The Beauty of Consistency

In the story from Paul Trip below, we see how the Holy Spirit works through difficult experiences to bring Himself glory and for us to participate in the process of being grace givers.

Even though this is a general "devotional", the message for stewardship officers is clear: Don't be buffeted by the storms of relational life, trust that God is accomplishing His purposes, and rejoice when we get to see spiritual growth.

Relationships: Something Bigger

We were surprised. We simply didn't see it coming. We thought things were going well. We thought we'd built a good relationship. We thought that we'd been good neighbors. We lived in a twin house, with our landlady living in the attached home with her adult daughter. For reasons we couldn't understand, the daughter began to get mad at us. She would yell and curse at our children. She would play her stereo very loudly late at night, waking our children. She did everything she could to make our lives miserable. We didn't understand what was happening and everything we tried to do to make things better only made things worse.

Things came to a head on the Fourth of July. Months earlier she'd let us use a refrigerator that she wasn't using. Luella's parents were up for a visit and we'd gone out and bought more food than we'd normally have in the house. On a hot Friday afternoon we got a call from the landlady's daughter saying that she wanted her refrigerator back. We asked her why she needed it so suddenly and she told us that it was hers and she wanted it back in the garage by five o'clock. I couldn't believe it! What were we going to do with all the extra food that we'd bought? Why would she do this to us?
I was quietly angry all afternoon. I was tired of the tension. I was incensed at her meanness. And I rehearsed to myself over and over again what I'd like to say to her. Luella was making cinnamon rolls and as I walked into the kitchen to check on her progress, she suggested that we send a plate of fresh, hot rolls over to our landlady's daughter. I thought, "Yea, right, that's exactly what I was thinking!" But Luella wasn't finished. She then suggested that I write a note telling our landlady's daughter how much we cared for her and how much we were committed to having a good relationship with her. I think it was the hardest letter I ever had to write.

In about forty-five minutes I found myself at our landlady's front door, praying for a dog (some of you will get that later). I knocked and our landlady came to the door. I gave her the cinnamon rolls and she told me that after the way her daughter had treated us I must be some kind of nut doing such a thing. That afternoon we began to look for ways to do good anyway we could in the face of the evil way we were being treated.

For months we stayed committed to our love offensive, but with all of our noble efforts, nothing seemed to be changing. Then one spring afternoon, there was a knock at our door. The moment I saw our landlady's daughter, I thought to myself, "What now?!" When I got nearer to the door and could see that she was upset, I was even more concerned about what may be coming next. She asked if she could come in and talk to us. Luella and I sat down with her at our dining room table and listened as she said these amazing words to us. "You both know that for months I've been a very angry person. It hasn't been directed just at you. I've been angry with everyone in my life. I've destroyed all of my relationships. I've alienated everyone in my life. The only two people in the world who I am sure love me are you and Luella. I'm here to ask for your forgiveness and to ask for your help. I want what's enabled you to respond to me as you have."

What is the point of the story? It surely isn't meant to highlight my character! I struggled to do what was right every day of those seemingly unending months. No, what the story points out is that in the messiness of our relationships, there's always something bigger going on. Our relationships are never just about us. They're never just about our plans, our purposes, and our happiness. They're never just about who we want to be around and what we'd like to offer or receive from those relationships. There’s always something bigger going on because there's a God who is sovereign. He puts us right where he wants us and he never gets a wrong address! In our relationships he takes us where we don't want to go in order to produce in us and others what we couldn't achieve on our own.

In those difficult months with our landlady's daughter, God wasn't only working to rescue her; he was working to rearrange me. The tough relationship wasn't the result of God's forgetfulness. It was a clear sign of his love, for us and for our landlady's daughter. So as you live and relate to the people in your life, there's one thing that you need to remember. You'll never fully understand what's happening and you'll never do and say the right thing until you begin to recognize and accept that in every relationship in your life there's always something bigger going on.

God bless

Paul David Tripp

The Stewardship of Talent

In this blog I describe the sphere of our work to include God's gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure. This is the reason I prefer the term "stewardship". Stewardship allows us to speak in terms of all three types of gifts.

Identifying talent for the Kingdom is an important role for the Development and Stewardship officer. Actually, it is important for every member of the leadership of the school. When done well, resources are identified and applied to the school in a way that blesses the donor as they become good stewards of their talent gifts.

