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Extra Inspiration, Stewardship

History Repeats Itself: Lead With Heart

by The Timothy Group
July 29, 2020

I am about to celebrate 40 years in the stewardship arena, However, I must admit I have never made this statement as many times as I have made in the last 4 months: “I don’t know” or “I am not sure”. This Pandemic has tossed all of us a curve ball.  Frankly, a pitch none of us have ever seen before, ever!

History has a way of repeating itself. It really does. In fact the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon said “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Do we somehow believe Solomon would have uttered that statement if he had lived through 4+ months of COVID-19? There have been lots of dark moment in history and moments of uncertainty; unprecedented times are not new to history buffs.

Back Then

The year 1940 was an unprecedented year in world history and in particular Europe. Nazi Germany had run through most European countries like a hot knife through butter. Poland, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, Holland, and soon to be France name a few. An unlikely candidate named Winston Churchill was named as the new Prime Minister of England. 

France was also about to surrender to the Nazi war machine. Over 380,000 British and French troops had retreated to Dunkirk.  All of England was fearful as the last notch in the Hitler gun was the British Isles. They feared the Blitzkrieg and were certain there would be an invasion of ground forces in a matter of days or weeks.

Churchill’s first speech to the nation happened on April 9, 1940. Here’s an excerpt from that speech: “It would be foolish to disguise the gravity of the hour. It would be still more foolish to lose heart and courage”. Churchill shared many of the fears of his countrymen and women. But he instilled hope, faith, courage, and leadership with heart over the next 5 years as WWII played out in Europe, the Pacific, Africa, and Asia. 

Today

I don’t have his words of wisdom for you today. I wish I did. But I can say this – don’t lose heart, courage, hope, or faith in our God. HE is in charge as our world re-boots and when you say, “here we go again”. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. HE does. 

Be faithful and God will supply the fruit. HE will help you as you re-boot and re-tool your ministry. Certainly, there is some gravity to this hour in which we live. Be strong and courageous and do the work, the Lord your God is with you. “He will not fail you or forsake you until all of the work is finished”, so says 1 Chronicles 28-19-20. 

Marching orders in this battle and in this war are on the invisible foe. It’s clear: be safe, share hope, and lead with heart and courage as you connect with your colleagues or ministries and with your donors. RE-Read Psalm 91 in The Message. Invite everyone around you albeit the gravity of these times to rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Yes, history repeats itself. So, let’s lead with heart.

Author: Pat McLaughlin, Founder & CEO of The Timothy Group. Check out some of Pat’s published books.

Fundraising, Fundraising Verse of the Week

Pivot, Pull Back Or Start Over?

by Ron Haas
June 27, 2020

“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” Acts 16:6-10.

Pivot?

Discerning God’s will can be confusing at times. We map out our strategic plans, but sometimes things don’t progress as we hope. Paul’s experience at Troas is a perfect example of handling uncertainty in ministry. He attempted to preach the gospel in Asia, but the Holy Spirit prevented him. So, he pivoted toward Bithynia, “but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Can you imagine the conversations among his traveling companions? Perhaps they questioned God’s leading; perhaps they questioned Paul’s leadership. That evening the Holy Spirit gave Paul the vision of a man of Macedonia which brought clarity and encouraged them with God’s plan.

Pull back or start over?

A growing church hired an architect to design new facilities. The elders presented the plans to the congregation who generally gave positive feedback. As the conversation continued, some wondered if the plans for the sanctuary were too large for the number of available parking spaces. To discern the Lord’s will, the elders proposed two solutions: 1) conduct a traffic study, and 2) move forward the plans only if the elders had complete unity. God answered their prayers, but not like they thought. The study revealed that the site did not have adequate space for parking, and the elders voted unanimously to ask the architect to significantly revise the plans. God brought clarity. Yet, it took courageous leadership to pull back and start over.

Listen and walk in it.

How will you know what path to take? “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

Friends, have a Spirit-led fundraising week!

