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Fundraising Verse of the Week, Strategic Planning

Meaningful Engagements

by Ron Haas
December 7, 2020

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me” (Romans 16:1-2).

Paul mentions 33 people in Romans 16. These were close ministry partners to whom Paul shared specific words of encouragement moving them forward in their faith. He asked them to welcome and help Phoebe because she had blessed many people, including him. Notice the positive words Paul used to describe his friends: “co-workers” (v. 3), “risked their lives” (v. 3), “worked very hard” (v. 6, 12), “outstanding” (v. 7), “my dear friend” (v. 8, 9), “who has been a mother to me” (v. 13).  Paul’s goal was to spur these friends on “to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

How can you spur your team on to be more successful? How do you measure the effectiveness of those in your organization who have donor relations responsibilities? Certainly, the bottom line is how much money they raise monthly. Other metrics could include how many written gift proposals they have presented. Some organizations track how many phone calls, texts, emails, and thank you cards are sent each month. While all these items indicate activity, they don’t necessarily monitor productivity.

One way to combine all these steps leading to a gift is to track “meaningful engagements.” A meaningful engagement is an action where the development officer moves the donor closer to aligning his/her interests and passions with your ministry. Meaningful engagements can include cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, or some combination.

Meaningful engagements can be face-to-face, in an email exchange, or over the phone. Here are three guidelines:

• Be an active listener. Ask good questions that reveal your donor’s heart. How are they connected to your ministry? What specific aspect of your ministry motivates them to give?

• Draw the donor closer. In what ways can you engage your donor to participate in your ministry? Involved people become generous people.

• Create a pro-active plan. To clarify, simply emailing a donor, talking on the phone, or being at an event with a donor does not constitute a meaningful engagement. A meaningful engagement is your specific action step that brings the donor closer to your ministry.

The men and women Paul mentioned weren’t just casual acquaintances; they had made a significant contribution to Paul’s life and ministry. He, in turn, desired to move them even closer to Christ. Your relationships with your ministry partners must move forward toward a gift, or your efforts will merely devolve into a social encounter.

Response: Lord, help me understand how I can encourage my ministry partners to grow in the grace of giving and move closer to our mission.

Think about this: You know when you have had a meaningful engagement with a donor, and you know when you haven’t. Focus on activities that matter.

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Development, Team Building

Your Work Will Count For Eternity!

by Ron Haas
December 1, 2020

When employees arrive for their first day of work at Apple they are greeted with this inspirational note:

“There’s work and there’s your life’s work. The kind of work that has your fingerprints all over it. The kind that you’d never compromise on. That you’d sacrifice a weekend for. You can do that kind of work at Apple. People don’t come here to play it safe. They come here to swim in the deep end. They want their work to add up to something. Something big. Something that couldn’t happen anywhere else. Welcome to Apple.”

What a great message to welcome new employees! Now that you’ve been raising money for a while, how do these phrases describe your impression of what you do?

THE DRIVE

There’s work and there’s your life’s work. Is fundraising just a job to you, or do you get up every morning thinking, “Who can I ask for money today?” Are you passionate about fundraising or are you just going through the motions? Fundraising is hard. It’s a lot easier to do every day when it’s your life’s calling.

YOUR MARK

What has your fingerprints all over it? Effective fundraising is all about relationships. What are you most proud of when you look over your past two years? Is it the cool brochures you created or the brand spankin’ new software you purchased? Is it the great banquet you organized or the best direct mail letter you’ve ever written? These things are important, but the best thing about fundraising is the chance you get to meet people and win new friends to your ministry. Donors will remember you long after your brochure expires.

NO COMPROMISE

What would you never compromise on? What would you sacrifice a weekend for?  How committed are you to your organization’s mission and vision? Does it drive you to give 110%? Are you willing to work nights and weekends, if needed? It’s easy to become a fundraising work-alcoholic, so it’s important to maintain a life/work balance, but how willing are you to sacrifice for the cause?

