FULLY FUNDED - Support Raising 101

Writing Matters!

2011-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Like you, my to-do list gets longer and sometimes a bit vague and perhaps overwhelming...(or knee-dropping...in that it leads me to dependent-prayer!)

But just read the following, and it is good stuff for us all.....Communication is such a huge part of our lives; whether in email to a kid, our normal newsletter, etc...Here is some good advice:

Why Good Writing Matters – And How You Can Improve

from Dumb Little Man - Tips for Life by Ali

In today’s world, being able to write well is of vital importance, whatever your industry. You could be a computer programmer, a small business owner, an administrator ... whatever your job, it’s likely to involve a lot of words.

Just think of the things you might write in a typical working day:

Emails to clients
Internal memos or reports for colleagues
Instructions for a subordinate
A presentation for a seminar
Notes or action points from a meeting
New content for your company’s website

I’m sure you could extend the list. The fact is, text is the currency of the web: although video and audio content is slowly becoming more popular, text has massive advantages (like being searchable, very easy to produce and edit, easy to scan, and quick to download).

So why is it so important that every time you put fingers to keyboard, you write well?

Your Writing Must Give a Good First Impression
In many situations, the first contact someone will have with you is through an email or through reading a website. This could be when:

You’re applying for a job, with a cover letter and CV
You’re replying to an email from a prospective customer
A client is reading your website
A colleague passes on the email address of someone they want you to contact

There are also plenty of non-work contexts where this applies too, such as:

You need to write a letter of complaint, and want to be taken seriously
You’re creating a profile on a dating site
You’re writing content for a community or hobby website

Again, these lists could go on and on. In all these cases, the quality of your writing and the way you express yourself is going to form a strong impression on the reader. You want that impression to be good!

Poor Writing Won’t Be Read
How many times have you skimmed blog posts, ignored pages of jargon on a company site, or even stopped reading as soon as you saw a badly-worded or confusing headline?

It’s probably not news to you that we live in a world saturated with information. If your emails are long-winded and rambling, if your blog posts are vague and ungrammatical, or if your website is full of corporate jargon, people simply won’t read it.

You’re Using Social Media – And You Can Be Found
I’d be willing to bet that you have some sort of online profile or presence. That might be on LinkedIn, for business; it might be a Facebook account, a Twitter stream, or even your own blog. It could be posts on a public message board.

If you’ve never tried this before, give it a go: type your full name, in quotes, into Google. What comes up? (If you have a common name, you might try adding your profession or location.) Would the results impress a prospective client or employer? Bear in mind that almost anything you write online can be found by people searching for you. Again, you want to give them a good impression with well-written content – even if that’s just your bio on LinkedIn.

So, if you know that your writing isn’t your strongest point, what can you do to improve?

Step One: Practice!
If you ever learned to play a musical instrument as a child, you were probably encouraged to practice regularly. Writing is no different: the more you write, the more confident you’ll become. If you need a primer on grammar or if you need to revisit some of the rules, here is are 50 writing tools that can help and here are another 40+ tips on punctuation.

For those who aren’t natural writers, it can seem like a chore to sit down and put words on the screen. Try spending just five or ten minutes each evening writing about something that interests you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your use of language: no-one needs to see this except you.

Step Two: Read It Aloud
One of the most powerful ways to “hear” any flaws in your writing is to read it aloud. If you’re someone who’s a fluent speaker but who struggles a bit with writing, this is a great way to make the most of the way you prefer to communicate. Problems which your eye skims over on the page can become very obvious when you hear them.

When you read aloud, you’re also much more likely to notice convoluted, overlong sentences – they’ll be the ones where you run out of breath!

Step Three: Get Feedback
When you have an important piece of writing that needs to be right, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. That could be as informal as asking a colleague or friend to read it over – ask them to let you know if it was confusing at all, or whether any of the sentences were hard to follow. It’s also worth asking them to look out for “clunky” words that just don’t sound right.

In some cases, you might want to consider hiring a professional writer or editor to look over what you’ve written.

Do you find writing a struggle, in your job or business? Have you got any tips to share?

Written on 9/28/2009 by Ali Hale. Ali is a professional writer and blogger, and a part-time postgraduate student of creative writing. If you need a hand with any sort of written project, drop her a line (ali@aliventures.com) or check out her website at Aliventures.

Focus on Old Peeps?

2010-06-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Interesting stuff from PHIL COOKE
(I don't buy it all; I am thrilled to have a few ex-teens on my support team; but...)

Everybody wants to reach "the next generation," and I can understand that. So when non-profits come to us for help, they want to focus on the 20-something crowd, and make sure their website is hip and cool and appeals to younger people. But the brutal truth is - when it comes to fundraising, older folks carry the load. Pop music belongs to the young, but trust me - giving belongs to the old. That's not to say we should turn off younger people, but don't be fooled by the illusion that they will actually support your cause.

People will reply: "Remember the massive amount of money that was raised through text messaging by young people after the Haiti earthquake?"

Yes I do, but where is it now? Young people are impulse givers. They get emotional and shed a few tears, and will text a $10 gift. But soon after, they're off to the next big thing. It's the older crowd that continues to give for the long term. The millions that were raised for Haiti or the Live Aid concerts are really peanuts compared to the long-term, sustainable giving that age 50 and older people do on a daily basis.

There's lots of reasons that I don't have time for now, but suffice it to say - focus on the older audience if you need to raise serious money.

By the way - that doesn't mean your TV, radio, or web campaigns have to be traditional or stodgy. Even old people want to be cool. But focus it on their interests, their values, and their goals.

Your chances of success will be much greater. My advice? Raise MONEY from the older audience, but raise your PERCEPTION with the young. After all, they'll be the next generation of givers.

Incredibly Valuable Advice!

2010-06-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

WOW! I wish I had written this...well, come to think of it, I have, in varying forms over the years. But "The Body Builder" put it in a form that, yeah, I envy.

I beg you to make time (you'll never "find" time) to read and heed:

Successful Support Raising:
Is it About Character or Gifting?

Straight from the annals of Diary of a Wimpy Support Raiser come these pitiful excuses: “Shadrach, the reason I am not able to raise a lot of support—but you are—is because…

1. “You are gifted to do so”
2. “You have an outgoing personality”
3. “You have a lot of wealthy friends”
4. “You have a ‘cutting edge’ ministry position”

Bull hockey! Thanks for allowing me a moment of crudeness as I debunk those four mythical statements. For the record:

1. There is no spiritual gift of fundraising. Please get that out of your mind. It is a decision of the will.

2. Actually, having a “life of the party,” used-car salesman persona can work against you. The best support raiser in our organization is a quiet, behind-the-scenes, 30 year-old single administrator who has simply met personally with every ministry partner and sincerely shared from the heart her vision and passion, and then….she asked!

3. Don’t we all get to choose our own friends? If so, why not broaden the number, location, and categories of the people you are building relationships with? If you love, serve, and minister to enough people, some of them are bound to end up having significant resources. And guess what? They’re going to want to invest in you…IF you will ask them!

4. I sit in a small office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, praying for and encouraging the staff around me. Most of my time is on the phone and computer. I’m not out on the campus or mission field. Maybe like you, I’m basically a home-office administrator. Sorry—nothing glamorous about it!
OK, now that I got that off my chest, let’s make a list of five essential characteristics of a successful support raiser. Notice the word “characteristic” has the word “character” in it. In my opinion and experience, there is no heavenly anointing, magic formula, or magnetic personality. NO! Who we are in private will determine who we are in public, and if you will pray and cultivate these “characteristics” into your life and support raising, I believe you will see dramatic results:

1. Vision—Get with your co-workers to intercede and determine what is the specific and strategic part of fulfilling the Great Commission God has assigned to you. Illustrate it in crystal-clear terms your supporters can easily see and embrace.

2. Passion—Go to your prayer closet and ask the Lord to so burden you to fulfill that vision you want to weep and pound the table until it is reached. Share from your life and heart, and people will want to jump on your team!

3. Conviction—Draw a line down the middle of a notepad. One side: My beliefs. On the other: My convictions. Beliefs are simply your thoughts, doctrines, ideas about God, life, and ministry. Convictions, though, are different. They are the firm and resolute implementation of your beliefs; something you will sacrifice, even die for, if need be.

4. Courage—Are you willing to call or meet with anyone, anytime, anyplace to lay out your ministry vision, then muster up the audacity to ask them, face to face, to give…and then lend them enough dignity and honor to let them answer?