Ron Haas, Vice President of The Timothy Group, has also 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, Donor Relations, Major Donors

Three’s A Charm. Well, Sometimes.

by The Timothy Group
June 17, 2020

We’ve all heard the expression, “Third time’s the charm,” and I’m confident that sometimes, that is the case. The giving figures for 2019 were release on Tuesday. Once again, giving in America eclipsed all other nations, no one else was even close. There is generosity and philanthropic DNA in America. Across the board, giving was $449 Billion. Yes, that is the “B” word! This is up from $427 Billion in 2018.  Where will we land in 2020? Wowzer, none of us seem to know. I can’t predict the future, but I do know who holds the future.  

Three items are having an impact on donors and giving here in America: 

The Pandemic

By now most of us are tired of COVID-19 information. Many of us are burned out on FaceTime, Google Duo and, of course, Zoom. We would love to get together in person but that still seems to be somewhere in the future, the near future, hopefully. It is a serious virus and we must all continue to be diligent. I know a major donor couple in the UK in their 70’s that have not been out of their home in over 100 days. This whole adventure has had an impact on your donors and ministry partners. 

The Economy 

We have globally been rocked by the shutdown of businesses and corporations, large and small. The GDP is down and frankly there is some gloom and doom in many people who are deeply concerned about their investments, their occupation, their business, and their pocketbook. Our donors, large and small, who previously supported us generously may be asking the question, “If I give, will I have enough to meet my own needs?” Needless to say, we are in an economic crisis. We are all asking the question what kind of an impact this will have as our ministries head toward the 4 best fund-raising months (September-December) this year.

Social Unrest

It has captured the news everywhere in America. Racial injustice, police brutality, social profiling, and discrimination is causing all of us to search our hearts for answers and has driven up to our knees. There are times we seem to be a divided nation. A year ago, we were all getting ready to celebrate Father’s Day and planning our 4th of July celebrations. Today, we are at home because of state mandates or briefly out in public with a mask on trying to figure all of this out. Can someone say, “6 blocks in Seattle?”    

I could add another potential impact on donors as we head toward the Fall. This is a Presidential election year, and that almost always seems to impact giving. Will we exceed 2019 giving numbers? I don’t know. But there is one thing I DO know – God has got this! Yes, He is concerned about you, your family and friends, your church, and your ministry. Here is a three fold approach to combating this Pandemic with the acts of God!

Threefold Approach

(1) “Pray Without Ceasing.” Paul the Apostle had it right, stay in a constant season of prayer. Our world, our nation, our cities, our communities our neighborhoods, and our families need it! 

(2) Communicate with every ministry partner and tell them you love them, and that you need them. See them electronically, of course, for now, hear them by listening to their personal stories and learn how they’re responding to our circumstances here in 2020, and value them as the lifeblood of nearly every ministry as our prayer warriors and our ministry partners/donors. Share your ministry value propositions with them. 

(3) Holy Boldness as you reopen, reboot, and increase your ministry outreach. Do not be afraid to share with boldness the needs you see in your centers of influence and how your ministry addresses them. Share boldly your mission, vision, and core values as well as the human needs you are addressing with your services and how you will share the Gospel for an eternal impact. 

Three is a charm. We can address the real and felt needs of your ministry partners/donors head on with grace, love, and hope. These are the three good ones.

Remember these words of wisdom, “Say your prayers and wash your hands, because Jesus and germs are everywhere.” 

Godspeed in this incredible journey. 

Article submitted by Pat McLaughlin, Founder/CEO of The Timothy Group.

Fundraising Verse of the Week, Major Donors

Major Donor Prayer Team

by Ron Haas
May 23, 2020

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exodus 17:10-13).

The lesson from Joshua’s battle against the Amalekites is crystal clear: When you pray, you win; if you stop praying, you lose. Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of the hill for a strategic view of the battlefield. Moses stood with his arms raised holding the staff of God to intercede on behalf of Israel. When do you think they realized that the position of Moses’ arms impacted the outcome of the battle? Yet, it was too difficult for Moses to continue. So, they improvised and pulled up a stone for Moses to sit on while Aaron and Hur stood on each side holding up his hands.

And The Winner Is…

Who is the MVP of this battle? Would you vote for Joshua and the army on the battlefield, Moses lifting his staff in prayer, or Aaron and Hur? The correct answer is everyone. This has a direct fundraising application. Your organization needs soldiers on the field telling your story – your leadership team, major gift officers, and board. You also need a major donor prayer team fervently praying for open doors, great conversations, and God’s favor. But this all falls apart without staff to support your efforts.