TAKING RISKS

You can do that kind of work at Apple. People don’t come here to play it safe. They come here to swim in the deep end. Fundraising is a risky business. Asking for a gift is a high-risk, high-reward venture. Apple has a risk-taking culture. You might be risk-adverse by nature. It’s safe to stay in the office and be an inside development person, but the real action happens when you visit donors. Don’t stay in the shallow office pool, jump into a major donor conversation in someone’s living room.

SOMETHING BIGGER

They want what they do to add up to something. Something big. Something that couldn’t happen anywhere else. Apple employees believe that what they do makes a difference, and they have changed the way millions of people live, but your mission has eternal value. Kingdom work is the biggest work of all. Your fundraising efforts are providing the salaries of front line workers who are reaching the lost with the life changing message of the Gospel. If you didn’t do what you did, it would be hard for your other team members to do what they do.

IT MATTERS

Welcome to Apple. This welcome note has to inspire new employees that they play an important role in Apple’s future success. You are vital to your ministry. Sometimes Christian organizations don’t do a good job of expressing their appreciation for their employees. Whether your ministry acknowledges you or not – you are important.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Ron Haas is a Vice President at The Timothy Group. Ron has served as a pastor, the vice president for advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, and a board member of a college, camp, church, and foundation. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at development conferences and has written many fundraising articles.

Communication, Fundraising Verse of the Week

Because of You

by Ron Haas
November 30, 2020

“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people (Philemon 1:6-7).

Paul had a special relationship with his friend Philemon. He wrote this personal reconciliation letter on behalf of Onesimus who ran away from Philemon, ran into Paul, and met Jesus. Paul’s letter is a wonderful example of how to write an effective donor letter. Notice all the donor-centric language he uses.

Your Partnership. Paul viewed Philemon as a partner, not just a donor who supported his ministry. Paul’s role in this spiritual partnership was to deepen Philemon’s faith in Christ. You play an important role in the spiritual maturity of your ministry partners. You can pray, share Scripture, counsel, grieve, comfort, guide, and walk along side of your donors as they experience life’s joys and sorrows. For some, you can even become closer to them than their pastor.

Your Love. Donor relationships thrive on a foundation of love. Paul had experienced Philemon’s love firsthand many times. He didn’t take their relationship for granted but expressed how much Philemon’s love had given him joy and encouragement. Do you tell your ministry partners how much they mean to you?

You Have Refreshed. Paul doesn’t stop with a brief “thank you,” he paused and emphasized how much Philemon meant to him and the family of believers. “Because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (Philemon 1:7). Those words had to strike a chord in Philemon’s heart. No doubt, he was just grateful that God had used him to bless others.

Jerry Panas, the godfather of fundraising, coined the acronym BOY – “Because of you…” What an incredible way to start your donor conversations, “Because of you lives have been impacted for eternity.” Consider using these phrases to engage your ministry partners:

• You play an integral role through your prayers and generosity.

• You can give to help people whose greatest desire is a warm meal.

• Your compassion and unselfish giving will make an eternal difference.

• Because of your gift…

• This is your compassion at work in the lives of children.

• We know you have choices for how to donate your money we are honored that you would choose to provide help to these needy families.

• Every time you give, you are making a lasting difference.

• You can transform…

• Your love rescues…

• You help make their future bright.

• That is where you come in.

• You can get involved…

• God used you to provide hope for hungry children and families.

How interesting that Paul understood the power of “you” centuries before Panas.

Response: Father, thank you for Paul’s example of treating his ministry partners as intimate friends. Please remind me to always show my gratitude for the important role they play in our ministry.

Think about this: What are some specific ways you can help your ministry partners grow in their walk with Christ? Perhaps God brought them to your ministry so you could minister to them.

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Fundraising Verse of the Week

Overcoming the F.U.D. Factor

by Ron Haas
November 20, 2020

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should (Ephesians 6:19-20).