5. Perseverance—Day after day, year after year, in the midst of incredible obstacles and spiritual warfare, never ever give up. Being devoted to living and ministering on support requires an unswerving adherence to the vision, passion, conviction, and courage only God can provide. All the slick words and gifting in the world can’t help you, but “character” will withstand the test of time.

Write for Lazy Readers

2010-05-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

If you are "on support" the Lord is your source, as He is for every one.

But, if you are "on support," your newsletter is your lifeline. As I've said before, a monthly letter is, in my mind, mandatory...assuming, of course, you'd like your donors to invest at least monthly?

It is ideal if they actually read your letter...prayer cover is priceless...

Interesting commentary from the guys at "Magneto Communications," a "secular" outfit:

I'm amazed you're reading this. I mean, it's hard work, isn't it? You're having to drag your sorry eyeballs along the line, making meaning of all these letters and words. Outrageous!

Actually, you're probably NOT lazy. BUT if you assume your readers are lazy, you'll write in a much more engaging, interesting way. People will be more likely to start reading, read more, and act on what they've read. Apply these tips to light a fire under your lazy readers:

Pique their interest: Half the battle is getting people to start reading. Once they start, they'll probably continue (if you've done a decent job). To pique their interest, consider big, benefit-oriented headlines and subheads; large, interesting pictures, graphs or charts; and bullet points instead of long sentences.
Short chunks: Long, dense blocks of text scream "hard work" to lazy readers, so chunk them down.
Do the work for them: What work will they have to do when they read your writing? Do it for them. Readers will love you for including a short summary of the key points, interpreting results for them, partially filling in forms for them, and making the next steps clearer.

What do you think about this?

2010-05-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is from "The Body Builders" people...I've read it a couple times, not even sure what I think...but I share it with you since some of you are, in fact, of the female persuasion! (In the beginning God created man...took one look and said, Yuck, I can do better than that!)

How Men Vs. Women Raise Support:
Five Differences

Venus—Mars, Oil—Water, Dogs—Cats: What other metaphors can I draw upon to demonstrate there are fundamental differences between men and women? Even though our culture is desperately trying to blur, if not erase, the lines between the two sexes and create a “genderless” society, let’s admit it: GOD MADE US DIFFERENT! It’s a beautiful and harmonizing diversity, though, not to be denied or exploited, but to be understood and appreciated. Consequently, the passages and principles may be the same, but how men and women go about raising their personal support has some wide variances. So, instead of me just “sharing” my heart on this subject, let me (as a full-blooded male) instead “list” my five key points:

1. Women want close relationships with their supporters
Not that men don’t, but for the most part, females who are raising support have a greater interest in finding out the spouse and children’s names, birthdays, ages and schools, interests and needs, etc…And more of their appointments may be in homes with both husband and wife present, seeking to know about their personal life, needs, and prayer requests.

2. Men strongly present their vision and goals
Women certainly do a good job of laying out their mission and role, but many men seem to put a real premium on confidently, even aggressively, reciting their purpose statement, showing alarming (sometimes shocking!) statistics, and communicating the specific and measurable objectives they hope to accomplish in the next 3-5-10 years. And man alive, they can really put together some impressive PowerPoint slides, allowing the donor to graphically “visualize” the story!

3. Women share with empathy and authenticity
Being open and vulnerable, even revealing fears and weaknesses, is the preferable approach many women are comfortable with. Connecting to the heart, rather than just the mind (or the pocketbook!), is of highest priority. Women may interpret some men’s penchant for actually asking for a decision on giving during the appointment as insensitive and uncaring or putting too much undue pressure on the giver.

4. Men focus on the big picture rather than details
“We want to win the entire world to Christ!” a guy might boldly proclaim, while a gal raising support may go hour by hour as to what her daily ministry schedule entails. At the same time, a woman may be busy producing and sending well-done (and personalized) monthly newsletters, while the man may be praying and building up enough courage to approach that major donor for a $5,000 or $10,000 ask!

5. Women enjoy the journey, not just the destination
For most ladies, support raising is not just a “necessary evil” or bothersome hoop they must jump through to get to their ministry. Many times, they find joy in the process, make new friends, and record lessons God has taught them in their journal. Yes, men may sometimes get to full support quicker because they are more focused on the end result (i.e. just “show ME the money!”), but they might miss out on the incredible blessings along the way.
Agree? Disagree? Add or subtract? I know it appears like I have been harder on the men than the women in this article. Maybe it’s just because I am all too familiar with the evil that lurks within our hearts!

Finally, if you want to become the COMPLETE and TOTALLY BALANCED support raiser: men, you may have to get in touch with your feminine side, and ladies, you may have to toughen up and think like a guy sometimes!

Not Support Related...or is it?

2010-05-03T12:46:00.001-07:00

What follows is worth two minutes of your time...if for no other reason for you to then pass it on to those to whom you minister. The music is, well, a bit odd...but the insights significant:

Idolatry in Ministry

2010-05-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

David Powlison observes, “Idolatry is by far the most frequently discussed problem in the Scriptures.”

In an hour-long message Mark Driscoll describes idolatry - particularly idolatry in ministry. You may not have the time to watch (but I recommend you do); so here is a summary.

Got enough guts to read it? It may be painful...

Driscoll shows that idols lie to us by presenting themselves as Saviors and mediators who can give us identity and make us righteous. But in reality they dishonor God and destroy people.
Driscoll asks 11 questions about ministry idolatry in particular:

Attendance idolatry: Does your joy change when your attendance does?
Gift idolatry: Do you feel that God needs you and uses you because you are so skilled?
Truth idolatry: Do you consider yourself more righteous than more simple Christians?
Fruit idolatry: Do you point to your success as evidence of God’s approval of you?
Method idolatry: Do you worship your method as your mediator?
Tradition idolatry: What traditions are you upholding that are thwarting the forward progress of the gospel?
Office idolatry: Are you motivated primarily by God’s glory or your title?
Success idolatry: Is winning what motivates you at the deepest level?
Ministry idolatry: Do you use the pressure of ministry to make you walk with God?
Innovative idolatry: Does it matter to you that your ministry be considered unique?
Leader idolatry: Who, other than Christ, are you imaging?

Here are the resources I’ve found most helpful in thinking through what the Bible says about idols and how to destroy them:

David Clarkson, “Soul Idolatry Excludes Men out of Heaven” (1622-1686)
David Powlison, “Idols of the Heart and Vanity Fair” (Journal of Biblical Counseling)
Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods (watch his TGC talk here)
G.K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry

The Disaster of (typical) Youth "Ministry"

2010-04-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

((I posted this on my OTHER BLOG and felt I need to put it here; please read it carefully and do not misunderstand...I am NOT against "invitations" as long as they are not manipulative and clearly explain that "going forward" does not save; and that adequate time for counseling is given etc...but I am against long drawn out emotional fourteen choruses of Just as I am stuff...and, since there is no biblical mandate for "invitations" it is possible to preach/teach without giving a formal invitation)...DISAGREE? Then get involved by commenting etc...))

The front page headline on yesterday's USA Today read, "Young Adults Less Devoted to Faith" with the subtitle, "Survey shows steady drift from church life." These statistics mirror countless surveys over the last couple years and should not come as a shock; but they diagnose the reality that something is drastically wrong with typical ministry (which can, at best, only produce typical "Christians")...

As a three-decade-plus veteran of youth ministry I say, "duh." Anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear is not shocked by this article, but yet it also is patent evidence that much of what the church and parachurch groups do is simply not working.

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results; maybe a lot of our programs and activities can be liked to insane asylum tactics?

Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway Christian Resources that conducted the survey, states that of those surveyed who called themselves Christians, "many are either mushy Christians or Christians in name only...most are just indifferent. The more precisely you try to measure their Christianity, the fewer you find committed to the faith."

Here's what we should find most disturbing in the study:

Even among those in the new survey who "believe they will go to heaven because they have accepted Jesus as savior":

65% did not mention faith, religion, or spirituality when asked what was "really important in life"
50% do not attend church at least weekly
36% rarely or never read the Bible. Only 17% read it daily.

Only 40% of professing Christians feel it is their duty to share their faith.

SO WHAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM?

Why are we losing youth?

In many (most?) cases because we never "had" them. They may have raised a hand, gone forward, prayed "the prayer" (that is not found anywhere in scripture), filled out a decision form...but the reality is Matthew 7.21-23
Most of those who have genuinely been captured by the Spirit of God have been programmed to apathy, had their "felt" needs met without doctrine, been living from big event to big event, but have not been mentored, nurtured, challenged to live out their faith 24/7 rather than anticipating the next concert, missions trip, or camp.
The Biblical illiteracy of the church as a whole is deepend (shallowed?) in them. (Amos 8.11)
We have not lost most of this generation because we challenged them too little. We've lost them because we've not challenged (yes, even demanded) more!
And we continue to produce baptized pagans because we wimp out and refuse to be fruit inspectors

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Do what Jesus did! When trying to reach people of all ages with the gospel make it easier to say "no" than to say "yes." Can anyone really imagine Jesus turning to the crowd and saying "Every head bowed, every eye closed"? Why do we who want to see disciples rather than decisions all too often start them out in secret, "No one looking around..."

