what we needed
Please pass the gravy....
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Give Thanks - Get Blessed
2 Corinthians 9:7-15
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
One of the best aspects of being a stewardship or development officer is getting to call thank donors for their gifts.
In these conversations I have the opportunity to hear the story behind the gift.
Here is an example. I called and spoke to a school parent who made a gift to our school. They were quick to say that giving is their pleasure and privilege; that they wish it could be more, but they will continue to give as God enables them to do so. They said they would continue to give after their son graduates because they are thankful to God for establishing the school and they want to help the next generation get this kind of training.
This is where the "bi-lateral" aspect of giving comes in; when the donor received blessing from God as they respond with grateful hearts to His provision of faith and other blessings (Christian education in this case).
If we are too busy to acknowledge gifts with personal contacts like phone calls, then we are too busy.
Take some time out of today to make a call or two - you will be glad you did!
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
One of the best aspects of being a stewardship or development officer is getting to call thank donors for their gifts.
In these conversations I have the opportunity to hear the story behind the gift.
Here is an example. I called and spoke to a school parent who made a gift to our school. They were quick to say that giving is their pleasure and privilege; that they wish it could be more, but they will continue to give as God enables them to do so. They said they would continue to give after their son graduates because they are thankful to God for establishing the school and they want to help the next generation get this kind of training.
This is where the "bi-lateral" aspect of giving comes in; when the donor received blessing from God as they respond with grateful hearts to His provision of faith and other blessings (Christian education in this case).
If we are too busy to acknowledge gifts with personal contacts like phone calls, then we are too busy.
Take some time out of today to make a call or two - you will be glad you did!
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Special Ask
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
There are times in the course of the year that require a special ask. A special ask is one where we are seeking funds for a particular project or need or opportunity that cannot be met through the normal annual fund giving.
What do we do in those instances? I believe that biblical generosity can be expressed in planned and unplanned ways. After all, if our donor-friends are oriented toward giving, then they would not be offended even if they were not able to respond at the time.
Here is a story that demonstrates this. We had a family whose dad was called up from the Reserves for Desert Storm. The military pay was lower than what the dad earned in his own business, so the family had serious challenges maintaining tuition payments.
Here is how the Lord led me to approach the problem:
1. Find out the size of the need - tuition for the balance of the year - $8,000
2. Think of families or individuals who are in the mode of helping the school
3. Call and present the situation - explain that this is a special request due to unforeseen circumstances
4. Present the entire amount and ask if he or she could see themselves helping and whether they were in position to do so
5. If they asked how much (some did), I suggested no more than $2,000 because I wanted to enlist the help from others who would like to share in the opportunity to help the family
Here is what happened:
1. Six out of seven I contacted people agreed to participate - from $500 to $1,500
2. They were pleased to be asked - it was a great cause
3. They thanked me for thinking of them
4. None wanted anything (card or letter) from the receiving family
When we are building relationships where stewardship is emphasized we are building a "platform for giving", one that honors the Lord who gives and owns it all.
What a privilege it is to be able to have relationships like this - it is also good for the asker to see God's mercy up close!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
There are times in the course of the year that require a special ask. A special ask is one where we are seeking funds for a particular project or need or opportunity that cannot be met through the normal annual fund giving.
What do we do in those instances? I believe that biblical generosity can be expressed in planned and unplanned ways. After all, if our donor-friends are oriented toward giving, then they would not be offended even if they were not able to respond at the time.
Here is a story that demonstrates this. We had a family whose dad was called up from the Reserves for Desert Storm. The military pay was lower than what the dad earned in his own business, so the family had serious challenges maintaining tuition payments.
Here is how the Lord led me to approach the problem:
1. Find out the size of the need - tuition for the balance of the year - $8,000
2. Think of families or individuals who are in the mode of helping the school
3. Call and present the situation - explain that this is a special request due to unforeseen circumstances
4. Present the entire amount and ask if he or she could see themselves helping and whether they were in position to do so
5. If they asked how much (some did), I suggested no more than $2,000 because I wanted to enlist the help from others who would like to share in the opportunity to help the family
Here is what happened:
1. Six out of seven I contacted people agreed to participate - from $500 to $1,500
2. They were pleased to be asked - it was a great cause
3. They thanked me for thinking of them
4. None wanted anything (card or letter) from the receiving family
When we are building relationships where stewardship is emphasized we are building a "platform for giving", one that honors the Lord who gives and owns it all.
What a privilege it is to be able to have relationships like this - it is also good for the asker to see God's mercy up close!
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?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Ten blessings in hard economic times
Ten Benefits (Blessings) for Christian Schools During Difficult Economic Times
S. M. Outlar
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds….” James 1:2
1. We are more astute in utilizing the school’s finances.
Proverbs 30:8 “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
2. The school becomes a special haven of security for soul and body of constituents during turbulent economic times.
Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”
3. The world gets to see what we are made of - Resurrection Power!
Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”
4. We are driven to prayer and trust in our Lord.
Psalm 86:6 “Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.”