Rally Your Troops

Rally your troops to pray for your fundraising efforts. Send out regular prayer emails to your most dedicated prayer warriors. You don’t need to share details about your donor visits, just your call to action. Then when God answers, “many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week,

Ron

 Ron Haas, current Vice President for The Timothy Group has also 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, Fundraising Verse of the Week, Major Donors

Praying For Divine Donor Appointments

by Ron Haas
April 26, 2020

“Then he prayed, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master’” (Genesis 24:12-14).

How do you sort through thousands of donors on your mailing list to find the few who could help you significantly? An asset screening tool like Wealth Engine compares your database with public sources of information to identify hidden donors on your list who have capacity to give. It’s a helpful tool, yet some major donors can effectively conceal their wealth from public view. Encouraging your board members to network with contacts is also an effective way to identify new prospects, but some board members are not well-connected.

Abraham’s servant faced a challenging assignment to find a bride for Isaac. His instructions were clear—don’t look among the Canaanites, but only among Abraham’s relatives. So, he traveled to Abraham’s native land and stopped at the well outside of Nahor. Many daughters of the townspeople were coming to draw water, but how could he identify the right one? He prayed three requests: (1) for success, not for his own glory, but to serve Abraham well, (2) for God to schedule a divine appointment , and that (3) this young woman would go above and beyond to fulfill his request.

The servant did his part by showing up at the right place at the right time but knew he would only be successful with God’s intervention. As you review your donor list, pause and ask God for success, a sign, and a generous response. Then go to the well, ask, and listen for opportunities.

Capital Campaigns, Client Impact, Development, Donor Relations, Fundraising, Major Donors, Strategic Planning

Hope Academy Discovers 4 Key Relationship Principles During Virtual Visits ~ Guest Post By Jim Stigman

by The Timothy Group
April 14, 2020

“Face-to-Face Virtual Visits: An Opportunity to Love Donors”

Hope Academy is a unique school. This year, 550 children are receiving a remarkable, God-centered education. Most are from low-income families in Minneapolis, a state that leads the nation in the size of the achievement gap between white and non-white students. We are 90% privately funded, but all families have some financial “skin-in-the-game.”

Our development model is also somewhat unique. In a typical non-profit, .7% of the donors may give 70% or more of the donations*. At Hope, we cultivate relationships with financial “partners” who each sponsor one or more students at $3,000 or more per year, and whose generous support make up over 85% of our total annual contributions. We currently have nearly 400 partners, over 95% recommitting year-over-year, and many who have been with us five or more years.

While the support of our faithful partners is certainly a strength, the current national lockdown provides a challenge for our advancement team, primarily as we seek to love our partners. Face-to-face visits are an obvious no-no. And like the rest of the world, our partners are being impacted in some big ways. Our number one priority is to connect with them, listen well, and pray with them. It is critical that we maintain this contact. Enter virtual visits!

In late February, we started pivoting to virtual visits (Microsoft TEAMS or Zoom, whichever works best for them) and the response has been very well received. During these visits, four key principles guide our development team:

Ministry vs. Manipulation: The calls aren’t designed to “get” something from our partners, but as a way to “give” them something.

Steady vs. Staggering: Hope Academy continues to provide our students and families with frontline support and a remarkable education, albeit remotely.

Hope vs. Harried: We are trying to plan for the coming school year, but we are not ringing our hands. We have hope that He will provide.

Christ vs. Crisis: What an opportunity to point to Jesus!

As we listen, God reveals an opportunity to minister through prayer:

“Please pray for our unsaved children.”

“My husband is dying.”

“I am a surgeon and quarantined from my family after work.”

“There is a 50/50 chance my business won’t survive this.”

“Our daughter’s wedding is cancelled.”

“We can’t visit my 93-year old mother in the nursing home.”