Please do not misunderstand or misquote me, I am not (totally) against the (very new to church history) invitation "system," nor am I questioning the hearts of any who are proponents, but any "witnessing", any "invitation" that does not stress lostness, repentance, surrender, and faith is not biblical and typically produce "decisions" that don't stand the test of time. (yes, God can still use these to His glory in spite of ourselves...but rarely)

And never should anyone be told...even hinted at...that "now you are a Christian." Or, in my mind, "based on what I heard you pray (or what you've said) you are now a child of God." That is the job of the Holy Spirit. The book of FIRST JOHN has a MISSION STATEMENT, but this mission statement is not that isolated verse, but "these things" are everything in First John that comes before...Let the Spirit of God, through the written Word, give "assurance" of salvation in the living Word - The Lord Jesus Christ.

This is already too long...I invite you yell at me, agree with me, call me a works-righteousness dude, or whatever. But, for God's sake (literally) and for their sake, at least think about this ongoing disaster...

Grace in Crisis

2010-04-28T04:47:00.001-07:00

(I posted this on my PUBLIC BLOG, but wanted to share it with you in case you don't check that blog out:

Brian and Sandi Kluth have been friends for almost thirty years. At one time Brian was on the Board of Headwaters Christian Youth where we served in Rhinelander, Wi. He has been active in politics, the pastorate, and now is focused full time on helping churches and individual believers manage the finances with which God has entrusted them.

Sandi has battled cancer for 7 1/2 years...and they were recently told that, medically, the battle has been lost, and she has only a few months to live.

What follows is a message from them that is a demonstration of "peace that passes all understanding." I urge you to watch it, and then come back and CLICK HERE to read more - the information they supply concerning how people can help is invaluable and worth filing away in case you ever ask the question in a similar situation, "How can I help?"

Take Time to Observe

2010-04-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

This isn't support-raising related...directly...but since most of us are involved in youth ministry, methinks it is worth posting...your call as to whether or not you read it...It's from The Campus Ministry Guy:

The margins in my life have been pretty thin this year.

Our family moved into a new house back at the end of August - yes, just as the new school year was beginning - not the ideal time to move... but we were so thankful to have the chance in the economy that we're living in.

Between this big adjustment at home, and the crazy pace of life that seems to define most school years, my margins have been thin... and one of the things that has regularly been pushed off of my daily page has been exercise. I hate that. And I've missed it (another post for another time).

Well, this morning I was able to get out for a run. It's not the first time since we've been in this new house, but it was the first time I took this particular route. I've driven this direction numerous times - it's one of the two ways out of our neighborhood - so it's a route I'm very familiar with... or so I thought.

It's amazing what you notice when you slow down.

On my run today I noticed houses that sit back off the road just enough that I've never seen them before. I noticed, for the first time, a creek that cuts back and forth under this street in several different spots. I noticed the hills... OH, how I noticed this hills - so beautiful to look at, but something totally different when you encounter them on an early morning run.

All of this got me to thinking about our routines on campus.

If you're anything like me, your days are probably pretty full of meetings - with students, colleagues, administrators, etc. - and those times in between meetings can often easily be consumed with checking email, returning email, planning and prepping for what is next on you calendar... even the walks between meetings can be filled with checking in on our 'smartphones'... and there's something that doesn't seem quite right about it all.

I wonder how different our days might be if we created more space in our schedules... If we chose to intentionally slow down, make ourselves more mentally, emotionally and physically available. I wonder how different our walks through campus might be if we chose to leave our phones in our pockets and attempted to greet students as we passed them (I recognize that about 99% of them will be on their phones, but... that's a whole other post as well).

We need to challenge ourselves to slow down. To take in all that makes up the unique place that God has called us to... if we don't, how will we ever see Him at work, or know how to come alongside what He's already doing in that place?

So what do you think?

How thin are the margins in your life?

Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc....Worth the time?

2010-04-23T03:18:00.000-07:00

As I type it is early on Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament Day 2...got up, read, jogged, and now reading emails etc. Even here in Pittsburgh a few adults and teens have said, "How in the world do you find time to tweet/facebook/blog etc in the midst of Nationals?"

As in anything, I don't find time, I make time by praying, planning, and disciplining myself to do it.

Is it valuable? Yeah, it is; but the point is it ministers. Daily I get communications that something I've shared (either written by me or, more likely, others) has ministered grace and truth to someone. Because of my "social media" time I have connected with people I'd never meet otherwise...for instance, the home missionary in India who is trying to work it out for me to fly to his nation and spend a week or two ministering. There is also a guy in Hong Kong who wants me to come.

But you are already busy..and whether you are a director, in the process of raising support, or "just" a worker "on support," (and though you may not see yourself as an "executive director" or "ceo", you are the boss (under His Lordship) of your life and ministry)I urge you to read what follows from Michael Hyatt

How Do Busy Leaders Find Time for Social Media?

On Wednesday, I made a presentation at Catalyst West on the subject of “Platform: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Build It.” When I finished, I opened my presentation for Q&A. Finally, after about 20 minutes of lively discussion, I indicated that we had time for one more question. Someone asked, “How does a busy CEO—someone like you—find time for social media?”

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/tzara

Great question. Frankly, I get this a lot.
On Tuesday, I spoke to a group of CEOs at the Christian Leadership Alliance on “Social Media and Your Ministry.” Different audience, similar presentation. However, because it was an audience of CEOs, the question about finding time was the first question out of the gate.

It is an important question. Why? Because increasingly CEOs, pastors, and other leaders are being asked by their staff, constituents, and even boards about their “social media involvement.” Most leaders I have spoken with, still don’t see the value or, if they do, know how to work it into their workflow. They already feel overwhelmed with their current responsibilities; they aren’t looking for one more thing to do.

Here’s how I answered the question on both days.

First of all, if you see engaging in social media as simply one more thing you must add to an already overwhelming list of responsibilities, it won’t happen.

Blogging, Twitter, or Facebook, can’t simply be another add-on activity. You and I both know that you don’t have time for one more thing. (In fact, if you are honest, you are struggling to keep up with what you have on your plate now.)

Instead, you have to see the use of social media as an integral part of your job (emphasis added by Jack). It has to be a tool that enables you to accomplish your work—your real work—more effectively and more efficiently. But what is your real work as a leader?

It probably includes a dozen things. It will be a little different for everyone. But here are five that probably should be on every leader’s list:

Raise your organization’s visibility. You can do this the expensive way by employing traditional, interruption-based marketing. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer people are paying attention. They are very selective about who they give permission to speak into their lives. This is why the use of social media is so effective. The only people listening are people who choose to follow you and become part of your tribe.
Articulate your organization’s vision. As a leader, you can’t do this too much. Vision is to your organization what blood is to your body: it gives it life. The problem is that it is difficult to be constantly articulating the vision to everyone. Besides, it’s not just your own people that need to know it. Your constituents need to understand it as well. Social media, particularly blogging, provides a perfect delivery vehicle for this.
Network with people can help you. One of reasons you are probably in your position is that over the years you have acquired a network of invaluable contacts. This is one of the secrets of your success—you’ve been able to tap into this network when you need to accomplish more than you could do on your own. Social media take this to next level. I have dozens and dozens of people that I now know, work with, and count on that I first met via social media. My network is larger and richer than ever.
Be alert to what your constituents are saying. Again, you can do this the expensive way by employing traditional market research. I still think there is a place for that. But there is nothing like understanding first-hand what your customers and constituents are saying. HootSuite, Google Alerts, and other tools give you that opportunity for free—in real-time. Like it or not, there is a conversation happening right now about you, your brand, and our company online. Social media provide an opportunity for you to participate in that conversation, learn from it, and even influence it.
Mentor the next generation of leaders. This is why I originally started blogging. I found that I kept dispensing the same stories and advice over and over again. Blogging gives me the opportunity to curate my best ideas, archive them, and share them with those I am charged with leading. Twitter is similar. I use it to direct my followers to links and other resources I believe they will find helpful. Best of all, these tools have extended my leadership and my circle of influence.

