Two Wonderful Ways to Bless Donors

Randy Alcorn recently released Managing God's Money, a follow-up to the The Treasure Principle. This book is the lay person's answer to Money, Possessions and Eternity, his wonderful and thorough treatment of almost twenty years ago.

Managing God's Money is a great gift to give donors. It will help them further develop a theology of money so they (and we) can see that all we have is a gift from the Lord and that we are held accountable to the wise and generous management of all funds.

A second resource is Ron Blue's Master Your Money web site http://masteryourmoney.com/ . This site has many short videos that Ron has recorded and that play easily on your computer. This another way to keep the teaching going that you are doing in person.

Praise the Lord that He has raised up "senior statesmen of stewardship" who can teach us.

Christian Fundraiser's Giving Resource

The ECFA has many great resources, but I want to highlight one in particular. It is a 32-page booklet called Giving from the Heart: A Legacy that Lasts Forever. Here are the topics covered:

• A Godly Steward


• Your Time and Talents


• Gifts to Family


• Outright Gifts


• Gifts of Securities


• Gifts of Inventory


• Gifts of Life Insurance


• Gifts of Inventory


• Gifts of Real Estate


• Giving a Life Estate


• Giving through Charitable Remainder Trusts


• Giving Through Your Will


• Giving Through Charitable Gift Annuities


• Giving Through Living Trusts


• Giving Through Donor Advised Funds


• When Gifts Are Deductible


• Your Charitable Deduction Limitations and Proving Your Deductions

This handy booklet can be ordered in bulk at discounted rates. You can call 800-323-9473 and they will send you a free copy to review. You can go here for a link to the ECFA page.

Please order the free one for yourself and see if the booklet, in combination with you overall stewardship plan, can help educate donors in how they can support the Kingdom work going on at your school.

Courageous Christian Fundraising

Last week I was in Atlanta at the annual conference of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools where I was privileged to describe the daily (and hard) work of biblical stewardship.

Conventional fundraising employs techniques and methods that are tuned to efficiency and financial effectiveness. So, if selling wrapping paper is less efficient than an "a-thon", then do the "a-thon" which brings in more money with less effort. After all, the "bottom line" is getting funds right?

Does God only care about the fact that we get the funds? Or, is He also concerned about the "why" and "how" of the fundraising? The scriptures make it clear:

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. " 1 Co. 10:31

We are obligated to make Christian fundraising Christian. Otherwise, it is secular fundraising on which we drizzle some Bible and hope that this will sanctify the method.

I have been impressed with the school leaders who told me, "I know this is hard work, but it's the right thing to do. Our job is to disciple people in their walk with Jesus." It is more difficult to look at someone as a fellow man and to walk with him to see his blessings as opposed to seeing him as a "giving unit" with a dollar sign on his head.

It takes more time, more prayer and more involvement. It results in more disappointments, but it can result in greater joy as the donor responds to the Spirit's call on his or her life.

At the end of the proverbial day, do you want to be known as this prolific fundraiser who gathered lots of funds, or do you want to be known as the one who God used to grow donors in their faith; and, who gathered the large sums?

Be courageous and see the Spirit carry you to the next right decision.

An Abundance Mentality vs. a Scarcity Mentality

This article by Dan Miller reminds us that scarcity and limited resources is a "zero sum" game that is not biblical.

I’m Happy to Help You – Unless… by Dan Miller 48Days.com

A friend and fellow coach asked me why I encourage and support so many other coaches when I could easily see them as "competitors."

I will borrow Stephen Covey's words from Seven Habits of Highly Successful People here:

"Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the Scarcity Mentality. They see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.

The Scarcity Mentality is the zero-sum paradigm of life. People with a Scarcity Mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit - even with those who help in the production. The also have a very hard time being genuinely happy for the success of other people.

The Abundance Mentality, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth and security. It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody. It results in sharing of prestige, of recognition, of profits, of decision making. It opens possibilities, options, alternatives, and creativity."

If you are a coach and find yourself depressed because someone else stays booked with higher fees, you're operating from the scarcity mentality. On the other hand, if someone tells you about his/her success and you get excited because that means you can probably move your own fees up, that's the abundance mentality at work.