Most people do not walk around proclaiming their own greatness or their skill in a particular area; that would be the sin of pride. However, it is helpful for each of us to see and assess the gifts that God gave us to use to glorify Him.

Since we know that God Himself is generous, we can proceed on the assumption that He has lavished many gifts on His people. So, we start with the "presupposition" that everyone has some talent and we can help uncover these. Sometimes the gift is not reflected in the specific vocation or experience background; we may have to dig deeper and listen longer.

Here is an example. One of our new donor friends wanted to come and learn more about where she could be of assistance. When we looked at her background of science, there wasn't a great fit, at least not at the present time. We probed further and we learned that she really wants to come in and assist a teacher in a lower grade. So, now she is happily ensconced as a Kindergarten aide one day each week. Praise God for good fits!

One word of caution is in order. As we interact with our donor friends, we must be careful to be encouraging (which is biblical) and not flattering (this is sinful). This goes to our motives. Are we doing what we do to manipulate to achieve a certain goal, or are we raising up people to honor the Lord by applying gifts for His glory and for their edification?

Raising talent can be more difficult than raising money, but it is part of the ministry to which we are called. Let us do so with vigor and confidence; this comes from God, too.

Hospital visits and Stewardship

I have some friends who are in the hospital right now. One is very ill and close to death. The others will survive, but they are in serious situations.

God has given me a burden and desire to visit these friends, so I have been travelling to the hospital every day for awhile to listen, comfort and pray for those who are suffering terribly. Much of the time is spent sitting next to the family members who are worried, tired and grieving. The hope they have is in the Great Physician who is pleased to work through mortal doctors and nurses.

What do hospital visits have to do with stewardship? They remind me of some important truths and they help keep me calibrated and motivated. Here are a few that may resonate with you:

1. Every day I wake is a blessing from God, a day to acknowledge Him as my Master Scheduler.
2. The fact that I can walk into the hospital and walk out is another blessing. So, my tiredness is not important.
3. Everyone needs a good word and human touch. As disciples of Christ we are to come alongside (Gal. 6) and help bear one another's burdens.
4. Giving resources to Kingdom work (including mine) is important, but it is not always the priority; life and death issues can consume the whole mind of a donor.
5. Life on this earth is short. We need to make good use of our time.
6. Our hospital-bound friends may be receptive to the gospel; they may be experiencing the lack of other "saviors", like health and status and wealth.
7. God is pleased when we keep the well-being of others foremost in our minds. If I leave my home thinking, "Where will the next big gift come from?", I am not thinking the Lord's thoughts.

How does the practice of hospital ministry impact my fund-raising? It gives me a sensitivity and care for others and keeps me grateful for the blessing of availability.

A Donor's Self-Portrait

When we speak to donors we have the opportunity to "interview" them about their passions so we can see if and how our school (or other ministry) fits into their giving make-up.

A donor may not be able to quickly articulate their passions for others; after all, who asks questions like that?

By asking about other ministries the donor gives to, we can begin to triangulate on what types of work blesses the heart of the donor. Then, if we are active listeners, we follow up by saying, "so your heart is really moved you see....., right?"

This happened to me today. My friend almost got teary-eyed when he described the before and after pictures of surgeries used to repair cleft pallets. I never knew about this burden for underprivileged children, but it helped me see a little more of the donor's heart.

As we went through the other areas of interest I was developing a composite picture of a generous giver with a heart for restoration of lives through various venues and methods. Now, when I see something about one of his areas of interest I can forward that to him.

These "touches" keep us in ministry dialog even when we are not the immediate recipient of monetary gifts. However, blessings come in many forms and we not should presume to know when and how the Lord might move the donor in the direction of our school.

Be still and....

This is the Day!

There is a light snow falling this morning as we wait for the year to run out the clock and we are ushered into a new year and decade.

What thoughts come to your mind as you consider the year past and where we go from here?

Here are some musings from someone who has had a nice two-week break from most of my usual activities:

1. Seek the Lord - Deut. 4:29 "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and will all your soul."

We can be gazing heavenward even as we work and toil on this earth. Our charge is to seek Him first and all these things will be added...

2. Trust in the Lord - This is the time to remember that all good things come from the hands of an always good God who has our best interests in mind.

3. Try to see our ministry as only one small part of the Kingdom work - While what we and our ministries do is vitality important for the community and beyond, God is not constrained by our shortcomings; nor is He more potent if we are experiencing growth and greater impact.