So, how do you find time for social media in your already busy life? By beginning to see them as tools that help you achieve your objectives as a leader. If you grasp the potential and connect it with your vision, making time for social media will be much easier.

A Case in Point

2010-04-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

You know I'm a huge believer in Thank You notes.

You know I'm a huge hater of excuses, "I don't have time," "I'm too busy," etc. Get it done. Excuses are like elbows, every body has a couple...just like your newsletter..you may have to plan ahead, you may have to get help, but if you are "on support" your newsletter is, horizontally, your life line and thank yous are just polite.

I also use email, facebook, twitter, blogs and more to stay connected. i sent out a request to my "Prayer Update" email list earlier, and got this response from a long time supporter. He was my high school journalism teacher while we were both children-of-the-devil. He is one of my biggest supporters financially, and stays in touch with me frequently.

He also is a man of few words. I share this with you to let you know your people probably are much more willing to hear from you than you are willing to put the effort into connecting with them:

"Happily responding ........no one makes better updates than you.... helps us to feel engaged..."

Three Fears?

2010-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

The folks at PEOPLE RAISING are dogmatic that the "only" way to raise support is to make face-to-face appeals. I don't concur (I have never made a face-to-face...which is NOT to say that is "the" way; but it is how I've been directed)...but the points made in the following are worth considering:

1. The Fear Of Asking For An Appointment.

If we were to choose our fund raising strategies based purely on convenience, many of us would be very comfortable just sending letters asking for funds; however, the most effective way you can communicate your passion and vision is to be in front of people. It is easy to identify all the reasons why meeting people face to face is valuable, but let’s focus on why it is difficult for people to ask for the appointment. It’s the fear factor the fear of not knowing what to say or how to respond to peoples objections, the fear of getting a ”no”, or the fear of offending people. Part of the solution is practicing making those calls. Practice responding to objections that you will tend to hear. Keep in mind that confidence comes from experience and the more experience you have the easier it will be in dealing with this fear factor.

2. The Fear Of Asking For A Gift.

Here again negative thinking really tends to promote fear back within our hearts and minds. We are fearful that by asking for a gift it will turn people off, they will feel offended, they will never talk to us again, and the mind can run wild. If you want to be fully funded in your ministry, it’s important that you engage with people, challenge people and ask for the gift. Here again your confidence can be built up through experience and the more you can do to practice your presentation and role play it will make a huge difference in overcoming the fear of asking for a gift.

3. The Fear Of Placing A Follow Up Call.

Here again negative thinking comes into play. We think that if we follow people up it will turn them off. Negative thinking tells that us that the prospect certainly knows about our ministry and about our need and then we rationalize that there is no need to follow them up. In my over 35 plus years of fund raising experience follow up, follow up, follow up, is one of the keys if you are to be successful in raise funds.

With each of these three fears the good news is that they can be overcome. On your part it’s going to call for preparation, prayer and the willingness to go for it.

Vital Reminder for All Who Work with Youth

2010-04-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Good Doctrine Makes Better (Teenage) Saints

By John PiperAugust 15, 2007

Here it is again. More evidence from surveys what the Bible makes so plain: superficial, non-doctrinal, non-serious Christians sin pretty much like the world; but more serious, more doctrinally oriented Christians lead lives that are morally distinct. Two years ago Ron Sider flagged this in his book The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World?
Now a new book by Mark Regnerus called Forbidden Fruit: Sex and Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers gives the same bleak picture of so-called “evangelical teenagers” who sleep around as much as unbelievers. But again the book points out that “the 16% of American teenagers who say that their faith is ‘extremely important to their lives’ are living chastely” (Gene Veith, “Sex and the Evangelical Teen,” World, August 11, 2007, p. 9).
Some of you may remember what Sider said two years ago. But here it is again. The point is that what he said then has now been confirmed again by a totally separate survey. May the Lord use both these studies to encourage us that even though growing a church by serious teaching of biblical truth may be harder and slower, it does bear more radical fruit than less doctrinally serious strategies of growth.
Here is what Sider says the more radically transformed Christians believe:

These people believe that “the Bible is the moral standard” and “absolute moral truths exist and are conveyed through the Bible.” In addition they agree with all six of the following additional beliefs: that God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator who still rules the universe; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life; Satan is a real, living entity; salvation is a free gift, not something we can earn; every Christian has a personal responsibility to evangelize; and the Bible is totally accurate in all it teaches. (Scandal, p. 127)

Then Sider lists the kinds of behaviors this more doctrinally rigorous group tend to show.

They are nine times more likely than all the others to avoid “adult-only” material on the Internet. They are four times more likely than other Christians to boycott objectionable companies and products and twice as likely to choose not to watch a movie specifically because of its bad content. They are three times more likely than other adults not to use tobacco products and twice as likely to volunteer time to help needy people. Forty-nine percent of all born-again Christians with a biblical worldview have volunteered more than an hour in the previous week to an organization serving the poor, whereas only 29 percent of born-again Christians without a biblical worldview and only 22 percent of non-born-again Christians had done so. (Scandal, p. 128)

Sider concludes with a word that pastors and youth leaders should hear with great seriousness—mainly because the Bible teaches it, but also because Regnerus’s new book points in the same direction. Here is Sider’s conclusion:

[The] findings on the different behavior of Christians with a biblical worldview underline the importance of theology. Biblical orthodoxy does matter. One important way to end the scandal of contemporary Christian behavior is to work and pray fervently for the growth of orthodox theological belief in our churches. (Scandal, pp. 129-130)

Yes. Pray for sure. And work our heinies off teaching and preaching and modeling the Truth. And resist an entertainment model for youth ministry. And cultivate a joyfully blood-earnest atmosphere for worship. And call for our youth and our retirees to go risk their lives somewhere for the risen King Jesus. This is where serious truth-driven ministry takes us.
Growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus with you,

Pastor John

Die on the Right Mountain(s)

2010-04-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

Since many of those who drop by here minister in what some call "Parachurch" (how I detest that term!) ministries, and since many of us are, ah, rather opinionated (to include me), this from Bryan Chappel serves as a useful reminder...and, from my perspective, in these days when people are arguing the very essentials of the gospel; dare we separate ourselves from those who hold to the basics though we may disagree with far-secondary stuff?

"We are called out of our separateness not to do as we please, but to direct our faith and practice toward the truths given to us by the testimony of Scripture. This calling also causes us to honor brothers and sisters of other churches and denominations who unite their thoughts and actions to Scripture. In doing so we must affirm that there are differences that are honorable but not vital; there are believers with whom we differ on matters important, but not essential; and even as were are correcting ourselves by Scripture, we are called to seek ways to come together with those who are with us in their testimony of one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. What we are not permitted to do is unite ourselves with those who have abandoned these truths affirmed in Scripture."

A Great Whatever You Wanna Call It

2010-04-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

April 9 I had the privilege of sharing my "support/deputation" journey with about a dozen folks at various stages of the support adventure. A few had almost as many years as I, and some were just in the launch window. Most were workers in a similar-style youth ministry (although one that doesn't (yet) have Bible quizzing as part of their strategy...pray for them :)...

A young couple isn't quite sure (yet) where the Lord is leading them, but they are reasonably confident support will be in their future. A couple other guys were getting launched into a ministry focusing on the campus of Fort Hays (Ks) State University...

It was neat to facilitate/guide the discussion, and a discussion it was; questions were voiced, several of us offered our insights. I hesitate to call it a "seminar" or a "workshop," but I'd rather call it an encouraging strategic planning meeting.

I did not teach "how" to raise support, as if there is only one way. We did discuss various scenarios, and it was, by appreciation voiced afterward, helpful.

All that to say this: I am passionate about a few things...Jesus and His gospel; my family; Bible quizzing; and support raising. If there is any way I can help you in this journey; shoot me an email, facebook, pigeon, whatever, and I commit to do all I can to help you get on and stay on the field to which the Lord has called you.

And if you are a ministry head, consider bringing me to your turf for a day or two of "consultation."

The Vital Thank You Note

2010-04-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

This, from Marshall Jones is good stuff. My line is, "If someone came to you and handed you a twenty (or fifty, or five hundred) dollar bill, you'd probably say something in gratitude. Do the same if it comes in the mail!

10 steps to the Thank You note habit

Written by Marshall Jones Jr.

Topics: Relationships

Photo by halfmortimer

Thank You notes are a lost art – I don’t need to tell you that. The habit is even less common. But Thank You notes are simple to write, and a blessing to receive (and send). So why lost?
Yesterday, I came across a brief post about Thank You notes. I’d been meaning to write about this for a while, but her mention of it tipped me over the edge (thanks to Mrs. Donnelson). With this post, I’d like to encourage you to send one (or two or make it a habit). I’m by no means an expert Thank You note writer. Take what you can from my suggestions, but mostly, start Thank You-ing.