The spirit of the interaction is critical. And this has little to do with one's current level of financial success. I have friends who make $25,000 a year who are genuinely thrilled at any success Joanne and I experience. And a few who while making millions convey the feeling that if I find a dollar in the parking lot it robs them personally of that dollar. Greedy, mean-spirited or angry people are likely operating out of a scarcity mentality. They see everything in terms of win-lose. There is only so much and if someone else gets it, that means there is less for them.

Success is not like a pie - where if you take a piece there is less for me. Rather, it is like you having a candle and you share your light to start mine as well. You still have 100% of your candle but together we throw off even more light. Someone with a scarcity mentality will want to extinguish your flame.

Clearly, this spirit is also tied to one's sense of self-worth and security. Those with a healthy self-esteem will encourage others, share praise and profits and give lots of recognition. Low self-esteem will trigger resentment at other's success and the attempt to undermine and pull them down.

I have always welcomed working with someone with an abundance mentality and have many times seen their financial success go on to supersede my own. And it caught me by surprise that helping other coaches be successful has produced financial rewards that bypass those of coaching actual clients. On the other hand, I chose not to work or spend time with people who are hanging on to a scarcity mentality.

1. In what ways do you have an abundance mentality?
2. What aspects of your life are operating from a scarcity mentality?
3. Can this model be used not only for business, but for family, social and religious life as well?

Generosity as a Good Word

We have a new parent at Tall Oaks who is very happy with the education her son is receiving at Tall Oaks Classical School and the partnership between school and family.

While they do not have much to give financially, this parent understands that tuition does not cover one hundred percent of the cost and wants to help do her part to provide financial aid.

So, armed with a letter describing the school's scholarship needs, she presented the case to her employer who, in turn, contributed $150 to help needy families. This parent used her good relationship with her employer to present us to someone who we would not have reached out to.

Armed with this success, she is now embarking on coordinating an all-school cookbook fundraiser like she has done in another venue.

Our work as stewardship officers is to help others see that they have something to contribute, time, talent, treasure, and a Good Word. God has been and is generous to distribute these. Our work is to help unearth them and to encourage generous living.

This week we remember the ultimate giving act - when the God of the universe deployed His Son, Jesus, to live among us and to experience the greatest gift of all , eternal life.

Merry Christmas!

Holiness leads to stewardship

2 Peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

We are called to holiness (to become Holy- 1 Pe 1:16) through grace the Lord has given us in Christ. This conversion (called sanctification) process is "powered" by the Holy Spirit who refines our thinking by conforming our will into His Will. In doing so, we put off the "old man" and put on the new man, who is Jesus Christ, our Savior.

The passage from 2 Peter calls us out of the day to day and to live differently, "to abstain from sinful desires...Live such good lives among the pagans that...they may see your good deeds and glorify God..."

Biblical stewardship is counter-cultural. The culture we live in says, "You earned it - it's yours - go out and enjoy it". In contrast, biblical stewardship declares that we own nothing, but are caretakers of what God has given us to manage. Biblical stewardship says that we are to keep the Gospel in our minds as we use our resources (time, talent, and treasure). Others may see this and glorify God on the day He visits - evangelism is in view.

As sons of God with an eternal inheritance (heaven) we are to model "otherness" as we are becoming holy. As it relates to those who disciple others, we have the privilege of making connections for people and showing them them that giving is the model that Jesus gave us; the One who gave His very life for us. We may not be called to called to sacrifice our lives for another, however, we can sacrifice some temporal pleasures in favor of Kingdom expansion.

Let us think of holiness in this light; one who has his eyes on the prize of heaven such that the trappings of this earth are not weighing us down.

No Competition in the Kingdom

In ECFA's Focus on Accountability newsletter (2nd Qtr. 2009) Shelley Cochrane lays out the case for why we should not be striving to improve our ministry resources at the expense of other Kingdom enterprises.

