The Christian schooling movement has many challenges. In this blog, I write about how we have hurt ourselves and our cause by not thinking biblically about the work of fundraising. When we adopt secular methods because "they work" we can miss the calling we have to raise up joyful and generous givers. God is not honored when we reduce our work to just getting funds without regard for the messages we send.
At a higher level, there is another recent challenge to the Christian schooling movement, the advent of classical charter schools. These are public schools that take advantage of the somewhat liberal laws for charter schools and they make an end run around Christian by hiring believers as teachers and use the Bible as "great literature".
In Galatians 6:7 Paul reminds us that God will not be mocked -that doing good is defined by pleasing the Spirit. Patch Blakely, Executive Director of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools exposes the flawed thinking of Christians who think you can have it both ways, classical with some Christian. Read his well-written article, It's Not Classical and Christian http://www.accsedu.org/ and about CCE.
Excellent Christian schooling is neither free or easy, nor should it be. If you believe that your school could use a little assistance, please visit http://www.advancechristianschools.com/ and see if mentoring would help you lead your school more effectively.
Showing posts with label Mission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mission. Show all posts
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
When a Building is not a Building
For many schools, owning their own building is a (the?) measure of security, permanence and stability. Ownership implies that the school will be around for a long time and is in this community as a good and stable neighbor. Many schools design their own building and have the architect design a structure reflecting the values and priorities of the school's mission (see last week's post).
If a school buys a building they may still personalize it to have it conform to the methods and philosophies in its charter.
However, while we do these things, which are good in and of themselves, we need to guard against our own sinful desires to build monuments. Remember the Tower of Babel.
I am not railing against owned buildings. Buildings can pull the school families and the operations together in healthy ways. And, when done in the context of thoughtful stewardship, they can be very positive. In some cases, owning is less costly in cash flow than renting.
However, while capital campaigns can be wonderful for raising resources and support, they are not the answer to every problem.
I am very aware of this as my school, Tall Oaks Classical School, has just moved into a wonderful facility that we are blessed to be able to rent for a reasonable rate from a church who is also committed to Christian education.
Owning a building can be a burden. Think of our own homes. If the government didn't give us an incentive to ownership through the mortgage interest deduction, would we buy? If we didn't expect the value to increase (common these days), would we buy? We have to maintain, insure and upgrade an owned facility. This effort takes significant resources, time and money.
And, if there is a mortgage, how many educational decisions are impacted by the need to service the debt.
We can go on, but a "building is not a building" when it becomes a drain on resources or distraction from the mission to educate children.
As stewardship officers I ask us all to think biblically about each decision we undertake and test it against our school's mission and the Lord's total ownership of the school.
If a school buys a building they may still personalize it to have it conform to the methods and philosophies in its charter.
However, while we do these things, which are good in and of themselves, we need to guard against our own sinful desires to build monuments. Remember the Tower of Babel.
I am not railing against owned buildings. Buildings can pull the school families and the operations together in healthy ways. And, when done in the context of thoughtful stewardship, they can be very positive. In some cases, owning is less costly in cash flow than renting.
However, while capital campaigns can be wonderful for raising resources and support, they are not the answer to every problem.
I am very aware of this as my school, Tall Oaks Classical School, has just moved into a wonderful facility that we are blessed to be able to rent for a reasonable rate from a church who is also committed to Christian education.
Owning a building can be a burden. Think of our own homes. If the government didn't give us an incentive to ownership through the mortgage interest deduction, would we buy? If we didn't expect the value to increase (common these days), would we buy? We have to maintain, insure and upgrade an owned facility. This effort takes significant resources, time and money.
And, if there is a mortgage, how many educational decisions are impacted by the need to service the debt.
We can go on, but a "building is not a building" when it becomes a drain on resources or distraction from the mission to educate children.
As stewardship officers I ask us all to think biblically about each decision we undertake and test it against our school's mission and the Lord's total ownership of the school.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Mission (statement) is the Mission
As we go out and "sell" our schools to the investing public, we should be careful to remember that we are asking donors to join us on this amazing journey to something larger than we could ever do alone.
For example, the Mission of Tall Oaks Classical School (http://www.talloaksclassicalschool.org/) is:
The mission of Tall Oaks Classical School is to assist parents in preparing their children to excel in every duty and calling God has for them throughout their lives by providing a Classical and Christ-centered curriculum designed to equip our graduates with the tools to acquire, process, express, and defend knowledge from a Biblical worldview.
Notice these key words and phrases: assist parents, excel in every duty and calling, defend knowledge, Biblical worldview. These are large ideas that conjure up the idea of transforming society by unleashing a new generation of change agents. Change agents who carry out and extend the Great Commission that our Lord Jesus has given us.
We need to communicate our mission often and broadly. Our parents and other stake holders can be amplifiers of the vision which, when chewed upon, yields some stimulating flavor, just like the sugar cane I chewed on as a boy.
The stewardship officer serves up the mission to people who are looking to connect their passions for the next generation with a school that is clear about what God has called it to be and to do.
Take some time this summer thinking through how you can make the mission the school's rallying cry.
For example, the Mission of Tall Oaks Classical School (http://www.talloaksclassicalschool.org/) is:
The mission of Tall Oaks Classical School is to assist parents in preparing their children to excel in every duty and calling God has for them throughout their lives by providing a Classical and Christ-centered curriculum designed to equip our graduates with the tools to acquire, process, express, and defend knowledge from a Biblical worldview.
Notice these key words and phrases: assist parents, excel in every duty and calling, defend knowledge, Biblical worldview. These are large ideas that conjure up the idea of transforming society by unleashing a new generation of change agents. Change agents who carry out and extend the Great Commission that our Lord Jesus has given us.