5. Provide stewardship (money management) seminars for our families.
I Samuel 12:23 “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.”
6. Reach out to needy families in our community with food, goods and the
Gospel of Grace.
Psalm 37:3 “ Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
7. Consider how we might collaborate and partner with other Christian schools.
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
8. Stimulate and exemplify unity among the body of believers during times of stressful and fractured relationships.
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
9. A time to reassess our purpose for existing as Christian schools.
Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”
10. To practice the truth that it is better to give than receive.
Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."
S. M. Outlar
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds….” James 1:2
1. We are more astute in utilizing the school’s finances.
Proverbs 30:8 “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
2. The school becomes a special haven of security for soul and body of constituents during turbulent economic times.
Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”
3. The world gets to see what we are made of - Resurrection Power!
Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”
4. We are driven to prayer and trust in our Lord.
Psalm 86:6 “Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.”
5. Provide stewardship (money management) seminars for our families.
I Samuel 12:23 “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.”
6. Reach out to needy families in our community with food, goods and the
Gospel of Grace.
Psalm 37:3 “ Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
7. Consider how we might collaborate and partner with other Christian schools.
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
8. Stimulate and exemplify unity among the body of believers during times of stressful and fractured relationships.
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
9. A time to reassess our purpose for existing as Christian schools.
Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”
10. To practice the truth that it is better to give than receive.
Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Friday, March 13, 2009
Encourage each other, please
Five times in Paul's letters to the church at Thessalonica we see the word encourage. Here are a few:
1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
2 Thessalonians 2:1617
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Someone you know needs a to hear a good word from you today. Not just a saccharine greeting, but a specific, "this is what I appreciate about you."
Look out the window and think about a donor or a colleague that would be blessed with your thoughtfulness and care. Then, call or write - don't put it off.
With the work we are called to do, even (especially?) the workers could use some words of encouragement.
While you're at it, drop me a line at hnaylor@tca-pa.org and tell me how the blog is hitting you. I want to be sure these "hits and missives" are hitting the mark.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Harold
1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
2 Thessalonians 2:1617
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Someone you know needs a to hear a good word from you today. Not just a saccharine greeting, but a specific, "this is what I appreciate about you."
Look out the window and think about a donor or a colleague that would be blessed with your thoughtfulness and care. Then, call or write - don't put it off.
With the work we are called to do, even (especially?) the workers could use some words of encouragement.
While you're at it, drop me a line at hnaylor@tca-pa.org and tell me how the blog is hitting you. I want to be sure these "hits and missives" are hitting the mark.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Harold
Monday, March 2, 2009
So, how and where do I start?
"The problem with this transformational approach is that, while I understand and agree with the biblical stewardship model, I don't know where to start."
Here is an approach that may help but, remember that this must be from your heart; otherwise it will come across as a formula or technique.
1. Lead with a heart of joy, gratitude and prayer. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Thank the Lord for your special work and for the giving community that is part of the school.
2. Get a list of your board members (both current and former) and have an in-person conversation with each that goes something like this:
- thank you for your stewardship to our school - you have given time, talent and material resources
- how did you get involved with the school in the beginning? What did see or believe that brought you?
- what do you see today that keeps you involved? Are there any special aspects or programs that feel really connected to?
- what do see that we need to do to better fulfill the Lord's mission for the school? What does our "future state" look like?
- do you or have you considered what you might be called to do from here on? What gifts do you have that you are being lead to share with the school? How can I assist?
- how can I do what I do in a way that conveys blessing and encouragement rather than just asking for a handout or looking at you as only a "giving unit"?
3. Repeat the above with long-term and large donors, those who have a major stake in the school.
Here is an approach that may help but, remember that this must be from your heart; otherwise it will come across as a formula or technique.
1. Lead with a heart of joy, gratitude and prayer. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Thank the Lord for your special work and for the giving community that is part of the school.
2. Get a list of your board members (both current and former) and have an in-person conversation with each that goes something like this:
- thank you for your stewardship to our school - you have given time, talent and material resources
- how did you get involved with the school in the beginning? What did see or believe that brought you?
- what do you see today that keeps you involved? Are there any special aspects or programs that feel really connected to?
- what do see that we need to do to better fulfill the Lord's mission for the school? What does our "future state" look like?
- do you or have you considered what you might be called to do from here on? What gifts do you have that you are being lead to share with the school? How can I assist?
- how can I do what I do in a way that conveys blessing and encouragement rather than just asking for a handout or looking at you as only a "giving unit"?
3. Repeat the above with long-term and large donors, those who have a major stake in the school.
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