See the entire article here http://www.ecfa.org/HomePage.aspx

Here is the shorthand version of Shelley's writing:

1. Shortage of resources - "...the issue of competition is only a symptom of a much greater problem. Competition in the kingdom exposes the fact that Christians falsely believe that resources are finite and inherently limited".
2. A God-centric model - "There is no evidence in God's word to indicate that God encourages competition to improve performance and motivation. A god-centric model is not based on a finite, closed system that encourages competition, but rather on the nature of God Himself. God is never confined to limitation of time and space."
3. The Human Element: Faith in God's Supply - "God created people with the ability to learn and think and act. Very often accomplishes His will by enabling men and women to exercise their gifts and abilities to produce good results."
4. So what does biblical stewardship look like? - "God resources what He initiates, and great care must be given to discerning the mind of Christ before creating an agenda that requires funding...When the believer crosses the line from fixating on the tangible to relinquishing himself into the hands of a fearsome God, this desperate dependence is the substance of faith."
5. Collaboration not Competition - "Whether the structural competition that has crept into our ministries is accidental or intentional, a choice must be made. Every single servant of God must choose: Either God is abundantly able to meet every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus or there is a shrinking pie of resources and each ministry must get a piece before it's gone." Shelley goes on describe how we fundraisers can help others to be generous toward God. This can only come if we believe everything we are telling the donor.

There is also a collaboration that can (and should) happen between ministries. This cooperation is not just exchanging ideas (tips, tricks and techniques), but sharing stories of transformation that the Lord Himself orchestrates; He just lets us be used in the process.

Lastly, what a testimony we can have when we demonstrate love and appreciation for each other's kingdom work. Non-Christian can look at that see how we love and care for each other.

More Gospel grace in action!

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.

A "big picture" for Christian school development

This may be helpful as a starting point to help with the overall focus we need to develop and maintain.

Our Philosophy of Development
-----------------------------

We start with the knowledge that God owns it all. (1), (2)

We are to honor the Lord with our lives, including our material possessions.

We believe that generous giving is the Biblical norm, not the exception (3).
We challenge donors to give liberally to Kingdom causes. We urge donors to do prayerful giving to the school(and to God’s work in other ministry), not for tax benefits or for personal recognition.

Lastly, while we know that giving is commanded in the scriptures, it is also a joyous act (4). Therefore, the gift to the school provides a two-fold blessing, to both the giver and the school as a recipient.

We believe that giving to the school puts a great responsibility on us as a school as a recipient of donors’ giving.

1. We will work to make the school worthy of Kingdom investment

2. We scrutinize our message and methodologies against not what works, but against God-honoring principles

3. We will also practice integrity and make ourselves accountable to external examination through full annual accounting audits

Finally, we are to have a good testimony in the community we serve, to the believer and especially the unbeliever so that they would seek the reason for our faith and have a desire to know our Savior Jesus personally.

Mission
-------

The mission of the school’s advancement function is to raise awareness of and resources for this Christian school that equips students with skills to pursue excellence through Christ in every area of life.

Vision
-------

The vision of the advancement function is to:

1. Bless the donor in their faith walk

2. Encourage and educate the community in Biblical generosity

3. Provide resources to the school so that it can execute its mission with excellence

4. Demonstrate the school’s value to the community (including the churches from which we have students)

5. Provide resources that would bless other Christian schools


(1) 1 Chr. 29:11 "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all."

(2) 1 Chr. 29:12 "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."

(3) Matt. 6:19-20 "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.”

(4) 2 Cor. 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

"Dance with the one who brung you"

In the South, there is familiar expression about dancing - "Dance with the one who brung you". Up north, we might say, "Be satisfied with what you have and use it fully."

This is not a new expression - and is not even a new concept. Paul wrote about this back in the first century as he addressed the church at Corinth.

From 1 Corinthians 12:12-22

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.
If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?
But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
If they were all one part, where would the body be?
As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

Whether you are new or old to the development/advancement work, God had gifted you with special gifts that are ideally suited to the work before you.

You may be one who can organize events - this is critical for community relations which can lead to personal relations

You may be gifted in graphic and other communications - use these for brilliant printed pieces and visualization on your web site

Gifted writer? Brochures and foundation proposals need these skills

Came from the business world? Use your understanding to develop special outside relationships.

Ministry minded? Connect first with local pastors who need to be appreciated and cared for.

I hope you see that whatever talent you have is useful for the Kingdom and should be the "lead dog" in your advancement work. So, be confident in the Lord and watch Him use you in a special way. The talents that you do not yet have can be developed - find someone with those and have him or her mentor you.