Fundraising is like evangelism. The gospel is the greatest story ever told. Christ died for us while we were still sinners and offers eternal forgiveness to all who repent. Your fundraising message pales in comparison, but the foundation for all aspects of your ministry spring from the good news of the gospel.  Both evangelism and fundraising require a willing person to share a wonderful story with someone else and ask if that person would like to respond.

Asking is the primary similarity. An evangelist asks if a person would like to trust Christ; a fundraiser asks if a person would prayerfully consider a gift. Both the evangelist and the fundraiser must overcome the F.U.D. Factor—Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt.

Fear. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with the fear of sharing the Gospel. He asked the Ephesian believers to pray that he would “fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (v.19), “and declare it fearlessly” (v. 20). He had plenty of reasons to fear—multiple times he was imprisoned, flogged, whipped, beaten, and stoned (see 2 Cor. 11:23-27). Yet, he persevered. As fundraisers, we have it easy in comparison, but our hearts race when asking for a gift. Our greatest fear is personal rejection.

Uncertainty. Paul desired that “whenever I speak, words may be given me.” In your evangelism efforts you also desire to speak just the right words the Spirit can use to prompt a response. Your fundraising prayer is the same. You need the Spirit’s help to “know what to say and how to say it” (Matt. 10:19-20). F.U.D. kicks in when we worry that a donor might ask a question that we can’t answer. Asking is risky. Some people might respond negatively. Many ministry leaders don’t want to face the uncertainties of asking so they avoid it at all costs.

Doubt. Paul adds an interesting phrase to his prayer request, “as I should” (v. 20). Paul knew beyond a doubt that he was called to preach the good news of forgiveness of sins (see Acts 26:16-18). But he still had to remind himself of his responsibilities. Perhaps you doubt that your job includes fundraising. Or perhaps you doubt that asking is biblical, or that face-to-face solicitation is the right strategy, or that your donors will respond positively. Whatever your doubts, they will freeze you to inaction if you give in to your fears.

Paul’s solution to his fear, uncertainty, and doubt was prayer. And not just his prayers, he solicited likeminded friends to join him in prayer. Who can you recruit this week to pray that you will overcome your F.U.D. about asking your ministry partners for generous gifts?

Response: Father, forgive me for my fears, uncertainties, and doubts. Help me focus on your strengths, not my weaknesses.

Think about this: If fundraising is like evangelism. Imagine how joyful you will be when your donor says, “Yes!”

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Communication, Donor Relations

Fundraising Power Words

by Ron Haas
November 18, 2020

Often, we frame our fundraising appeals from the viewpoint, “we, as the organization, do the real work of ministry, and you, as the donor, help us do our work.” We don’t mean any disrespect, but our words give the impression that the donor’s role is to simply provide us the resources so we can educate children, evangelize the lost, disciple new believers, rescue the broken, feed the hungry, and train future leaders, etc.

A more effective approach is to reframe your conversations from ministry-focused to donor-focused. Two fundraising power words will change your messaging: “you” and “because.”

You

“You” is the most powerful fundraising word. Take a close look at your brochure, year-end appeal, banquet ask script, emails, and even your thank you notes. Count how many times you use, “I/we/our” statements and how many times you say, “you/your.” It’s a revealing exercise. One way to make your copy more donor-centric is to switch the focus from “our” to “your.” Consider these examples:

“Our heart is to reach the next generation for Christ. You can help us with that.”

Instead use: “Your heart is to reach the next generation for Christ. We can help you with that.”

“Our hard work” vs. “Your hard work.”

Our mission is to share the Gospel. You can partner with us.

Instead use: Your mission is to share the Gospel. We can partner with you.

Think about using these phrases to engage your ministry partners:

“You play an integral role through your prayers and generosity.”

“You will help people whose greatest desire is a warm meal.”

“Your compassion and unselfish giving will make an eternal difference.”

“This is your compassion at work in the lives of children.”

“We know you have choices for how to donate your money we are honored that you would choose to provide help to these needy families.”

“Every time you give, you are making a lasting difference.”

“You can transform…”

“Your love rescues…”

“You help make their future bright.”

