Mid-Year Check Up and Prescription

Here we are in the middle of the summer.  For many of us, it is a time to plan and to take strategic steps as we get ready to re-launch the regular activities for the fall.  Here are two ideas:

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CHECK-UP

“An annual stewardship “check up” is a great way to stay in shape as a good steward. Questions for this checkup might include: How is God’s grace present in your life? How is God blessing you? How are you responding? How are you taking responsibility for the ways in which you live your life? In what ways are you going beyond yourself in service? How have you experienced God’s presence as you served others this year? In what ways will you challenge yourself this coming year to reach out to someone in need? How are you offering yourself in generous response to the lavish gift of Christ’s love?”

Leisa Anslinger and Victoria Shepp in Forming Generous Hearts: Stewardship Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation (New London, CT: Twenty Third Publications) p. 103-104.

MAKE SOME NEW FRIENDS AND CHECK UP ON THE OLD ONES

This is a great time to connect with those you might not see during the school year.  You can have relaxed conversations as you share what God is doing in the school.  As always, we should listen to hear what they like (or love) about the school and how they connect to the mission.  We can always ask if they feel comfortable recommending the school to a potential new parent or someone else who might have an interest in education.  If you have an introductory tour of the school, make sure you hand out cards with the dates and times.  These visits are great for soliciting ambassadors for the school.  If possible, go to them in person.  We need to leave our comfortable desk and meeting them where they are conveys honor and value,

The Compelling Case

If you had a chance to give a reason for your school's existence, what would you say?  Would you give them your school's mission or vision statement?  Here are the typical definitions:

A Vision statement outlines where you want to be in the future. Communicates both the purpose and values of your business. A Mission statement talks about HOW you will get to where you want to be. Defines the purpose and primary objectives. The problem with both of these as it relates to resource raising is that they are internally focused - mostly about what and how we do what we do. What we need is a Compelling Case for our existence that draws others into the next level of conversation so that they might see if God is leading them to participate with your school.  Consider "Tall Oaks Classical School exists because this nation needs a generation of young leaders who are committed, through classical and Christian education, to redeem the culture and our future for Christ". This kind of general and provocative response could cause more questions to be asked and then we can have a productive dialog about the "what" and "how" of the next steps. Similarly, if someone asked about your job at the school, don't just say "I raise money and resources for the school".  That doesn't invite more conversation; it could cut it off. Instead, consider this: "God has called me to help His people to see and to appreciate their riches so they can be used to bless God and others". These answers are designed to be short and engaging so that we can listen as much as we speak.  Proverbs 1:5   "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--"

Giving Away Blessings

This past week I was at the annual conference of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools in Dallas.  At this conference I was able to conduct two workshops: the seasons of stewardship - how the sower prepares the soil. plants seeds, waters and fertilizes, nurtures growth of seedlings, and watches God bring in the harvest. 

The second workshop provided more detail on how the school can reach out and into the community through tours, music, and service.  The attendees were very gracious and told me that the talk was helpful.

In particular, here is one note that underscores one of the major points. "Your words echoed our mission statement: 'To mold and shape the minds and spirits of all students to what God has intended them in Christ to be.'  The focus being first on giving the blessing of God's Word and love to one another."

That is the goal of Christian fund raising or development; to help people grow in their love for the Lord through vigorous and regular blessing.  Secular development is man and technique-centered; it does not have the beauty of seeing the Spirit involved in transforming hearts.  What a privilege we have in our work.

Who have you blessed today?