4. Reflect Jesus - every meeting or interaction is an opportunity to represent the One who sends us. Remember His kindness and compassion and His desire to see the fullness of what He has to offer.

5. Go deeper - In a world characterized by thin and temporal relationships, make every effort to have meaningful interactions so that others will be valued. We, too, have a greater sense of satisfaction when we can think of one or two really great conversations.

6. Seek the "bi-lateral" blessing of matching a donor's desires with the ministry needs. It may mean a non-cash opportunity, but God Himself will release the funds at the right time and in the right amount.

7. Expect the unexpected - these are not "normal" times in the non-profit world. Look for new approaches and partnerships that can yield even greater impact - it may mean that we don't control everything.

8. Make connections with peers - if we have ever needed the support and encouragement from each other it is now. Set aside time each week or month to connect with a peer who can encourage you and who you can do the same for.

9. Laugh at yourself - We can take our work seriously, but let us not take ourselves to seriously. Our Lord who reigns in heaven must look down on our (often) clumsy efforts and smile at our attempts to be successful.

10. Can't think of one more - drop me a line and finish the list, please....

God Bless!

A Reason to Give Generously

Philippians 4:10-19


I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.


I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.


I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.


I can do everything through him who gives me strength.


Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.


Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.


Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.


I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


Recently, my school had the kick-off of the Annual Fund campaign, a drive to raise $150,000. I had the privilege of inviting guests to consider a Kingdom investment into Tall Oaks Classical School ( http://www.talloaksclassicalschool.org/ ) that would impact the educational lives of hundreds of young people.


Armed with this superior training these young people go on to be witnesses for Christ in the many endeavors of their lives, professionally, in families, and in the community.


This argument for giving is the "value proposition" and it is good place to start as donors are considering where they should give.


It was and is freeing to be able to invite people to give because it is also good for them to give. I do not have to single-handedly raise the funds. The One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will provide. That position allows us fundraisers to be grateful receivers of these gifts.


Paul is encouraging generous giving so that "it may be credited to their (heavenly) account". He knows from where his help comes and knows that his needs will be met.

How about our own school or ministry? Are we trusting the Lord to provide so that we can minister to others in the grace of giving? As we encourage our friends to give as they have been given we are helping them to become "conduits of blessing" where riches are passed through, not bottled up where they will become stagnant and useless.

Let's not let the calendar or fiscal year dictate how we interact with fellow believers. If we believe our theology about God's timing and His sovereignty we have the freedom to walk alongside and be the ministers of stewardship God has called us to be.

How Much is Enough?

Proverbs 30:8-9

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

When we speak to our donor-friends, there is an overarching question that runs through their minds and one that must be dealt with if they are going to be able to return to the Lord the maximum amount.

Sadly, however, our society promotes accumulation of wealth so the answer to the "how much is enough" question is not one that is dealt with. So, if we want more and more or are afraid that there will not be enough to cover unforeseen events (health care comes to mind), we and our donor-friends never get to see that we may have enough or even more than enough.

Many of our major donors are 50+ years old. They are thinking and planning for retirement. In doing so, they may make assumptions about lifestyle and future expenses that preclude them from seeing that they could be contributing mightily to the Kingdom today. They go on to reason that they will contribute from what is left over. Sadly, they never get the joy of seeing their wealth make a difference.

In order to do this analysis we should refer the donor to the Christian advisor who can help in doing the analysis. Ron Blue (Crown Ministries and Kingdom Advisors) and Generous Giving are two organizations that are committed to maximizing Kingdom impact while ensuring that the donors real needs are provided for.

We can help get the planning process started by asking a few questions:

1. What do you see yourself doing after you complete your paid work?
2. Have you and your spouse talked about and planned for "post-career" ministry?
3. What Kingdom works would you plow into when you are not tied to a daily schedule? What is it about these that blesses your heart?

Don't be afraid to ask these questions. You might be surprised at the answers and how little our friends have thought these through.

Whenever we do ask these legacy questions, we should do with grace and appreciation to the Lord for the privilege of engaging in this kind of conversation.

Transforming People Through Relationships

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

There are at least four elements that help people become generous givers:

1. Teaching
2. Relationships
3. Experiences
4. Appropriately-asked questions and attentive listening

I would like to speak about experiences today and the questions and listening in the next blog.

One of the most effective discipleship "gifts" is to put people in touch with other generous givers, even if they don't give to your school or ministry. As a matter of fact, it may have even more impact since there is no appearance of manipulation to our particular cause. These interactions can inspire others in their giving journey.