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.

What is wrong with "It works"?

1 Cor. 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (NKJV)

What if you hear about a fund raising idea that should be used because "it works"?

I believe you need to ask 2 questions

1. What does "it works" constitute? More money than without?

2. Does "it works" - the end - justify the means?

The "what works" argument must be evaluated in light of your goal. As a development officer for a Christian school I am obligated to raise money in a way that honors the name of the One who called me, Jesus.

I believe we are obligated in at least two ways, the WHAT we do and the HOW (or motivation) with which we do our fundraising.

So, as I solicit a donor for a gift I must seek a Kingdom purpose. I think that purpose should be for our school as well as for the donor resulting in a "bi-lateral" blessing. With a business, like a bank, it may be more temporal and financial: they would like to be seen supporting a strong and morals-based college prep school. That is good for their business and banking is a profession that we can be in good company with.

With an individual donor I think I am always to appeal to Christ's work on the cross as the genesis of the orientation to give and God's gracious giving of all gifts as the means by which I/we exercise our faith.

I do not know how to prove that a biblical approach to fund raising gets better (financial) results. I do know that:

- I experience a freedom to minister when I rest in who is really doing the fund raising

- The raising of funds (like evangelism) is not a function of my cleverness or presentation - my presentation should be excellent because of who I represent

- It is better to let donors do business with the Holy Spirit than with me when it comes to responding to the call to give material resources

I do believe that there is much wealth being held by Christians because they have not been challenged (or not responded to the challenge) to give generously to the Lord in proportion to what they have been given.

So, where are we? Christian schools are hurting financially; many are closing because they are not financially viable; they are unwilling or unable to merge. The industry is suffering and I have this strong belief that part of the reason is that we have not gone about our work in the way the Bible prescribes. God may not bless our efforts if we fail to connect the gospel to giving.

God Owns it all - Rich Haynie (OC International)

Part 1 from the article "The Road Lass Travelled in Fundraising"

One group looks at fundraising in a very pragmatic, horizontal way. "People control the resources we need to fund our program. Therefore, we need to find those people so we can access those funds." Simple. Direct. To the point. These are the pragmatic doers who make things happen, whether God might want them to or not. Theirs is the road that "guarantees" programs and techniques, promising "X" returns for "Y" efforts. But the principle underlying the approach is the giveaway that this road is a dead end. People are the source of the funds. People are the secret to obtaining the funds.

The principle underlying the other road is so very different. This is the acknowledgment that God owns it all. It is the recognition that we don't own any of what we call "our" resources. It is all His.

In the context of fundraising, I Chronicles 29 depicts the fundamental concept. David expresses this principle. beginning in verse 10: "Thine, O Lord, is everything that is in the heavens and the earth... Both riches and honor come from Thee, and it lies in Thy hand to make it great.” Further on he prays, "O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build Thee a house for Thy holy name, it is from Thy hand, and all is Thine."

Certainly David understood that God is the source. If God owns it all, spending God's money is a spiritual decision. Whether we spend one penny on a piece of bubble gum or $30,000 on a sports car, we are trustees, if you will, of God's money. Therefore we should be well aware of how He wants that money spent. This fact can be difficult for many people. Most of us would feel capable, with very little guidance, of making a one-cent spending decision. But we should remember John 15:5, which reminds us that "...apart from Me, you can do nothing."

Open Doors in the Face of Economic Downturn

From Rob Spykstra, Veritas Academy, Lancaster, PA

If you were hoping for the secret door to development success in raising funds during economic downturn, then you might be disappointed in my thoughts, disappointed that is, if you define development success solely on money raised. However, if development success in fundraising is defined differently, then you might be greatly encouraged.

As Christian development directors we are to define our success in fundraising, not merely by dollars raised, but more importantly by hearts ministered. And I am finding great success, that is, open doors like never before.

Just today I spoke with a businessman who I had never met. As I shared with him the possibility of his company taking tax credits for the benefit of our school he simply said, “I don’t need tax credits. I don’t have any taxes because we’re not making any money.” Then he began to share his concerns. By the tone of his voice he was asking for some hope.

This became my open door.

