A Generous New Year's Resolution

Proverbs 11:23-28

The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

In reflecting on this past year and preparing for the next year we ask ourselves what might we do different that would improve our ability to minister to our donors and volunteers.

Last week's post spoke of the scarcity mentality and the generosity mentality. It seems that this is a real problem for many of us as we face uncertain economic times. But, when were we not in times of uncertainty?

Last night a friend came over who, by his own admission, is living a drab existence. He is single and financially stable, but so worried about everything that he lives a "siege" existence. There is little joy and no real overarching purpose - other than to get through life as unscathed as possible. This is not God's purposes for our lives and I told him so.

As we continued the discussion, a pattern of prayer emerged:

1. Remind me Lord of what you have entrusted to me, both material and spiritual gifts.
2. Have me declare that these are available (and even required) to be used to bless others and to help them enjoy generous living.
3. Have me be more bold in asking people what they are living and saving for.
4. Guide me in helping others see their wealth so they can their opportunity to grow.
5. Challenge them to take a first step to becoming a generous steward and to what God will do.

Next week we hit the ground again. Let's do so with renewed purpose in the calling we have to expand the kingdom.

Remember, all the really hard work has already been done for us!

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.

"This is too Hard"

Matthew 19:16-22

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Here is the modern-day equivalent for the development officer:

A development officer who had enjoyed some success in raising funds for his school was experiencing some difficulty in an economy where people were holding onto funds more tightly.

He went to the most experienced and faithful stewardship person he knew and asked, "What good technique must I employ to see continued giving to our school?"

"Why do you ask about good techniques? There is only one set of principles which are good."

"What techniques?" the young officer asked. The wise one replied, "Relational development, a good database, gospel-based letters, edifying banquets, and donor-driven auctions".

"All these I have done", the young officer replied. "What do I still lack?"

The wise one declared, "If you want to be perfect, pray for your donors and minister to them even when they cannot give. Spend your days serving and blessing and you will have great treasure in heaven". "Then you will reap a harvest in God's perfect time".

The officer went away sad because he had more foundation applications to write and big donors to chase. And, the annual fund goal was looming large.

A day in the life....

What is a typical day like for the development officer of a school?

In my talking with peers it is normally filled with logistical, or structural, work. Then, "if we have time", we can make the occasional call to a donor/friend to inquire as to how they are doing. That's the relational or softer work.

How would you split up your day? Do you spend it planning the next event? Many of these are just for the good of the students and their parents, but the "advancement" office gets to handle them.

If we are so busy in the busyness of the job and its related tasks, when do we get to think about and pray for our donors and their needs? Just because they are not demanding our attention doesn't mean that caring for them is not as high a priority.

It also does not mean that we should necessarily be on the prowl for a gift; maybe they need some ministerial care like you and I need.

Also, it doesn't always mean a personal visit (although it might). Many times a thoughtful phone call is in order. If we spend some time in prayer for our donors the Holy Spirit may bring to mind a person to call. If you have done this, you know that many times He has gone before you and is preparing the person to receive your call. Then, we can offer to pray with or for the donor/friend even in a season of rejoicing.

These pauses in our day can also remind us of how connected we are to our support network and we find, over time, that this reaching becomes more natural. The key: don't hesitate when the Spirit speaks. Pick up the phone, hand write a note, or even send a well-constructed email.

Lastly, if it doesn't come naturally then pray that the Lord gives you an enlarged heart for His people. Maybe you need to block out some time each morning and a time in the afternoon when your planner is not scheduled.

The time (of time, talent, and treasure) may be the most valuable currency we have to spend.

We know the rest of the world is not valuing it in the same way.

Now, go start something!

Ten blessings in hard economic times

Ten Benefits (Blessings) for Christian Schools During Difficult Economic Times
S. M. Outlar

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds….” James 1:2

1. We are more astute in utilizing the school’s finances.

Proverbs 30:8 “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”

2. The school becomes a special haven of security for soul and body of constituents during turbulent economic times.

Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”

3. The world gets to see what we are made of - Resurrection Power!

Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”

4. We are driven to prayer and trust in our Lord.

Psalm 86:6 “Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.”

5. Provide stewardship (money management) seminars for our families.

I Samuel 12:23 “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.”