A second way to inspire givers is to introduce them to stories of other givers. There is something powerful about hearing the testimony of someone with whom you can relate. The Holy Spirit can and does quietly work in the hearts of people when they sit back and contemplate someone else's journey.

Appeal letters that feature generous giving can be very powerful especially if the readers can "hear" the first-person account of how they came to this point.

Lastly, and very carefully, we can share our own lives and what the Lord has done and is doing in terms of our stewardship. It sis important that we speak from first-hand experiences, lest we fall into the trap of being outside of the process and lose the legitimacy of our ministry.

There are several cautions as we share our own story with others:

1. Check your heart - make sure you are not puffing yourself up or using experience to coerce others
2. Remember Who brought us this far - it is a work of grace that we can stand and testify; give glory to God in all things
3. Ask yourself -would this be the kind of witness that will encourage?

To think of donors is to understand their needs and offer appropriate encouragement. This means we have to know them well enough to know to how to communicate. Also, we have to have our own antennae up to see the stories that are appropriate for sharing.

I suggest we find others in our stewardship world who will "sharpen our iron" as well.

Joyous is the Generous Giver

"Never be afraid to challenge someone to do something significant for God."
John Haggai

Giving generously can be seen on three levels:

Level 1 - "Should Give" - that proportion that we are commanded to give, like the tithe

Level 2 - "Could Give" - that which given from a look at our assets, or balance sheet

Level 3 - "Would Give" - finish line giving - "if God were to provide this, then I..."

When we meet with donors, we may be looking only at our institution's specific need and this donor's ability (or capacity) to give. When we do that we are missing the heart issue. "Listen" to some of these questions and see if they would help to open up new dimensions (and blessings) for our donor friends. Also, listen slowly and allow our friend to think through the answers - you may be the first to have posed these questions.

1. Are you giving to all the ministries that tug at your heart?

2. If not, what is in the way of you doing so?

3. If there were no limitations, what you give, why to these, and how much and in what time frame?

Sometimes we settle for a specific gift because we have our own goals. But, if we were to put our donor-friends' interests and spiritual growth higher, there would be some amazing ministry happening. Here is what we and our friends can look forward to:

1. They will experience God and His joy in a greater way
2. Their heart will grow for God
3. They will experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from doing something significant
4. It will break the power of money in their lives
5. They will be eternally rewarded - Matt. 6:19-21. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
6. They will please God and their faith will grow

But, there is more - there are wonderful benefits to us as well:

1. We are seen as "enablers of grace"
2. We have a more significant relationship with our donor-friends; again, we may have been used the Spirit to show them aspects of their stewardship lives that they had never seen.
3. We can learn from them and be encouraged ourselves - we need to grow, too
4. We have a greater sense of satisfaction than just "getting the gift"

So, joyous is the generous giver - joyous are we to be used in this process!

Sowing and reaping - doing good

Galatians 6:7-10

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."

There are (at least) two frustrating dimensions in development:

1. Having so many rejections when you are in the middle of doing so much to raise funds - planting seeds.

2. Having those you report to get frustrated because the money is not coming fast enough - this is the "long germination" syndrome.

There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. Farmers and gardeners will experience a lot of anxiety, watching over the dormant seeds for weeks and weeks.
But, it always comes up. We will see the fruit and benefits "come up". Paul is reminding us not to lose heart - we are called to persevere even when the odds or conditions are stacked against us.

What is "doing good" sowing? In verse 10 we are told to "do good" to all people, but especially Christians. This phrase is very sweeping and comprehensive. It means that we are not confined to evangelism and discipling; loving is larger than that. It means seeing a need and meeting it, as it is in our power to do so. Alleviating pain and comforting are examples.

How does this help me in my development goals? Paul does not tell us; he leaves us to guess. Maybe we are to "discover" the benefits of such a lifestyle. In the short run, such a life entails a tremendous number of sacrifices. You bind your heart up emotionally to people who may have no intention or ability to respond in kind. You may miss other "more profitable" relationships where the giving ground is more fertile.

Here are some benefits. Lives are changed, and we may even be thanked. Second, we may have been used to be a soothing balm in a family. Third, we may see those who burdens we have carried become burden bearers.

If we do not only measure our sowing by outward success, we will find our own character changed deeply through ministry. Our consciences will be clear and hearts happy since we are less self-indulgent. We develop a less selfish and more faithful character which serves us well under pressure.