1. Decide to write a Thank You note

If you wait for circumstances to prompt you to send a Thank You note, you probably won’t send any. Just think how that approach has worked for you in the past.
Instead decide up front that you’re going to write a Thank You.

2. Choose someone to thank

Again, I suggest this step before you even have a “reason” to thank someone. Choose someone based on who needs to be thanked rather than who’s done something for you worthy of thankfulness. In other words, who will most benefit from receiving a Thank You note? Choose that person.

3. Find a reason to thank

Only now, after choosing who to write, do I suggest brainstorming the actual topic of the Thank You note. Starting with the person instead of the reason can be a challenge when it comes to this step, but I think it helps you dig deeper into thankfulness. Here are three tips to guide you with your topic choice:

1. Thank for (seemingly) small stuff. The smaller the detail, the more thankful you seem. If you’re willing to write a Thank You note because someone let you “borrow” some staples, your thankfulness will skyrocket, and your friend will realize that you notice and really care.

2. Thank off season. Pay particular attention to sending Thank You notes when it’s not right after your birthday or Christmas. While I still promote that, I think it can sometimes just look like you’re promoting gift giving for yourself. Also, it takes away some of the spontaneousness of the Thank You.

3. Thank for intangibles. Try to thank for who the person is instead of what the person’s done. What I mean is, try sending a note thanking a friend for being a patient listener instead of just when you receive a free meal.

4. Get the address

If you have it in an address book, fantastic. Often in my experience, though, I don’t have the person’s address. You can look it up sometimes, but a strategy I like better is simply to call and ask for the address.
I like this because it builds anticipation. Call and say, “Hi, I’m writing you a short Thank You note but realized I don’t have your address. Would you mind giving it to me?” Now your friend gets to look forward to your note. Sometimes anticipation is just as fun as actually receiving the note. Just be sure to say “short Thank You note” when you call so your friend doesn’t expect a long letter.

5. Pick or purchase a Thank You card

If you’ve not written much in the past, you might have to buy cards. That’s a good thing, though. Choose a pack so you’ll have extras to send to others in the future. Pick cards that are versatile, so you can send them to anyone any time of year, but also be sure to choose cards that are “you” (that match your personality).

6. Write a draft

Yes, I know it sounds lame, writing a draft for something as short as a Thank You note. But do it. You’ll be glad you did (at least I have been). By the way, the need to write a draft implies you’re not typing this up in a word processor. I didn’t think you would type it but just wanted to be sure.

Format suggestion:

Date: I forget this one too often, but it’s a nice touch to include. Write it in the upper right corner.
Salutation: I suggest, “Dear Mr. (or Mrs. or Miss) ______.” I like the more formal style even if you’re on a first name basis because it reminisces of the days when Thank You notes were more common. But use your own judgment.
1st sentence: “Thank you for…” I’ve heard that you’re not really supposed to begin that way, but I’m like, “Whatever with that.” I think it’s fine. Stay short and punchy with this line.
2nd sentence: Unpack that first sentence by telling what exactly you’re thankful for and, if applicable, how you realized you’re thankful for it (see example below).
3rd sentence: Explain why you’re thankful and why the reason you’re thankful matters.
4th sentence: Repeat your thanks. I’m not sure you can’t repeat this too often in a Thank You note.
Closing: If it’s to a relative, “Love” works. You can sometimes get away with it to close friends as well. If it’s to a Christian, you could write, “Blessings in Christ,” or “Your brother [or sister] in Christ.” If you really can’t think of the right words, just set off the fourth sentence (the repeated thanks) from the rest of the note and use it as a closing.
Signature: Finally, sign the note. I like a simple first name.

I try to go for a very informal tone (except for that “Mr.”). Use contractions (“you’re” instead of “you are,” etc.). Use small words and short sentences.

7. Write the note

After you’ve edited your draft (if it needs it), write the note in your best handwriting.

Here’s an example:

Dear Mr. _______,
Thank you for being such a patient listener. I particularly noticed this the other day as I watched you interact with the children in your Sunday School class. They seemed to really engage with you because of it. Again, thank you.
Blessings in Christ,
Marshall

8. Prepare the envelop and pack the card

Address the envelop and put a stamp on it. Include your return address. Make sure the a stamp is current. Pack the card and seal it in.

9. Drop the note in a mail box

I know I’ve had cards sitting around for a couple days for no reason in particular. Don’t do that. Get out and mail the thing (including the date in step 6 helps motivate you). ‘Tis a wonderful feeling.

10. Plan to repeat steps 1-10

Once you’ve sent one, make a plan to send another within a certain time, say within a month. Jot it down on your calendar. Recruit friends to keep you accountable on your Thank You notes (and encourage them to build the habit too). It will bless others more than you think. And it will bless you more than you think. Try it.
This is a fairly (almost ridiculously) detailed guide. Remember, though: thanking for anything is better than nothing. Don’t sweat it if you don’t follow these suggestions. Just write something. Just thank.

Serving Suggestions:

(1) Send a Thank You note. (You saw that one coming, right?)
(2) How about spreading this around? Team up with others to commit to writing a note per month or more (and don’t just write to each other). Watch your thankfulness explode.

One of the Most Important Things I've Posted...or Read

2010-04-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Many of you may be following the John Piper sabbatical story. If not, you probably should, since the stuff is hitting the fan in many ways (don't freak, he hasn't committed gross sin or been exposed). Perhaps some who read this will smile as he is being hammered for inviting Rick Warren to speak. (for more info, CLICK HERE)

It may well be that some who drop by here also don't care for Mark Driscoll. Oh well. I trust that if you hammer him (or anyone else) you've at least read or listened to him, and, of course, written him a letter to tell him why you think he is off base rather than spread stuff about him?

But he and his wife comment wisely on the entire issue. I don't only want to be "in ministry," I want to finish well, and that means, among other things, being a good husband and dad. I urge you to read this with an open heart and mind. The links are worth examining also, to ensure you are getting the facts.(the yellow highlight is what most whacked me in the side of the head)

Eight Godly Precedents Set By John Piper's Sabbatical:

Mark and Grace Driscoll

Pastor Mark's Introduction

Dr. John Piper recently announced that he will be taking an eight-month sabbatical from public ministry to invest his full energies in the private ministry of his family. My wife, Grace, and I have spent time reflecting on what we can learn from the Pipers’ example. In particular, we asked ourselves how we can better love and serve one another and our children. My prayer is that other ministry leaders would emulate the Pipers’ honesty by seeking out areas in their own lives and families where God would call them to focus energies and get their priorities in the right order. Many marriages and children will be affected, I believe very positively.

Indeed, this act could be the most important message Dr. Piper has ever proclaimed.

In praying for the Pipers, I felt the Holy Spirit burden me to give some public reflection—but not my own reflection.

Rather, I felt compelled to ask Grace to write a blog from her heart as to what Dr. Piper’s decision feels like from her perspective as both a pastor’s daughter and a pastor’s wife.

The question I asked Grace to answer was this:
“As the wife of a pastor and the daughter of a pastor, what are your thoughts and feelings about the precedent Dr. Piper’s announcement makes for his family and the families of other ministry leaders who look to him for leadership?”

Grace's Answer

I was brought to tears and was extremely humbled by the courageous letter that Dr. John Piper wrote to explain that he is taking a sabbatical “because of a growing sense that [his] soul, [his] marriage, [his] family, and [his] ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit.”

This is a hard thing for any of us to do, let alone someone whom God has raised up with a public ministry, allowing his life to be exposed before the world. I am so grateful for the example he has set by this action.

Growing up as a pastor’s daughter and now as a pastor’s wife, I can honestly say that pastors rarely do this. The pressure to be all things to all people, and the lies by which the Enemy tries to persuade leaders can cause them to believe that church ministry IS their life. The Bible is clear about what God’s priorities are, but sadly, I have seen so many examples of pastors’ wives who are no longer the first love (after Christ) of their husbands.

