Ready to Start a New Year

In Exodus 33:12-18, God calls Moses to lead His people.  Moses comes back to the Lord in this amazing conversation and says:

• Who are You sending with me?
• Teach me your ways so I may find favor with you
• Remember that this nation is your people

God replies, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

As if to underscore the necessity of God's Presence Moses says, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us?  What else will distinguish me and your people from all of the other people on the face of the earth?"

As we know, God is pleased with Moses and insures that Moses' requests are granted.  In the big picture, it is Moses coming into alignment with God's plans.

As resource raisers, we must pray that God's Presence (the Holy Spirit) is going ahead and with us.  It is incumbent on us to realize our total dependence on the Lord to raise up givers and gifts. 

As Moses declared, we dare not venture into the financial fray without asking to be filled with His Presence and to follow His lead.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9.

Let's make it an obedient year!

The Christian View of "The Good Life"

I am reading a book by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision called The Hole in Our Gospel. In it he says,

“Three clear principles differentiate the scriptural view of our money from the “American Dream” view:

1. It’s not our money
2. It all comes from God
3. We are not entitled to it but entrusted with it.

God expects us to use it in the interest of the Kingdom. How about you? ... Whose “game” are you in? Our own? Or God’s? We don’t have to be in full-time ministry to be in God’s game, but we do have to serve God full-time--as stewards of all that He has given us.

If we are in God’s game, we need to put the American Dream to death, because God’s game is a different game altogether.”

Tomorrow morning I am meeting with a new donor to our school. This is the message I need to articulate with him. Sadly, our culture and (most) money advisors guide people on how to accumulate and spend on our ourselves.

In development and fundraising, we always want to keep asking the question, "To what end or for what ultimate purpose."

It will help us keep our eye on the true prize.

Is Your School Worthy of Funding?

Most of what I write about deals with the our interaction with donors and helping them see the case for generous giving to the Lord. This is a very important aspect of our work, that is to "raise up and disciple cheerful givers."

Impetus for giving comes from the Holy Spirit's moving in hearts to release resources to grow the Kingdom.

But how are we doing as worthy receivers of these blessings?

Some are basic requirements; some help donors decide how much they want to invest.

Is our financial house in order?

1. How reasonable are our expenses relative to our size?
2. Are we charging the right tuition? Too low is not good stewardship; it's not a sustainable business model.
3. Do we have externally reviewed statements?

Are we "on mission" and improving?

1. Is accreditation part of the annual or bi-annual review process?
2. Does the board take time to assess and course correct our plans?
3. Are we talking to and listening to parents to insure that we are aligned?
4. What are our plans for growing and developing our teachers?

Have we assessed the risks or challenges?

1. What are the financial hurdles that face the school?
2. Are we thinking about leadership and succession planning?
3. Are we looking for ways to enhance employee compensation?

Do we have an exciting and promising future?

1. Can our donor friends see the impact in the community and in our world?
2. Can our friends see where they can participate; and not just financially?
3. What are some of the big plans that generate enthusiasm from others?

This is not a comprehensive list, but it will help us put ourselves in the shoes of those with whom we meet.

We always need to be able to answer the answer, "What is it about our school that makes it a compelling destination for meaningful investment?"

Stewardship Question: How Much is Enough?

Philippians 4:12
"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."

How much is enough? This is one of the really hard questions for people (me included) to answer.

You might say, "Why should we ask the question; aren't we just trying to help people become generous toward God?" I would say yes and I would also say that we can help people see how God has already providing for them so they can see how they can give more today.

Just this week I had the conversation with someone I am close to and we were able to step through a "poor man's" financial needs worksheet. We talked about:

• Getting debt free


• Retirement cash flow


• What he wanted to allow his children's remaining education, transportation, wedding and even a down payment on a house


• Health care and long-term living

After this brief analysis we concluded and agreed that he had plenty for every foreseeable and unforeseeable event.

Ready to give now? No, not really. "There might be something else", he declared.

That's the way it is with our work. We are the Holy Spirit's messenger of the Good News that Christ is all we need. How our friends respond to this and other biblical truth is a function of spiritual maturity.

We should still ask the questions and provoke people to think more deeply. From my experience, we stewardship officers may be the only people asking these questions. Praise the Lord that there are some Christian financial advisors who will do so, too.

Working together, while allowing the Spirit to do the heart work, we may be able to help our fiends get relief from the burden of wealth.