Even under the pressure of raising funds.

Lessons from a timeshare

In order for someone to "buy" our school to the point where they will contribute several key hurdles must be crossed. Before we look at those, let me share an interesting sales experience I had recently; going through a timeshare sales presentation.

There are things we can learn from the secular world; after all truth is truth whether people credit the truth Giver or not.

Before you roll your eyes, consider this fact: three of ten presentations result in a sale. Yes, from a "dead stop" to writing a check takes less than 2 hours. A sale of something a person did not know they needed from a total stranger to a new mortgage in 120 minutes.

I am asking, "Wait! We're selling something with lasting and eternal significance and it takes us (sometimes) years to see people make their first contribution. What gives?"

Here is the anatomy of our experience:

1. Getting us to sit down and declare our (vacation) priorities - our values
2. Letting us dream about what we could do (vacation-wise) without regard for price - our passions
3. Showing us the impact and flexibility of our purchase (fixed price, weeks anywhere, easy upgrade and deluxe accommodations)- our plans
4. Showing us the full price - and us saying "no way could we do that" - our resources
5. Giving us a sense of urgency - "this deal will not be here tomorrow" - our timing
6. Finally, presenting us with a workable plan that met our budget (we didn't buy, but it was enticing)- our legacy

How about the Christian school, or any ministry for that matter?

I contend that what we experienced in this sales experience is a marvelous example of how we can meet our donors where they are and usher them (as the Holy Spirit leads the process) to invest in a better investment, the lives of future generations.

There are many differences between selling a timeshare and the "selling" of Christian education, but there are key similarities:

1. Values - what do they believe about children and their education?

2. Passions - what is the dream that is only limited by current resources?

3. Plans - What is their timing and situation in terms of Kingdom investments (it may not be education, which is OK)

4. Resources - what is available for investment? income, assets, time, talents, connections?

5. Timing - Is this the time that the Lord is leading to make an investment?

6. Legacy - What will be the lasting impact? Reflect back on the values and passions

I do not advocate trying to go from stranger to supporter in 2 hours, but I would not preclude it either.

What we can learn is that donors' hearts and heads (just like ours) must be connected before decisive action can be taken.

By the way, every seller of the timeshares was first a committed and an enthusiastic owner.

Finding your voice

Exodus 4:10-17

Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?

Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."

Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.

You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.

He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him."

How often have we contemplated an upcoming interaction with a school friend, only to be paralyzed with the thought that we do not know how or what to say? I hope it is with some frequency; otherwise we are operating too much in our own strength.

The beauty of being in Christian ministry is that we have an (The) advocate who gives us words to speak if we just ask and make ourselves available.

Even more, we have the ultimate "advance man", the Holy Spirit, who goes before us and prepares the way. In this sense, He is working in the heart of the recipient to ready them for what the Lord has brought you to speak.

This is true for the broad communications like mailings and events; we can ask the Lord and He is pleased to stoop down from heaven to hear the heartfelt prayers and petitions of His children. Fathers are like that.

Finding your voice is also recognizing (as Moses did) that he does not speak alone. Aaron came alongside and supported the message and helped in a very visible way. Think of yourself as a member of a large and skilled choir. A single voice is heard and appreciated, but the orchestrated music of many voices coming together in one blended and beautiful voice is a gift from heaven.

Custom-designed stewardship

When we see how people came to salvation in the Scriptures it becomes clear that each person's salvation experience was custom-designed for the new convert. Look at how Nicodemus was called, how Jesus drew the disciples, and how perfectly suited Paul's experience was in order that he was met where he was and drawn savingly into a new relationship with Christ.

That is how it is with us in the work of raising funds for our school. Our "stewarding" the steward is to be done in a way that meets each school friend where they are. Think of the different types of friends we interact with.

We will work with current parents, alumni parents, alumni, other relatives, and donors with other connections; a large range of ages and maturity. Each one is on his or her own walk with the Lord; Christian maturity occurs at different rates and on different paths.

By the way, all of this applies to you and me, too.

Some are still wrestling the ownership issue: "I earned it, didn't I?"

Some believers understand ownership, but worry about the future expenses.

Some have thought about legacy, but don't know how to think about leaving money to their children.

Some need some guidance about the tithe and storehouse giving.

Many (most?) of us need to understand and believe the basic stewardship message: God has given many good gifts (material, time, and talent) which reflect God's glory and are to be used for Kingdom purposes. This can be a huge stumbling block, but it must be addressed before we may propose sacrificial giving.