I am thankful for the precedent and example that Dr. Piper and Noël are setting because:

It frees up wives and children to be priorities (1 Tim. 3:4; Eph. 5:28).
It allows the church and ministry to not be idols (1 Tim. 3:5).
It can give wives a new freedom to have this honest discussion with their husbands (I have seen many wives silenced or unsure of how to have this conversation when they have genuine concern) (Prov. 19:14).
It can give children a new freedom to have this honest discussion with their dads (I have seen so many kids of pastors feeling last on the list with the church at the top) (Prov. 17:6).
It urges us all to examine our priorities and make sure our Jesus, our marriage, and our children are the top three, in that order (1 Tim. 3:1–5).
It challenges the church to give their pastor the freedom to examine his own life and take a break if needed (Mark 2:27–28).
It challenges us to not idolize pastors or think of them as sinless, but rather see them as gifted, called men (under immense pressure) who need to be free to repent and be redeemed like the rest of the church members (Heb. 13:18).
It challenges wives to examine if they have enabled their pastors-husbands to become islands unto themselves (Gen. 2:18; Prov. 31:12).

Thank you, John and Noël Piper, for the courageous and humble example of what it means to BOTH preach the gospel and live it out in your life!

Pastor Mark:

And thank you, sweetheart, for sharing your perspective with others and your life with me.

Five Drop outs

2010-04-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is from the "Body Builders" people...take it for what it is worth. Since I, personally, have been "on support" for over thirty years and have never done anything but what the first guy did (except be an exceptional athlete!), this again falls into my three main points about support:

1. There is no "way" to raise support (you gotta find what works for you)

2. Support-raising/maintaining is not preparation for ministry, it is ministry

3. Money follows ministry.

With that caveat, here is the stuff:

Support Raising Dropouts:
Five Who Gave Up

Whether it’s a long distance race or the support raising journey, it’s exciting, fun, even glamorous to blast off at the sound of the starting gun, but incredibly challenging to stay focused and endure all the way to the finish line. The kind of grueling perseverance required to complete the task reminds me of Walt Henrichsen, an old Navigator and hero of mine, who would issue us a discipleship challenge: “Men, many aspire…but few attain!” Here are the short stories of five individuals who, though well intentioned, apparently did not truly count the cost:

1. Bart: Being a prominent athlete, he exempted himself from spending the hundreds of hours on the phone, traveling, and meeting face to face with supporters. Confident the money would come rolling in by just sending a signed letter (and enclosed envelope), he was shocked with the pitiful response. After financially limping along for three years, he and his disillusioned wife finally departed for a “real” job and paycheck. Issue: Taking shortcuts

2. Jake: After 14 years in ministry and support raising, this key leader was worn out by the constant “demands” of having to create and send out newsletters, calling and thanking supporters, and spending time and money to visit them. As they gradually dropped off his team, he too faded out of ministry and into a job that didn’t require an “attitude of gratitude.” Issue: Lack of thankfulness

3. Julie: She was so excited about going into ministry and visiting all of her family and friends, knowing for sure they would all rush to be on her team. But, after a series of “no’s” from people she was counting on, she gave up, spiritualizing the situation and sharing that God had now revealed to her a different path. Barely out of the gate, she let a few obstacles and rejections completely cloud her calling into ministry. Issue: Lack of conviction

4. Richard: Stepping into ministry as a 40-something was a risk, he thought, but his “ace in the hole” was that he was part of a huge and wealthy church that would surely get behind him. He survived for almost a decade on large and sporadic “one-time” gifts, but failed to take into account how his wife felt about living on support. As the years rolled by (with ongoing financial instability), her resentment increased, and he finally felt forced to drop out and go back to work—just to keep peace in the family. Issue: Oneness in marriage and ministry

5. Dylan: Having been a successful salesman, he felt the call into ministry and (for six years) was willing to live at the decreased “salary” he was required to raise and live on. As he got into his 30’s, though, and saw a lot of his peers entering their peak earning years (and enjoying the fruits of their labors!), he too began missing the perks of a comfortable income and lifestyle. Finally stating he felt “led” back into the secular work world, he quit the ministry and returned. Issue: Lure of the world

Danger! Warning!

2010-03-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

If you are "on support," in the process of raising initial support, or contemplating same, you are in some type of leadership role. This, from Pastor David Murray, should be read carefully...and often. After over 30-decades of public ministry, I am still capable of falling into this hole; and I've seen too many friends/associates fall in and not get out; and, yeah, there's a couple that I pray for now even as I try to guard my heart. If you think you are somehow "above this," frankly, I pity you:

The Pastor's Worst Enemy

The pastor's worst enemy is pride, and it is a special danger for young pastors (1 Tim. 3:6).
The Particular Causes of Pride

Public gifts. As your gifts are exercised in public (unlike those with more private and unseen gifts and ministries), they are more likely to be recognized, admired, and praised.
Official status. As many of God's people respect and honor the "office" of pastor (sometimes regardless of who fills it), you may be inclined to think it is you they respect and honor.
Man-centeredness. When people are blessed under your ministry, they will often attribute it to you rather than to God.
Worldly ideas of leadership. You see yourself as "in charge of all these people," rather than their servant.
Inexperience. The Church is quite unique in how it places untested and inexperienced young men into positions of the highest responsibility without going through the "humbling school of hard knocks." Having never been led, they sometimes do not know how to lead.
Misunderstanding of call to the ministry. Paul did not see the pastoral ministry as a prize he had earned. For Paul, it was as much a grace, an unearned gift, as salvation (Eph. 3:8).

The Pastoral Consequences of Pride
If you fall into pride there will be serious consequences in your ministry.

You will start depending on your gifts rather than on God.
You will become impatient with your less gifted brethren in the ministry or eldership.
You will become thoughtlessly insensitive to the traditions and customs of the past.
You will resist personal criticism and mature counsel.
You will become discouraged and discontented because "I deserve better than this crowd!"
You will regard yourself as above the small/dirty jobs in the congregation.
You will stop learning because you know more than everyone else anyway.
You may fall into the "condemnation of the devil" (1 Tim.3:6).

The Personal Cure of Pride
Let these two phrases be the double heartbeat of our ministries.
1. I am a sinner

Remember what I was (think on the sins you've been delivered from)
Remember what I could be now (if God had not stopped you)
Remember what I still am (research your own heart )
Remember what I could yet be (if God removed His restraining grace)

2. I am a servant

A servant of God (not independent but dependent on God for commission, authority, blessing)
A servant of God's people (not their lord or sovereign)
A servant of sinners (do not look down on the unsaved but get down on your knees for them)
A servant of servants (don't compete with other pastors but serve them)
A servant of the Servant (who said, "I am among you as one who serves," and, "the servant is not greater than his Master.")

Final Sayings of (ex) children's and youth pastors

2010-03-25T11:16:00.001-07:00

Sure, doesn't apply to support raising; but...

Greetings from Seattle, where I have the privilege of ministering thru this w…eekend. Saw this on a BLOG

wanted to share with you:

TOP TEN SAYINGS VOICED BY CHILDREN/YOUTH PASTOR"S JUST BEFORE GETTING CANNED:

10. We don’t have to preview this video; one of the deacons told me it was clean.

9. Just go ahead. It’s easier to beg forgiveness than to obtain permission.

8. The board won’t care.

7. We’ll set a record for this!

6. What does this switch on the soundboard do?

5. I’ve seen this done on TV.

4. I’m sure it’s strong enough to hold both of us.

3. Let’s go ahead and order it, the church will pay for it.

2. I decided we’re not having VBS this year.

1. I don’t care if he is the pastor’s kid

Chew on This Stuff for a While - It'll Do You Good!

2010-03-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

m I think this is an important word from Michael Hyatt

The Leadership Strategy of Jesus

So much of the activity I see among leaders today is focused on reaching the masses. “Successful leaders” speak at big conferences, host popular television or radio shows, publish bestselling books, or write successful blogs. Their goal is breadth. They want to extend their influence to as many people as possible.

Jesus had a much different leadership strategy. His goal was not “reach” or popularity. In fact, as strange as it sounds today, he actively discouraged publicity. On more than one occasion, after performing a jaw-dropping miracle, he told those who witnessed it, “Tell no one what you have seen” (see e.g., Matthew 8:4; 16:20; 17:9; Mark 7:36; 8:30; 9:9; Luke 5:14; and 8:56). He was a publicist’s nightmare.
Instead, Jesus focused on true depth and long-term impact. To achieve this, he had a four-pronged leadership strategy:

He taught the multitudes. Yes, Jesus had a public ministry. He occasionally spoke to thousands. However, he didn’t pander to these groups or “tickle their ears.” He confronted the status quo, jarred his listeners’ sensibilities, and often taught in parables. He didn’t feel the need to clarify everything. He often left his audience confused and wondering what he meant. His goal was apparently to shift their paradigm and get them to think.
He mobilized the seventy. Jesus had a smaller, more intimate group to whom he gave specific assignments. He sent them out two-by-two. He asked for a BIG commitment. He gave them virtually no resources. Yet he demanded that they perform miracles. He told them to expect opposition (see Luke 10:1–12) and promised no earthly reward (see Luke 10:18–20).
He trained the twelve. He chose the twelve disciples to be “with him” (see Mark 3:14a) He taught them and also gave them assignments (see Mark 3:14b–19). However, he also shared with them his daily life. Like the Apostle Paul would do years later, he poured into them his very life (see 1 Thessalonians 2:8). Because of this, he entrusted them with power to do the work he himself had done. In fact, he promised them that they would actually do greater works (see John 14:12–14).
He confided in the three. Jesus had an inner circle comprised of Peter, James, and John. He took them on special outings (see Matthew 17:1). He allowed them to witness his greatest glory (see Mark 9:2–3) and his deepest temptation (see Mark 14:33–34). He prayed with them (see Luke 9:28f). He taught them things He did not teach the others (see Matthew 17:2; Mark 5:37–43). He even introduced them to His heavenly family (see Matthew 17:3). They were his closest friends and confidants.