Christian School Fundraisers - Start Your Engines!!

Today is the beginning of the last summer month. For many of us, it isn't even a whole month to get our plans mapped out and key dates set on the calendar.

As we get ready to greet the students and parents back, now is a good time to look at our overall plans and see if we are ready to hit the school year running.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Are the major dates and plans on the calendar?


2. Have you thought about the major themes you want to convey?


3. Who are some key donors you want to contact before the year begins?


4. Have you thought and prayed about some key volunteers that you want to bring along to help share the load?


5. What books or articles do you need to read to get your mind and heart focused on where the Lord wants you?


6. Have you picked a big goal that, without the Lord's supernatural work, will make a large difference in the life of the school?


7. Who are your prayer and accountability partners?

This also a good time to renew some professional friendships and to run these ideas and plans by.

Who knows, maybe someone has some insight that could help you be more successful.

The Stewardship of Wisdom

Proverbs 13:10
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice"

"No one can give me advice about this problem; our school is unique!" So goes the excuse of those who refuse to admit their shortcomings while wandering in the development wilderness.

I believe that almost one out of every two or three schools is going through some sort of transition or organizational challenge. Some of these are routine and can be handled with internal resources. Some, though, are thornier and could be helped by having perspective and wisdom from others not directly involved.

Sadly, I see schools wrestle unnecessarily rather than "hang out the dirty laundry" for all the world to see.

Isn't it interesting that we want donors to come to us for advice in how much and where to give their money, but we wouldn't ask them to help us sort out a complicated issue in our own work?

We are focusing effort now on future plans for the school. It's not quite strategic planning (though planning is involved) and not a capital campaign (though it involves raising funds); it is something a little different. A few weeks ago I was frustrated and felt totally incapable of knowing the next step. God, in His abundant provision, put several wise people in the meeting who helped clarify the issue and map out the next step or two.

If we are serious about raising time, talent and treasure, it may mean that we have to genuinely solicit advice from our friends who can (and want to) help. It means that we cannot use the meeting as a subterfuge for an ask or to gain their favor for a future gift.

It means that we say "you have some wisdom and perspective that could be helpful in this situation". Then, we stay quiet, listen and pray through what we heard.

Donors have much to contribute; let's make sure we ask for the wisdom gift to be shared as well.

The Essence of Stewardship

When asked to describe "development", how do you answer the question? For most of us, I suspect, it begins with a explanation of the needs of the school and how we can raise money from our various constituencies. And, yes, our school is worthy of support; that almost goes without saying.

"Listen" to one of the leaders of the biblical stewardship movement, Wes Willmer:

“Stewardship is God’s way of raising people, not man’s way of raising money.”
Wesley K. Willmer, God & Your Stuff (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2003), p. 9.

I need to hear this. You see, it's not so much the "what" of development and fundraising (auctions, appeals, golf outings, etc.), it's the "why" and "how" that is critical. Be sure that the Lord cares very much about how we "do" fundraising; it reveals so much about how we think about ourselves, the donors, and how God works in providing for our school.

For instance, when you think of ways to "close the gap", does your mind race to the people who have the most wealth, or the ones with the fanciest car? These are the people who SHOULD be willing to give because they have so much, right?

Some of these donors need to be "raised", but not just asked for a gift. Other donors are well on the path to living like they know the Provider, and they are naturally more generous. The approach we should employ is different for each, but it should always be with their spiritual growth in mind.

In these days when we are planning for the next school year, take some time to evaluate and pray about the essence of stewardship and how that is manifested in your actions.

The Stewardship of our Time - Loving well

John 3:16–20

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.

In this passage, we see that John questions whether it is possible to truly have God’s love in you if you have no compassion for the poor. He uses as his example Christ’s love manifesting itself through the sacrifice of His very life.

God didn’t just give a little for us; He gave His best. He gave Himself. John is saying that it is no different for us: True love requires sacrifice. And our love is shown by how we live our lives: “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

One of the clearest ways we love “with actions and in truth” is through giving to others. By giving, I don’t mean just money, although that is certainly an element of it.

Another important element of giving is with our time. Most of us are so busy that the thought of adding one more thing to our weekly schedule is stressful. Instead of adding in another thing to our lives, perhaps God wants us to give Him all of our time and let Him direct it as He sees fit.