“That is where you come in.”

“You can get involved…”

“God used you to provide hope for children and families.”

“You are doing something that will outlive you and will last for eternity.”

Because

The second most powerful fundraising word is “because” because it answers the question why someone should give to your project. “Because” is a connector word linking the donor’s heart to the critical need. “Because” offers a reason for the donor to take action.

Jerry Panas, the godfather of fundraising, coined the acronym BOY – “Because of you…” What an incredible way to start your donor conversations.

“Because of you lives have been impacted for eternity.”

“Your generous gift matters because students will be transformed.”

“Because of your sacrificial gift those who have never heard the gospel will now have a chance to respond.”

“Because of your kindness these children will now have hope.”

“I’m sharing Elizabeth’s story with you because she needs your help.”

“Because of you, transformational stories like Mary’s can become a reality for other needy children.”

In Paul’s letter to Philemon he uses both “you” and “because.” “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (Philemon 1:7). Here Paul’s words are totally donor-centric. He appeals to Philemon because his generosity had impacted many other believers. Do you hear Paul’s heart in his phrase, “because you, brother?” Do your donors hear your heart when you ask to partner with them?

How interesting that Paul understood the power of “you” and “because” centuries before Panas. Change your vocabulary and emphasize “you” and “because.” You will be amazed at the results because your words can make an eternal difference.

Fundraising Verse of the Week

Uncommon Gratefulness

by Ron Haas
November 16, 2020

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:15-17).

Hopefully, your mom taught you to always say, “Please” and “Thank You.” It seems insignificant, but Jesus noted that a spirit of thankfulness is rare. All ten lepers asked Jesus to heal them and he restored each one to full health. Only one stopped in his tracks, came back to praise God, and personally thanked Jesus for his miraculous healing. Jesus questioned, “Where are the other nine?” They just walked away enjoying their new gift of life.

Non-profits are constantly asking for gifts, but how many genuinely express thanks to their donors? It’s easy just to move on and focus on today’s challenges, but organizations that neglect to say, “thank you,” risk more than leprosy. Learn these three important lessons:

Thankfulness has an expiration date. Milk cartons have a “best when used by” date for a reason. “Thank-yous” also have a short shelf life. The grateful Samaritan immediately praised God and thanked Jesus for his wonderful gift. How well your organization shows appreciation to donors determines whether your donor cultivation cycle keeps moving forward or grinds to a halt. Maybe you’ve heard this fundraising proverb: “Thank the donor seven times before asking for another gift.” Send a handwritten note, a small gift of appreciation, or a brief video from someone who benefited from the gift.

Thankfulness sets you apart from the crowd. Research has shown that first-time donors who receive a personal thank-you call within 48 hours are four times more likely to give again. Bloomerang, a fundraising software company, made a $5 donation to fifty non-profits to test their acknowledgment processes. Perhaps $5 didn’t meet their giving threshold, but none of the organizations called to say, “Thank You.” In this age of annoying telemarketing calls during supper, many organizations are afraid to call donors—but a thank you call will set your ministry apart from the rest.

Thankfulness cultivates deeper relationships. When this former leper turned back to show his appreciation, he received an even greater gift from Jesus, “Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19). Your thankfulness deepens your relationship to God because you offer to him a sacrifice of praise for prompting the gift (Hebrews 13:15). Your gratitude also deepens your relationship with your donors because they feel that their generosity made an eternal difference. Your ministry partners should never feel that their gifts are expected, taken for granted, overlooked, or unappreciated.

Response: Father, I am so grateful for our ministry partners who sacrificially give to support our ministry. Forgive me for taking them for granted by not thanking them appropriately.

Think about this: The hour you spend each week thanking donors could be the best hour of your week!

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Fundraising Verse of the Week, Major Donors

What Major Donors Want

by Ron Haas
November 10, 2020

The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” (Nehemiah 2:4-5)

Nehemiah had prayed and planned for this moment with King Artaxerxes. When your major donor opens the door for your proposal, you must boldly share your heart and how they can make a difference that will last beyond their lifetime. We know what we want, but what do your major donors want from you? Many donors are frustrated with ministry leaders who don’t make sound business decisions. One donor who gives significantly to the kingdom looks for at least four critical qualities in a ministry leader.