Jesus’ leadership strategy evidently worked well. Within a generation, His followers turned the world upside down (see Acts 17:6). Within seven generations (318 A.D.), the emperor Constantine accepted his message and made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. And here I am, almost two millennia later, writing about it.
After interacting with leaders at every level for more than three decades, my observation is that most leaders only focus on the first two strategies. They have a public teaching ministry, and they are good at mobilizing groups for specific assignments. However, very few intentionally train a small group of disciples. Even fewer build deep relationships with a handful of confidants. As a result, they do not have the kind of lasting impact they could have.
The older I get, the more value I see in going deeper with a few. Leading the masses may feed my ego, but it won’t guarantee an impact that will outlive me.

Word of God does Work of God

2010-03-19T07:34:00.001-07:00

Many who read this are involved in Bible quizzing; all are involved in preaching/teaching the Word of God. This quote from a guy who died in 1900 is perhaps even more applicable today than when he penned the words:

“What is the best safeguard against false doctrine? I answer in one word, ‘The Bible: the Bible regularly read, regularly prayed over, regularly studied.’ If we want a weapon to wield against the devices of Satan, there is nothing like ‘the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.’ But to wield it successfully, we must read it habitually, diligently, intelligently, and prayerfully. This is the point on which, I fear, many fail.” (emphasis added)

~ J.C. Ryle

Is It a "Concern" or a "Responsibility?"

2010-03-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

There may be some who read this who are not "fans" of Mark Driscoll. Even if that is the case, I urge you to read what follows as it has a tremendously important message for those of us who are in ministry and thus, by definition, care about people and their needs: (this is from Driscoll's blog)

One of the most important skills every Christian, especially a ministry leader, must learn is the distinction between a concern and a responsibility. The younger the Christian or ministry leader, the more likely they are to lack the skill of discerning concerns and responsibilities. In my own pastoral ministry, failures in this area have contributed to extreme overwork and exhaustion. I was recently reminded of this important distinction when I read the simple and helpful book Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro, a fellow pastor whom I have greatly enjoyed the few times I have met with him.

As a Christian, we should lovingly and sincerely have concern for many people and their many circumstances. Our hearts should ache for the pain and trouble that others experience in life. This concern should compel us to speak truth into their life, which can include everything from pointing out sin to giving wise counsel, and intercede for them before God in prayer.

Still, as a Christian we cannot take responsibility for everyone and everything for which we have concern. As finite beings, there is only so much we can do and we must discern whom God has called us to help and how God has called us to help them. When we take responsibility for people and things we ought not, we are sinning by taking off someone’s shoulders a load God has called them to carry and sinning against our own health, family, and priorities by offering to carry it for them.

I envision that everyone has a backpack with responsibilities that God has given for him or her to carry. Some people’s backpacks are big, and others are small. Nonetheless, God has called us each to fill up our pack with specific responsibilities. Some people are lazy and try to take things out of their pack and get others to carry them instead. Examples include the able-bodied man who lives with his mom, making her responsible for his housing and food; the lazy employee who cannot keep a job and expects his or her friends and family to always give him or her money; and the irresponsible young woman who assumes the government, her family, or a wealthy boyfriend will pay the price for her foolish life choices. Tragically, for many, the whole definition of someone being loving, godly, and spiritual is that they are willing to carry the loads God has called others to carry. This is not ministry. This is co-dependency, co-idolatry, and sin.

Scripture, of course, says it perfectly. Galatians 6:2–5 admonishes us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. . . . For each will have to bear his own load.”

At first glance, this Scripture passage seems contradictory but it is not. It says that everyone, by himself or herself alone, should carry whatever load God has placed in his or her backpack. It also says that Christians should take some burdens out of the backpacks of some people and put them in their own packs and carry them out of love. In the Greek, the difference is between the words “load” and “burden.”

A “load” is a light enough pack that someone should be expected to carry it alone. Practically, this means that the typical person needs to find a job, pay their bills, read the Bible, attend church, pursue Christian friends, pray, repent of sin, share their faith, watch their diet, exercise, and look after themselves and their spouse and children if applicable.

A “burden” is a heavy load that is simply too much for one person to bear without the loving help of Christian friends. Practically, the person with cancer or another debilitating ailment, the mother of young children who is abandoned by her husband, the poor elderly widow who cannot pay her bills, and others like them should not feel guilty for seeking reasonable help nor should they be chastised for doing so. Rather, the church exists in part to help lessen their burden by taking some of the financial, emotional, and practical weight out of their pack and carrying it for them.

One key to ministry is discerning what is a load someone else has to carry (in which case we show concern) and what is a burden we and others need to help carry (in which case we take some responsibility).
Are you someone who is expecting too much time, energy, money, and/or investment from the leaders in your church? Which loads do you need to just buck up and carry without whining until someone else does your job? Have you manipulated others’ concern for your load to get them to take on your responsibilities as their burden in the name of loving Christian community?

Are you a Christian leader who is weighed down by all the loads you are carrying for others who need to carry their own load? How have you sinned by allowing concerns to become responsibilities and others’ loads to collectively become your burden?

Writing Matters!

2010-03-17T07:47:00.001-07:00

Why Good Writing Matters – And How You Can Improve

from Dumb Little Man - Tips for Life by Ali

Emails to clients
Internal memos or reports for colleagues
Instructions for a subordinate
A presentation for a seminar
Notes or action points from a meeting
New content for your company’s website

You’re applying for a job, with a cover letter and CV
You’re replying to an email from a prospective customer
A client is reading your website
A colleague passes on the email address of someone they want you to contact

There are also plenty of non-work contexts where this applies too, such as:

You need to write a letter of complaint, and want to be taken seriously
You’re creating a profile on a dating site
You’re writing content for a community or hobby website

Connected?

2010-03-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

How are you doing staying connected to your support team?

Not "just" newsletters (though the monthly newsletter remains, in my mind, mandatory).

I do blog, I do twitter, I do facebook. Do all my team do such? Nope; but a bunch of them do.

So everyday there is some connection with those supporters who are electronically connected. It may be a shared item, a praise report, a prayer request, a funny video, perhaps even a joke; but it is something that intersects my life with theirs...and that is a good thing.

And, yeah, I still send out thank yous; often by email, occasionally by snail mail; perhaps with a quick phone call.

Connecting with our support team is part of our "job," part of our "duty," and a privilege!

Tell "Em What the Lord Has Done

2010-03-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

This quote from the PeopleRaising guy should be old-hat to all of us; but we all "leak," and we occasionally need a reminder:

"I love the story of Nehemiah and how he inspired the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The project began when he was before the king and he said 'send me' but as he knew he could not do it alone. He turns to the people and says in Nehemiah 2:17"come let Us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer disgrace."

Question: How did he motivate the people? In his recruiting campaign, he gives people evidence of God's leading. Nehemiah 2:18a And I told them (1) of the hand of My God which had been upon me for good and also (2) of the words which the king had spoken to me (Keep in mind, king had changed his decree of Ezra 4:21), in which he stopped work on the rebuilding of the city.) Nehemiah had sufficiently motivated them because in the next part of the verse they said- 2:18b "Let Us rise and build". Nehemiah's burden had become their burden (their motivation level could be described in 4:6b) "For the people had a mind (will) to work". 3:20 They worked earnestly. Nehemiah 6:15 tells us that the walls were finished in 52 days.