Giving that is not motivated by love is worth nothing. Paul says from this kind of giving we “gain nothing”; however, when we give out of love, we gain much. Giving results not only in heavenly compensation, but also gives us great joy in our lives here and now. As we love more genuinely and deeply, giving becomes the obvious and natural response. Taking and keeping for ourselves becomes unattractive and imprudent.

So, in our many interactions, maybe we can slow down, breathe deeply and really try to love the person across the desk or table.

When God Changed my Plan

"A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum"

Two weeks ago I was sitting in a wonderful training course sponsored by The Stewardship Alliance (http://www.thestewardshipalliance.com/). In this first day of a three-day course I was struck down with an illness that caused me to be hospitalized for 5 days.

I hate being confined, not able to come and go when and where I wish. Yet, the ultimate Stewardship Officer had me on my back to remind me of some important things, things that I might not have thought about unless He had my full attention.

Our God is so good; He is always the best at using (shall I say redeeming?) the time we think is wasted.

During my hospital stay I was allowed to think more holistically about my role as a father, husband, church member, and stewardship officer. The change in venue let me see that I need make some changes to my work and life priorities and schedule.

I am returning to my "normal life" with renewed purpose for my work, appreciation for those who love and care for me, and how I can better balance all of these to give God the glory He deserves.

While I do not recommend these forced down times, the summer can be a good time to review our plans, re-connect with key donors and volunteers, and to test what we do in light of the mission of the school.

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.

Discipleship Through Listening and Asking Questions

In the discipling work that we do, we can contribute to our donor/friends through the process of self-discovery; that is, asking questions that draw them into deeper thinking about their own stewardship.

Before we look at the list, it is always important to remember that asking questions should be done with a humble heart, keeping in mind that we did not always "get it" nor are we the agents of change. The Holy Spirit does the heart work; we are used by Him to help others see the Lord in deeper and more profound ways.

Also, for men like me, listening is a difficult skill. It is much more than just taking turns at talking. It is a high-energy effort that requires full attention to both the "what" and "how" is being said. It means not racing ahead to the next point so we can arrive at the proper conclusion. Building relationships is a process and we need to understand that transformation (as it is for us) is a marathon, not a sprint.

Even when we have the time, we may not have the relationship yet to ask really probing questions. It is also important not to get ahead here, too. Asking permission is a good way to know how to proceed.

All that said, here are some questions that can be helpful in beginning the dialogue to generous giving:

• Why do you give?
• Who is the owner of all you possess?
• How much (money) is enough?
• What is an appropriate lifestyle?
• Where do you experience the most joy in giving?
• Who is the next steward of your resources, and is that person prepared?
• Have you considered establishing annual and lifetime giving goals?

As we ask these, remember that the Lord is asking these of us as well - it will orient our minds and hearts.

"Re-planning" your events for the year

1 Corinthians 10:23-31

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."

If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.

But if anyone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake--the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience?

If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The summer is a time to look forward to the multitude of activities and events for the upcoming year. For many schools, these are the major milestones that must be completed to make the year a success (we'll talk what "success" is separately).

Hopefully, before we plan the events we have taken some time to reflect on the past year to see if they had the impact we thought they would.

As we get ready for the next year and the many things we do to promote the school and to raise awareness and funds for the school, I would suggest putting all of the events through a rigorous evaluation. This type of "re-planning" could help to focus and refine, or it could raise the question, "should we even do this again"?

Journalists have to answer the questions: who, what, when, why and how? It might be a good place to start with asking a few of these.

Who? What is the primary audience for the event? Who do we want to hear from afterwards that this was a wonderful experience?

Why? Is it for fund-raising, friend-raising, awareness-raising, or for fun? This is probably the most important question to answer because everything flows from the event's purpose. Work hard to clarify this. The clearer the goal, the more likely you will hit it.

What? Here we must keep in mind the admonition of scripture. To paraphrase Ro. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the ways (event types) of this world, but be transformed (and transformational) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. This means that we must remember that the Lord cares deeply about what we do to raise funds; don't fixate on what someone else did just because "it worked".

How? Our Lord deserves excellence in all things. While we have limited budgets, we should not do anything in a shoddy way that might confuse the beauty of the Gospel that is central to our work. It is better to do something small, but very well, than to have a large event that is poorly done, but gets the numbers.

When we ask these hard questions, God is pleased to re-focus our efforts and lead into paths (events) that honor Him while blessing donors and providing for the needs of the school.