Clear Thinking. Effective fundraising starts with a clear, compelling case for support based upon sound research. Some ministry leaders make decisions on a hunch, but God has given you a mind to think carefully about your steps. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28).

Good Judgment. A businessman who served on a board became increasingly frustrated with the way the executive director overspent the budget then desperately turned to donors for help. The businessman/board member raised red flags at every meeting, but the other board members gave into the leader’s whims. Finally, the board member left; he couldn’t stand to see the ministry he loved destroyed by bad decisions.

Competence. One major donor evaluated a leader’s track record and concluded, “He’s a nice guy who genuinely wants to help people, but he’s somewhat incompetent.” Donors who have this attitude about your ministry’s leadership may stop giving and wait for the next leader, or they may maintain status quo giving, but they certainly won’t give sacrificially.

Diligence. Laziness is a cardinal sin. Donors can understand if you fall short of your projections, but they don’t understand if you don’t give 110% percent to achieve your goal. Major donors accomplished success in business because they worked hard and have little sympathy for those who seem to coast. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).

Effective leaders are rare in the nonprofit would—or in the for-profit world for that matter. If God has called you to leadership, evaluate yourself to see how you match up with these donor expectations. If God has called you to follow, determine to “lead up” and help those above you live out these characteristics. Your donors will notice and thank you. Which of these traits will you enact today?

Response: Father, I want to be an effective leader. Please give me your clear thinking and good judgment. I pray for competence and diligence to serve you to the best of my ability.

Think about this: The king granted Nehemiah’s request because he believed in him. How can you build trust with your donors?

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Fundraising Verse of the Week, Team Building

Share Your Fundraising Load

by Ron Haas
November 4, 2020

The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone” (Numbers 11:16-17).

Moses was having a difficult time. The Children of Israel were complaining again; this time it was about the menu. Moses had reached his limit and cried out to the Lord essentially saying, “I can’t do this by myself. The burden is too great for me. Kill me now!” (Num. 11:14-15). Have you reached your breaking point with all your fundraising responsibilities? Are there too many days of the month left at the end of your money? There’s hope if you follow Moses’ example.

Recruit Leaders. Perhaps you’ve had less than satisfactory experiences with volunteers and are reluctant to try again. You may think that it’s just easier to do it yourself, but that spells burnout. Don’t settle for just any volunteers. Solomon warns, “Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by” (Prov. 26:10). Moses chose those who were known for leadership. Develop a job description with high expectations. Challenge your team to rise to the occasion by giving first and then asking their friends to give.

Empower Them. Most team members want to accomplish something of significance. Some nonprofits make the mistake of recruiting successful businesspeople and then not using them. Unfortunately, these volunteers eventually quit because the ministry wasted their time. The Lord empowered these seventy leaders with the Holy Spirit. Empower your volunteers with stories of your mission impact. Show them how their leadership is making an eternal difference in the lives of those you serve. Motivate your leaders to give their best efforts to advance your mission.

Delegate. The Lord told Moses that these leaders would share his burden. Delegation is an art. Too often leaders just dump responsibilities on others hoping for the best. Even worse, some leaders delegate then don’t give their volunteers freedom to succeed. A wise leader clearly defines expectations, trains fully, provides the resources to be successful, then steps back and lets them engage. The best ways your key volunteers can help your fundraising efforts is to identify, cultivate, and even solicit donors.

Finding, training, and motivating key volunteer leaders is a challenging job, but the alternative of trying to do it all yourself will limit your effectiveness. As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Start small. Who are two individuals you could recruit this week to help you fundraise?

Response: Lord, please forgive me for trying to do it all myself. I praise you that you have empowered others who could help carry the load. Please reveal them to me.