We need to communicate our mission often and broadly. Our parents and other stake holders can be amplifiers of the vision which, when chewed upon, yields some stimulating flavor, just like the sugar cane I chewed on as a boy.
The stewardship officer serves up the mission to people who are looking to connect their passions for the next generation with a school that is clear about what God has called it to be and to do.
Take some time this summer thinking through how you can make the mission the school's rallying cry.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Purpose-Driven Fundraiser
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
In the development world we are always connecting with people and explaining our work. When asked, many of us would answer "I am the development officer for ...." or "I am the fundraiser for ....". True enough, that describes our specific function, but it falls short of the wonderful purpose God has given us to be catalysts for biblical stewardship.
If we see our purpose as larger (dare I say global?) then we may begin to approach our work as more than fulfilling a role in the organizational chart or raising a certain sum of money.
What if you answered the "what do you do" question with "My role is to encourage people to unleash resources from their wealth and plow them into the Kingdom". To which, they would reply (after they chuckled in amusement), "That's a tall order".
Indeed it is and that is why it requires the very word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit.
However, if we let the Spirit do the "heavy lifting" of changing hearts, then our work is one of being an aid to and a messenger of the One who owns all of the resources and our very lives in the palm of His hand. And, according to Scripture, we are to test God in this and see if He does not throw open the floodgates of heaven.
When we look at our work with this bigger view we are better positioned to be a help to the donor. Even if we are part of an effort that causes the donor to give to a ministry other than our own, we can rejoice because the donor was blessed in the act of giving.
"Raising our gaze" gives our work the high calling that it should have.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
In the development world we are always connecting with people and explaining our work. When asked, many of us would answer "I am the development officer for ...." or "I am the fundraiser for ....". True enough, that describes our specific function, but it falls short of the wonderful purpose God has given us to be catalysts for biblical stewardship.
If we see our purpose as larger (dare I say global?) then we may begin to approach our work as more than fulfilling a role in the organizational chart or raising a certain sum of money.
What if you answered the "what do you do" question with "My role is to encourage people to unleash resources from their wealth and plow them into the Kingdom". To which, they would reply (after they chuckled in amusement), "That's a tall order".
Indeed it is and that is why it requires the very word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit.
However, if we let the Spirit do the "heavy lifting" of changing hearts, then our work is one of being an aid to and a messenger of the One who owns all of the resources and our very lives in the palm of His hand. And, according to Scripture, we are to test God in this and see if He does not throw open the floodgates of heaven.
When we look at our work with this bigger view we are better positioned to be a help to the donor. Even if we are part of an effort that causes the donor to give to a ministry other than our own, we can rejoice because the donor was blessed in the act of giving.
"Raising our gaze" gives our work the high calling that it should have.
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.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Legacy - What we leave behind
Everyone of us has a legacy. Our legacy is what is left behind once we depart this earth. Many people when asked about legacy see it only in financial terms, such as "I am leaving my children and grandchildren with enough to have comfortable lives."
Recently, I had meetings with two men who are fairly generous. They are over 60 and, when asked about their mission or life goals, they were very unsure about what they should do. Hence, they don't invest their time and other resources with intensity or a plan.
The "legacy" question is right behind the "mission" question. I have been asking this question of (mostly) men 50 years old or older and getting these responses:
1. I never really thought about it - I guess to say that I lived a good and honorable life
2. To be known as someone who is kind and helpful, putting others' needs before my own
3. A wonderful marriage and children who know right from wrong
4. That people knew I was a Christian and lived my faith to the fullest
All of these are commendable, but they fall short of a mission or purpose that ties all this together. Without an idea of where we believe God is calling us, we cannot really answer the legacy question.
How can a development officer assist a donor-friend in this endeavor?
1. Pray that our friend is open to the Lord's leading
2. Connect them with an organization like http://www.halftime.org/ who helps people walk through these very questions
3. Ask ourselves whether we are doing what we do because of a call or vocational choice. How do we know? Would others agree that stewardship and discipleship are at the core of our being?
4. Love our donor-friends in ways that communicate that we are truly concerned about their total well-being, which includes helping them ask (and answer) "is that all there is?"
Lastly, remember to show grace to others as we ask these tough questions - we have witnessed the ultimate display of grace when we recognize what our Lord Jesus came to do for us.
Recently, I had meetings with two men who are fairly generous. They are over 60 and, when asked about their mission or life goals, they were very unsure about what they should do. Hence, they don't invest their time and other resources with intensity or a plan.
The "legacy" question is right behind the "mission" question. I have been asking this question of (mostly) men 50 years old or older and getting these responses:
1. I never really thought about it - I guess to say that I lived a good and honorable life
2. To be known as someone who is kind and helpful, putting others' needs before my own
3. A wonderful marriage and children who know right from wrong
4. That people knew I was a Christian and lived my faith to the fullest
All of these are commendable, but they fall short of a mission or purpose that ties all this together. Without an idea of where we believe God is calling us, we cannot really answer the legacy question.
How can a development officer assist a donor-friend in this endeavor?
1. Pray that our friend is open to the Lord's leading
2. Connect them with an organization like http://www.halftime.org/ who helps people walk through these very questions
3. Ask ourselves whether we are doing what we do because of a call or vocational choice. How do we know? Would others agree that stewardship and discipleship are at the core of our being?
4. Love our donor-friends in ways that communicate that we are truly concerned about their total well-being, which includes helping them ask (and answer) "is that all there is?"
Lastly, remember to show grace to others as we ask these tough questions - we have witnessed the ultimate display of grace when we recognize what our Lord Jesus came to do for us.
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