Development is Relationship, right?

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a development workshop at a Christian college.  The vice president of development spoke about the importance of relationships.  The major points:

• Why people don't give to an organization (they aren't asked, aren't convinced, or don't understand)
• Why we fund raisers are hesitant to ask (don't know how and fear of rejection) 
• Fund raisers need a Fund Raising Plan comprised of:
• Create the case
• Have needs and objectives
• Identify potential giving sources
• Develop the plan
• Make the ask
• Important details
• Developing the "ask cycle"
• Cultivation
• Communication

While I can agree that all these are useful pieces, this method or techniques misses the heart of stewardship: raising up donors to be generous to God with thankful and glad hearts. 

Sadly, had it not been for the venue of the meeting, this training could have been at any secular non-profit organization.  The gospel, discipleship, the Bible's instruction on giving were no where to be found.

I believe that God has "raised up" Christian fund raisers to help people to connect their faith and their finances.  In this way, God uses us to show His dominion and authority over all of life, including how we do our charitable giving.  Biblical stewardship gives us a road map of how we are to disciple donors.  It also give donors an impetus and template by which they can respond to God's blessings by returning to Him money to be used for Kingdom expansion.