Think about this: Perhaps God has increased your pressures to teach you to rely on him and not yourself.

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Fundraising Verse of the Week, Strategic Planning

4 Helpful Strategic Planning Questions

by Ron Haas
October 28, 2020

“When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, “Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)” Numbers 13:17-20

Moses sent twelve spies into the Promised Land to discover all the blessings God had in store for the Children of Israel. This wasn’t a recreational trip but a reconnaissance mission. Moses had many questions and needed answers, “Bring back some fruit of the land.” Moses wanted to prepare his people for what was ahead. As you envision your preferred future for your ministry, ask your key stakeholders these four questions.

What is right that we should amplify? Focus on what your ministry does well. Identify your unique characteristics. W. Edwards Deming championed the concept of continual improvement which simply means, “getting better all the time.” What changes could you make to your most effective programs to produce even greater results?

What is broken that we should fix? It takes courage to identify and change things that aren’t working. Sometimes, the best move is to eliminate a program, but those are painful conversations. If the program is worth salvaging, don’t take a band aid approach. Invest the personnel and dollars to completely turn it around.

What is missing that we should add? Sometimes we jump to what’s new and shiny. Instead of doing many things in a mediocre way, concentrate on doing a few things exceptionally. Test your assumptions with some key donors to make sure they believe your new idea has merit.

What is confusing that we should clarify? Communication is the greatest challenge for every organization. Apply the preacher rule, “A mist in the pulpit becomes a fog in the pew.” Clearly articulate your vison. Donors won’t give generously to a strategic plan they don’t understand.

The twelve spies believed the land was “flowing with milk and honey,” yet ten let fear stand in their way. This is a great strategic planning lesson. You can see all the evidence pointing to a God-inspired vision for your ministry, but if you lack faith you won’t move forward.

Response: Lord, I praise you for your perfect plan. Help me ask the right questions to discover your plan and take the right steps of faith.

Think about this: Many organizations put great effort into developing a strategic plan, only to have it gather dust on a shelf. General George S. Patton said, “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Fundraising Verse of the Week

Consider the Ant

by Ron Haas
October 22, 2020

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8).

Last Saturday, I was working in my yard and noticed an ant on a rock running around in a small circle. He looked like he was taking hot laps at Daytona. He kept circling and circling and circling like he was trapped in some sort of loop that he couldn’t escape. It was a strange sight but a great illustration (see for yourself in this :20 video). Are you trapped in your own never-ending circle of fundraising activities? It’s easy for a development professional to run from one activity to the next – chasing, but never catching the prize. Consider the ant and evaluate your fundraising efforts.

Don’t Be Lazy
Solomon highlights the ant to scold sluggards who only work when their boss is watching and miss opportunities. Sadly, fundraising has its share of less-than-productive staff. There are countless timewasting activities to divert your focus. Can you say YouTube? Paul taught that our responsibility is to, “obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” (Colossians 3:22).

Be Busy with Purpose
The industrious ant works diligently all summer and fall to prepare for the winter. The ant doesn’t have a boss telling him what to do or inspecting his work. He’s wired for productivity. Yet, busyness is also a trap. Howard Hendricks once remarked, “It’s not enough to be busy, you have to be productive.” It feels good to check off your various to-do items for the day, but ask yourself, “Are these the right tasks or just busywork?” Is what I’m doing the highest and best use of my time that will produce the highest and best results for my ministry?

Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan
Your approach to fundraising is different because you desire to serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You have the right attitude, now you need the right plan. Attending staff meetings, writing reports, planning events, approving department expenditures, and creating marketing materials all seem important. However, good is often the enemy of the best. The best use of your time is meeting with your key major donors. Put donor visits at the top of your to-do list, otherwise you will be caught in a loop of good tasks and miss your greatest opportunities. Whom can you schedule a visit with today?

Response: “Lord, I want to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Forgive me when I focus on things that don’t matter and neglect things that do.”

Think about this: Your to-do list is top of mind every day. Instead of adding to this list, consider developing a not-to-do list.

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

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