Since most fund raisers are not trained in the "ministry" of stewardship, we tend to resort to shotgun techniques of raising funds; shoot big blasts into the air and see how many birds (coins and bills) fall to the ground.

Broad-based awareness raising (letters, events, etc.) is critical for gaining understanding about the school, but it is not generally where and how the money comes in. The people who send gifts are motivated by something else and our work (calling) is to "get in on" what God is doing in that person's life and encourage them to follow Jesus with vigor and confidence.

When we humbly come alongside our school friends we are doing ministry in a way that reflects the One who sent us.

God is the fund rasier - Rich Haynie

Part 2 from the article "The Road Less Travelled"

There is a second principle that distinguishes the two roads, again by the agents involved. On the wide road, the world's road, the burden for raising the funds is on us. On the road less traveled, God is the fund raiser. This principle is vital to understanding our role. Misunderstand it, and we can greatly misdirect the biblical precedent for raising money.

We see this clearly marked out for us in I Chronicles 29:9; Exodus 35:2 1; and II Corinthians 8 and 9 (esp. 9:7). I Chronicles 29:9 tells us, "The people rejoiced ... for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart." Exodus 35:21 says, "And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord's contribution.....”. And 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart.....”.

Notice that the response of the people in each instance is a heart response. A need was shared and hearts were stirred and spirits moved, resulting in giving. Only one person can perform such a feat: God Himself. Proverbs 2 1:1 says, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes." In other words, God is the fund raiser.

So then, what is our job? To find that answer we need to notice what preceded these events of generous giving:

I Chronicles 29:9 - David presented the need in obedience to God's issuing of the vision in I Chronicles 28:6.

Exodus 35:21 - Moses presented the need based upon God's command from Mt. Sinai in Exodus 34:32.

II Corinthians 8 and 9 - Paul presented the need (as seen in chapter 8) and even received the liberty to "follow up" (chapter 9) based on his calling as an apostle in Romans 1: I and stated many other places.

Our job is to present the need. We understand this responsibility clearly in witnessing. We are told that our job is to be ambassadors for Christ. We are to deliver the message of the King. As we plant the seed of the gospel, God reveals the truth of His Word. Oswald Chambers wrote, "We are not commissioned to save souls, but to disciple them." When Simon Peter confessed Jesus as "...the Christ, the Son of the Living God," Jesus said to him, "...flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven." God makes Himself known to unsaved men as believers faithfully deliver His message.

The same is true in fundraising. We are simply called to present the need and allow God to reveal to each donor his or her financial participation. This is an extremely liberating concept from the messenger's standpoint. As we are led to present the need, we need not worry about the results, since they do not depend upon us. "Rejection" does not exist. We should keep our eyes squarely focused on the role of giving the message or presenting the need.

Walking along this road less traveled is only possible because of a tremendous assurance in Scripture: God's provision. Philippians 4:19 tells us, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." If a legitimate (God-initiated) ministry exists, then God has already provided for its financial need. We are not required to "create" funding or to convince others that they "need" to participate financially. God has already appropriated the funding; our job is to share the need and allow God to identify those to whom He has given the resources.

Are Development Directors Mis-named?

John 21:17

Our first call as Development Directors or Advancement Officers is to be ministers. Ministry means to serve, and with that consideration it is possible that we may be inappropriately titled.

Actually there is a pastoral hue upon those of us called to help find the financial resources to sustain a given ministry. Such a repositioning of our calling may cause us to reconsider the priorities in our present role.

In a real sense we are Stewardship Shepherds. Our mission is to nurture souls, not necessarily to negotiate gift giving. In the mandate of the Lord to Peter, He said, “Feed my sheep,” not fleece the flock! That ‘feeding’ includes prayer for the potential donors, passion for God’s will in their lives, and a pursuing of the Word of God and the parceling out of it to the sheep (donors).

We must be careful to shed the robe of being seen as money mongers. Rather we should clothe ourselves in the garment of His righteousness. Doing so does not diminish “the ask,” but rather prioritizes our approach.

Our mantle should be that it is far better to feed the flocks than forage the donor in the name of fundraising.

May the Lord give us great discernment and sensitivity as we reconsider our titled positions. Let us consider being recalled, retooled and renewed so that we are seen as Stewardship Shepherds.

From Sandy Outlar, Headmaster of Lancaster Christian School, Lancaster, PA