6. Reach out to needy families in our community with food, goods and the
Gospel of Grace.

Psalm 37:3 “ Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”

7. Consider how we might collaborate and partner with other Christian schools.

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

8. Stimulate and exemplify unity among the body of believers during times of stressful and fractured relationships.

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

9. A time to reassess our purpose for existing as Christian schools.

Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”

10. To practice the truth that it is better to give than receive.

Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."

So, how and where do I start?

"The problem with this transformational approach is that, while I understand and agree with the biblical stewardship model, I don't know where to start."

Here is an approach that may help but, remember that this must be from your heart; otherwise it will come across as a formula or technique.

1. Lead with a heart of joy, gratitude and prayer. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Thank the Lord for your special work and for the giving community that is part of the school.

2. Get a list of your board members (both current and former) and have an in-person conversation with each that goes something like this:

- thank you for your stewardship to our school - you have given time, talent and material resources

- how did you get involved with the school in the beginning? What did see or believe that brought you?

- what do you see today that keeps you involved? Are there any special aspects or programs that feel really connected to?

- what do see that we need to do to better fulfill the Lord's mission for the school? What does our "future state" look like?

- do you or have you considered what you might be called to do from here on? What gifts do you have that you are being lead to share with the school? How can I assist?

- how can I do what I do in a way that conveys blessing and encouragement rather than just asking for a handout or looking at you as only a "giving unit"?

3. Repeat the above with long-term and large donors, those who have a major stake in the school.

Blessings out of Buffetings

Sandy shares some perspective that is very important to keep in mind as we trudge through challenging times. It has been said that "tough times never last - tough people do". I would suggest that spiritually strong people are developed in the crucible of life and our work in schools.

"Hear" Sandy encourage us to walk in faith:

From Sandy M. Outlar - Headmaster, Lancaster Christian Schools

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds…” James 1:2

1. My God will “bail me out” of my troubles, not the government.

Philippians 4:19 "...my God shall supply all your need according to His riches..."

2. Things of this world will become less important and faith, family and friends more important.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "...He has put eternity in their hearts..."

3. We will learn to be stimulated by the Spirit of God rather than rely on a “stimulus package” from the government.

John 16:13 "...He (the Spirit of truth) will guide you into all truth..."

4. We will appreciate more the simple, profound and free things of life that God has sent our way.

Philippians 4:11 "...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:..."

5. We will become more dependent and secure in our Lord.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'

6. Prayer and trust will become priorities in our lives.

Proverbs 15:8 "...the prayer of the upright is His delight."

7. We will be surprised to see how people come to the “riches” found in Christ instead of turning to desperation and bankruptcy.

Romans 11:33 "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"

8. The evidencing of believers pulling together and becoming more dependent on each other rather than more independent of each other.

Ephesians 4:1-8 "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called...bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace..."

9. To be given the privilege of giving not out of surplus, but out of sacrifice.

II Corinthians 8:2 "that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality."

10. To be more humble, grateful and appreciative for all God has given to us through Christ.

Philippians 2:3 "...let each esteem others better than himself."

Stop, Drop and Pray

When we are are caught in a fire and our clothes are burning we are told to "stop, drop, and roll". Sometimes we see our job of fundraising as one where we feel flames licking our clothes. There is so much to raise and so little time and so few resources to tap.

1 Th. 5:16-18 'Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.'

I was at a conference recently with other school advancement officers and there is a sense that we are fighting an uphill battle, mostly by ourselves. Even though we realize that God Himself is the one who brings all good gifts, we often act as though it is all up to us, or up to our boards, etc.

Paul's instruction reminds us that we should remember to be joyful for who we are in Christ. He wants us on our knees 'continuously' seeking and trusting. We are to give thanks in all circumstances, even difficult ones.

Stopping to pray is recognizing who God is in our work, declaring our own inability to do everything, and trusting the Lord to lead us in the way we should go. This might mean being still and listening to see what the Lord would have us to do next. Or, He might just be saying, 'stop and watch me work."

If we build our work on Kingdom principles we can be sure that, even if we "fail" in our fund raising objectives, God's truth abides and it will sustain us and our school.

Matthew 6:33-34 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'