The Compelling Case

If you had a chance to give a reason for your school's existence, what would you say?  Would you give them your school's mission or vision statement?  Here are the typical definitions:

A Vision statement outlines where you want to be in the future. Communicates both the purpose and values of your business. A Mission statement talks about HOW you will get to where you want to be. Defines the purpose and primary objectives. The problem with both of these as it relates to resource raising is that they are internally focused - mostly about what and how we do what we do. What we need is a Compelling Case for our existence that draws others into the next level of conversation so that they might see if God is leading them to participate with your school.  Consider "Tall Oaks Classical School exists because this nation needs a generation of young leaders who are committed, through classical and Christian education, to redeem the culture and our future for Christ". This kind of general and provocative response could cause more questions to be asked and then we can have a productive dialog about the "what" and "how" of the next steps. Similarly, if someone asked about your job at the school, don't just say "I raise money and resources for the school".  That doesn't invite more conversation; it could cut it off. Instead, consider this: "God has called me to help His people to see and to appreciate their riches so they can be used to bless God and others". These answers are designed to be short and engaging so that we can listen as much as we speak.  Proverbs 1:5   "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--"