And the list goes on. We purpose to focus on them, often for the entire call. When appropriate, we give a Hope Academy update. We stress that the need for a remarkable, God-centered education for low-income, urban children is greater now than ever; by God’s grace, Hope is positioned for such a time as this; and we are all in this together moving by faith. We close by asking them to keep in touch, to keep us updated on prayer requests, and to let us know about their support when they are able. Many let us know on the spot that they are committed to Hope for the coming year.

As we increase our requests for remote video calls, some prefer a good old-fashioned phone, or to wait until this all blows over to meet for coffee. We pivot accordingly. But most take us up on the virtual visit offer. For now, a new normal. And a wonderful opportunity to support and encourage those who support and encourage us!

A final thought: I have enjoyed a strong working relationship with The Timothy Group over the years. The team was a great help as we launched and completed a $9 million capital campaign. I’m grateful for their wisdom, strategic guidance, personal attention, faith ignition, and good humor. ?

Jim Stigman, VP for Ministry Advancement, Hope Academy, Minneapolis MN

*www.fundraisingreportcard.com/benchmarks

Development, Donor Relations, Major Donors

Form Your Own Invisible Force Prayer Team

by The Timothy Group
April 6, 2020

Famed Washington Post columnist, Art Buchwald  wrote, “Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times…..it the only times we’ve got”. An invisible foe has literally shut down your community, your region, our nation and parts of the world.  We all agree these are difficult times!. FUD has impacted our world, fear of the unknown, uncertainty about the future, and doubt as to a cure. COVID-19 impacted our world and it has impacted our ministries as well. So how do we fight this Invisible Foe?

INVISIBLE FORCE

E.M. Bounds wrote “Men and women are needed whose prayers will give to the world the utmost power of God. True prayers are born of present trials and present needs”.

God is bigger than the virus, He is bigger than immediate trials and present needs. He has got this, but we need to commit ourselves to pray. To pray without ceasing. That is the invisible force that will defeat the fear, anxiety, and worry connected with this pandemic. A Salvation Army quote that I love is “We combat natural disasters with acts of God”. Our combat strategy is that we can all initiate today, right now is prayer. 

MINISTRY NEEDS

Yes, pray and stay busy doing what you can do under the existing guidelines.  All forms of communication are open to you and your ministry team and to your donors.  Oh yeah, our ministry partners our donors; those saints that help us with our ministry needs, They help us impact our world with the Gospel. How do we keep them informed, up to date and praying with us?  By the way, how do we keep them engaged and  giving? 

DATE YOUR DONORS

Yes, set a date, a specific time to call them and if possible, pray with them. You can use your cell, text, email, Zoom, Go To Meeting, Google Duo. There are a plethora of ways to contact them. They are probably at home and not on a cruise or touring Italy at the moment. Value-based communication. What if you began with your top 10-next 20 or 30 or 50 or even 100? Everyone in your organization from CEO to MGO, and even some board members could call and say thank you. Perhaps share a ministry update. Ask for prayer requests and pray with them over the phone. Then there is the ultimate of a dating relationship – a personal, hand-written note! Perhaps this “dating your donors” concept will be something you continue to  implement way past this pandemic. “Do you love me or do you not……you told me once but I forgot!) Some love and time via some quality electronic communication will keep you up to date with your key ministry partners. If appropriate, share a specific financial need, invite them to pray, and to give. 

SEASON OF RECOVERY

Yes, this pandemic will end and our world and our lives will begin a season of recovery. People will go back to work, the economy may sputter, but it will recover and our ministries will get back to work impacting peoples lives with the power of the Resurrected Jesus. When will this take place? No one knows, but it will happen. If you invested time with your key donors in some unique way with your donors during this down time, your Season of Recovery will be fast and fruitful. Plan your work and work your plan. Outline now as to how you want your organization to be ready to move when the time comes to move. Cast a vision for some new or renewed program that you want to see implemented in your first 30-60-90 days of recovery.

THE OTHER INVISIBLE FOE

In addition to FUD, there is another invisible foe: anxiety and a few of its synonyms (worry, nervousness, apprehension and concern). Let’s be honest for a moment. We have all been anxious during this crisis. Here are two applicable verses (OT and NT) and two prayers to Jehovah.

Isiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (NIV).

