Maybe the reason Michael Jordan was the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) is that basketball wasn’t just a game to him. He loved it so much he had a “love of the game” clause written into his contract. It meant he could jump into a pickup game anytime he wanted, and even if he got hurt, his contract was still guaranteed. That’s what it looks like when you love what you do. Peter describes that same kind of passion in his instructions to elders. Here are four lessons to keep your fundraising fervor alive.
Care for Your Donors
We talk about knowing our donors, but it goes beyond that. It means caring for them as people. Scott called Bill to find out why he hadn’t responded to his emails or voicemails. When they finally connected, Bill shared that he had been caring for his wife Marilyn, who had fallen and undergone back surgery. Thankfully, she was on the mend. Scott offered encouragement and prayed with them right there on the phone. That call had nothing to do with a gift. It had everything to do with shepherding. And their relationship is stronger today because of it.
Not Because You Must
Fundraising can feel like a grind. You’ve got a full to-do list with donors calls and visits every week. Your activity matters and will transform your results. But here’s the key. When we start viewing each conversation as a chance to help someone experience the joy of generosity, our whole perspective shifts. It goes from “I have to make this ask” to “I get to invite this person into something meaningful.” That’s the difference between obligation and calling.
Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain
Peter warns against dishonest gain, and that should hit close to home for every fundraiser. This is one reason why fundraising is not commissioned-based. When your paycheck depends on how much money you bring in, it creates a conflict of interest. Instead of doing what’s right for the donor, you might focus only on getting the biggest check possible right now. A shepherd of generosity does the opposite. You’re stewarding the relationship, not just closing the deal.
Eager to Serve
Eagerness to serve means doing your homework. Learn your donor’s giving history, what they care about, and why. Eagerness shows up when you make a thank you call and send a handwritten note. But the truest sign of eagerness is listening more than talking. An eager servant pays attention to what God is doing in that person’s life and looking for where the mission intersects with the donor’s calling.
Think About This: You’re not a solicitor. You’re a shepherd of generosity. When you see it that way, fundraising stops being something you have to do and becomes something you get to do.
Response: Father, thank you for calling me into the ministry of fundraising. Give me a shepherd’s heart for every donor you’ve entrusted to my care. Help me love this work the way you love your people. Amen.