Perhaps God will give you open doors. Here are some thoughts we can share. Here is some hope we can give.

We can share about God’s purposes. God graciously gives us economic downturn to reveal our hearts and sweep away our trust in the uncertainty of riches. Riches have always been uncertain and unreliable for true joy. The writer of Proverbs reminds us to stop toiling after wealth, “When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”(Proverbs 23:5). Rather we are to trust “in God who graciously gives us all things to enjoy.”(1 Timothy 6:17) God is after our joy, and he knows it is not found in wealth.

We can share about God’s resources. I found that if hope in my abilities or in others’ abilities my joy always wanes. This economy certainly causes me to shudder at my and others’ abilities. But I am not without resource. Our hope is in God who owns all things, “all that is in the heavens and the earth is yours.”(1 Chronicles 29:11) Our hope is in God who strengthens us in the face of great difficulties, “In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”(1 Chronicles 29:12) There is plenty of resource.

Finally, we can share about sound investments. Paul says, “Be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” Why? “Thus storing up treasure for yourself as a good foundation for the future.”(1 Timothy 6:19) What future? Eternity. In the face of economic uncertainty we can offer up our ministries as a sound investment, one where those who receive will benefit, but also one where those who give will benefit . . . both not only now, but for all eternity.

Give God thanks today for this economic downturn, there is some real open doors for success.

Matching Up

Every school has its "wish list"; those projects that may not be currently budgeted but ones we would love to see funded with a special gift. So how do we approach the "problem"?

Sometimes we look at the list of donors and their giving range and make a guess as to whether their resources and our need are a monetary fit.

Or, we could look at the lapsed donor list and see whether it is time to give a "touch" to a friend who hasn't given for awhile; a type of a "welcome back" to the school.

It seems that we can and do make the case for some project at our school without thinking and praying about what is the specific interest and (dare I say?) need of the donor. Donors are our friends and we need to treat them lovingly; Jesus declares that clearly as we are to love our neighbor.

I suggest that a better way is to be in a current relationship with our donors/friends so that we are already in tune with their desires for our school. If we commit the process to prayer the Holy Spirit will guide us in formulating the request (the "ask" to others) and He will go before us to prepare the donor to hear and evaluate the request.

This preparation will not always result in getting the project funded, but it will allow us to have a respectful and thoughtful interaction with our friend such that we could come back at a future date with another idea.

After all, we can always bring ideas to our friends, can't we?

How evangelism explains fundraising

When we go out on Evangelism Explosion visits, our team's prayer is that the Holy Spirit goes before us and has done the heart preparation in the person to whom we will speak. Believing and depending on the Holy Spirit puts us where God wants us - that is, merely His hands and feet in His work of redemption. Then, if we are privileged to see someone accept the free gift of eternal life, we can know that it was not because our of persuasive words that this blessing occurred.

Similarly, when we embark on raising money for our schools, I think it is critical to remember that:

1. All resources are God's resources - they are not the donor's nor are the resources ours

2. Our work is to represent Christ - the donor should see Him in us even as we encourage the donor to link their faith to their possessions, as Christ does

3. Our work is to testify about our school and the consequences of Christian education

4. Our work is to be grateful receivers of the blessings God is releasing into our schools

5. Our work is to bow in gratitude for allowing us to play a small, but important, role in advancing the Kingdom as more children get to meet Jesus in our school

When we adopt this attitude, it gives us "professionals" great freedom to be passionate about our wonderful call to see God's resources unleashed for Kingdom growth.

Resources to transform our thinking

As we embark on a new way of thinking about our work I want commend a few wonderful resources that you can use to get ourselves oriented to the idea of being "Ministers of Stewardship."

1. Read Randy Alcorn's book: The Treasure Principle - also a good gift to give to friends of the school

2. Read Revolution in Generosity, edited by Wes Wilmer (Biola University) - this is the best compilation of articles I have come across.

http://www.revolutioningenerosity.com/ This is the web site with a sample chapter and other great articles.

3. Get acquainted with http://www.kingdomadvisors.org/ , the group founded by Ron Blue to train professional advisors. They have 100 Community Study Groups that meet around the country - I am pleased to be able to attend the one in greater Philadelphia.