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.  And the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. (NIV)

God has got this, He has your back!  Just words until you begin to review hundreds of scripture that speak of renewal, casting cares on Him, comfort and strength.  He really does have all of this.  He never sleeps nor slumbers, God is bigger than COVID-19. 

Pray to Jehovah-Raphe, the God who heals. And Pray to Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. Combat these invisible forces with THE GREATEST INVISIBLE FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE, the God who loves us and who sent His son to die for us. 

Have an awesome Holy week. In light, remember wash your hands and say your prayers because Germs and Jesus are everywhere!

A small part of the Invisible Force Prayer Team,

Patrick McLaughlin

Development, Donor Relations

A Message Of Hope

by The Timothy Group
March 30, 2020

I was watching Fox News yesterday from home and Lt. Col. Dan Rooney was on as a guest (view video news clip). His non-profit organization, “Folds of Honor,” started in 2007 and their mission is to  provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. Perhaps you have heard of them. One of many quality non-profits serving out veterans and their families.

Anyway, Lt. Col. Rooney told a story about a fellow veteran, U.S. Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann and how his situation could teach us lessons during this COVID-19 crisis. Sergeant Sickmann was one of 52 marines and other Americans who were captured by radical Islamic terrorists at the embassy in Iran in 1979. We, who were around then remember that terrible day in history. Over the next 444 days, He and his fellow hostages endured privation, mental, physical and psychological torture as officials sought their release. That finally came in January 1980.

Sickmann describes life in a foreign country 7,000 miles from home. You’re not allowed to talk to anybody. Your mind plays games with you. You lose hope not knowing if you will live or die. You keep thinking. “this has to end soon.” He describes being literally chained to a chair for the first 30 days. He describes being handcuffed with his hands behind his back for days at a time and spending an entire week tied to a bed. He went outside a total of seven times, 15 minutes total, in those 444 days.

When asked what carried him through, he mentioned three things: 1) his faith in God, 2) his few friends who were there with him and 3) keeping control of his mind and his thoughts – staying focused on what little he could actually do in the circumstances.

We are facing a similar enemy today – COVID-19. It has changed our lives. For a couple of weeks now, we have been largely “home bound.” We have been ordered by government authorities to stay home. We can’t go to work, visit our friends, eat dinner out or entertain ourselves as normal. I don’t know about you, but it is starting to get to me. I am bored, easily frustrated, short tempered, angry, you name it. And then I pause after hearing a story like that of Lt. Col. Sickmann, and I want to repent to God for my thoughts.

My hardship is NOTHING compared to what he and other have endured. And, think about what got him through – we can still exercise our faith, we still have our family and we can exercise our minds and stay alert. Oh – we can even go outside for a walk on a nice day, as long as we practice “social distancing.” For me, maybe it’s a good time to pick up that book I never finished, play a board game or do a jigsaw puzzle with my family, or learn a new skill or hobby. Our “prison” is only temporary and will hopefully end shortly (I hear references to Easter Sunday being a significant marker). Let’s pray, love, give, support, encourage and serve those God has placed in our lives.

In God’s Love, Kent

Fundraising, Fundraising Verse of the Week, Major Donors

Favorably Disposed

by Ron Haas
January 19, 2020

“The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. 36 The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for” Exodus 12:35-36

God’s plan to provide for the Children of Israel involved asking, but it’s wasn’t just asking. God worked in the Egyptians’ hearts to make them favorably disposed toward Israel. Asking and giving is a divine-human cooperative. As the asker, we must present the need and ask – but God must work in the hearts of your donors to prompt them to respond.

After 400 years of slavery Israel had nothing. God instructed Moses, “when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters” (Exodus 3:21-22). Later, God would ask the Israelites to be generous with what they had received to build the Tabernacle.

The Children of Israel could have just taken what they wanted out of a sense of entitlement that their captors owed them for generations of work, but they weren’t rude or demanding. They simply asked. A major donor shared that a ministry representative once told him, “You have this big house and a lot of money, you ought to give to our project.” Do not equate the courage to ask boldly with rudeness or presumption. God knows your need and if he chooses, he can move in your donor’s heart to meet your need. Ask by faith with confidence and leave the results with God.

God bless,
Ron

 Ron Haas, current Vice President for The Timothy Group has also 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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