When it comes to support raising or fund raising for your organization talk about what the Lord has done in your life, how the Lord has already met some of your financial goals and then give them a chance to participate"

Relations Matter - in Ministry, in Support-raising and Maintenance

2010-03-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

Good stuff from http://blog.thesource4ym.com/. Certainly applies to ministry in general, also to what I perceive to be the ministry of support raising and retaining:

My Youth Pastor 20 Years After High School

"I'll never forget when he took me to lunch."
"I remember looking in the bleachers and seeing him there at my basketball game."
"His wife Sherrie had us all over for a slumber party."

Funny... no one remembered any of his sermons or talks, but we all remembered how he loved us, made us feel accepted, and how much he invested in our lives relationally.

I'm talking about my youth pastor from 20 years ago. You see... this past weekend I had a 20 year high school reunion, but not with my school... with my church youth group.

Imagine that. Do you ever wonder what the kids in your church's current youth group will look like in 20 years? What will they have to say about their youth pastor?

The whole idea of a "youth group reunion" began last fall when some of my old high school church friends started Facebooking each other, "Wouldn't it be fun to get everyone together again, "etc. After 4 or 5 of us kept saying it, we decided to make it happen. We emailed as many people as we still knew and came up with a date. Then we started spreading the word.

Last Friday and Saturday night we got all of us together. Friday night was "family night" (we had infants, toddlers, tweens and teens) and Saturday night was just couples and individuals. What a great time!
Our youth pastor from back then, Paul, is now one of our church's associate pastor. He and his wife Sherrie came to the party along with my dad and mom (my dad was the senior pastor when I was in high school). Among the "youth group kids- all grown up" were a doctor, a few state workers, a professor at Eastern College in PA, a nurse, a couple youth ministers, an associate pastor, a missionary in China, a manager of Toys R S, a hotel manager, a few stay-at-home moms and a handful of people in business for themselves. Almost every single one of them is plugged into a church right now, many of them involved in ministry.

On Saturday night we had an "open mike" asking people to share their favorite "Paul" story. We shared stories of him hanging out with us on backback trips, snow trips, his visits to our campus and sports events... amazing what people remembered. We spend over 30 minutes just lifting him up and thanking him for his investment in our lives.

It was amazing how after 20 years, the quality people remembered the most was Paul's relational investment in our lives.
Hmmmmmm.

Stay in Touch/Keep in Touch

2010-03-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

The strategy is simple...we want to retain our supporters...What follows is from the People Raising folks, and it is worth reading/heeding:

4 Reasons Why Donors Stop Giving
In this day and age, the last thing you and I can afford is to have our donors stop giving. There are 4 reasons why donors tend to stop giving but there is one in particular we can control.
For every 100 people that stop supporting you:

4 move away or die
15 transfer their giving to another organization
15 are unhappy with your organization
66 think you don’t care about them

There is a lot you can do when it comes to reason #4 (66 think you don’t care about them). You need to stay in touch with your donors. They need to be thanked, appreciated and educated. Never forget they have made an investment in you and your ministry and they need to know what is happening with that investment.
We have so many more tools today than ever before to stay in contact with our donors. I promote high tech and high touch. Here are just some of the few tools you can use to stay in touch:

Email
Facebook
Twitter
Skype
Blogs
Mail

I am confident if you stay in touch with your donors you will have a happy group of people that will continue to support you and your ministry.

Share Your Heart

2010-03-09T14:38:00.001-08:00

I don't concur with everything "The People Raising" guy says, but what follows is good stuff, and a good reminder to us all:

"I had the opportunity to speak to a group of 150 people. In settings like this I talk in terms of my ministry with Inner City Impact. I always paint the picture of changed lives. Many a time through the course of my presentation, there are tears that flow because of the tremendous love I have for these inner city young people. It was interesting at the conclusion of the meeting for a lady to walk up to me and simply say 'Thank you for sharing your heart'. That's what each of us needs to do as we convey the passion of our ministry and what God has called us to do. People need to hear our passion and not merely facts and figures about our ministry. Whether raising missionary support or funds for your organization, share your heart." Bill Dillon

Five Distored "Gospels"

2010-03-08T12:49:00.001-08:00

This is important stuff from James MacDonald (I put it on my other blog but didn't want you to miss it)

My oldest son, Luke, sent me a link the other day that quoted A.W. Tozer and James Kennedy (both wonderful Christian leaders in their day). Both men believed that many, if not most, professing believers they encountered around the country were not actually saved. They were deeply troubled by the distortions of the gospel that were the result of trying to get the gospel to more people. Well intentioned yes, but eternally dangerous for the souls of men and woman who had not heard the whole message. The article prompted me to look back in my file for something I remembered writing a while back. Here it is . . . What gospel have you heard and believed?

Five Distortions of the Gospel in Our Day

1) The Cake Mix Gospel: if we leave out key ingredients our souls will never “rise” to God. We don’t need the message reduced to some irreducible elements, we need the whole gospel. You don’t expect your car to run without all the parts. You don’t expect your body to function without all the organs working properly. You don’t expect a cake to taste right if it’s rushed and readied without the right ingredients. The gospel without repentance is not the gospel. Acts 18:26, “And he [Apollos] began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

2) The Cultural Gospel: Skip the postmodern sales job and go for the heart where human need never changes. Understanding the ‘culture’ is much less important than knowing what the Bible says about every human heart separated from God. We don’t need slick sales people giving out the gospel. We need bold, Spirit-filled messengers with a deep heart of compassion for lost people. The gospel without authoritative/binding truth is not the gospel. Acts 17:30, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

3) The Cool Gospel: Jesus transcends fashion trends. Marketing Jesus is cheap and powerless. We don’t need to ’spin’ the message we need to say it. We need to stop shaping Jesus in some misguided effort to make Him appealing. Jesus doesn’t need to be like us; we need to be like Him. The gospel wrapped in stylistic packaging is not the gospel. Revelation 3:17 “Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”

4) The Carnal Gospel: What Jesus can do for me: health, wealth, always happy, never hurting? Jesus solves those issues, but not the way we may think. He’ll change what you want a lot more than what you have. The selfish gospel that promises things Jesus doesn’t promise is a lie and is sentencing the lost who listen to a shocking surprise in eternity. The gospel of “me before Jesus” is not the gospel. Mark 8:35 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

5) The Careful Gospel: Let’s not upset anybody, just keep ‘em comfortable and coming back, There’s lots of time for folks to figure it out. The gospel of “get them to church, and in time everything will come together as long as we don’t offend them” is a dangerous gospel. Well intentioned is not enough. The gospel without urgency is not the gospel. 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION.”

Do you understand the implications of a distorted gospel? What horror to imagine many people thinking they are ready to meet God only to find out they never were because they believed a distorted gospel. Matthew 7 predicts just a scene of shocking surprise. Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock.”

Gratitude?

2010-03-05T13:12:00.001-08:00

Did you pray for some of your supporters by name today?

When is the last time you communicated with a support in any fashion other than newsletter? A postcard, an email, a phone call...in some cases a personal visit?

When is the last time you thanked God for the privilege of subsisting "on support"?

For that matter, when is the last time you thanked the Lord for the Cross? Thanked the Spirit for convicting and drawing you to Jesus?

I want to be known as a person with an attitude of gratitude.

And of all things to be thankful for, after salvation and family, comes those folks who make our ministry possible through their gifts and prayers.

Maybe we ought to prioritize on thanking them?

Seven Principles of Finance for the Believer

2010-03-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Seven Principles of Finance for the Believer

from CCWblog.org by The CCW Team

by Jim & Pam Elliff
One of the most recognizable differences in the believer and the world he lives in is his unusual relationship to money and possessions. However, even serious believers sometimes balk at the seeming extremities in the teaching and lifestyle of Christ and the leaders of the New Testament church. Can we duplicate this New Testament lifestyle in our day?
This outline provides the diligent believer with some key principals preparing him/her for radical, other-worldly financial behavior. Alone, or if married, with your spouse, take some time for reading the Scripture texts and thinking through the obedient thing to do in each area. Then write out what you find. There is only one thing for you to do after this meditation … obey!

The Principle of Non-Attachment
I will purchase or receive nothing that I cannot give away. And He said to them, "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions. Luke 12:15
Luke 12:32-34; 16:13-25; 1 John 2:15-17
What must be done to obey these verses?

The Principle of Liberty
I will owe no man anything but to love him. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Rom. 13:8
Pro. 22:7
What must be done to obey these verses?

The Principle of Liberality
I will constantly seek to give away possessions for God's glory. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 2 Cor. 8:3-5
2 Cor. 9:7; Luke 6:38
What must be done to obey these verses?

The Principle of Recall
I will keep accurate records of God's dealings with me financially in order to show others that God answers prayer and provides for His own. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Mat. 5:16
Prov. 27:23-27
What must be done to obey these verses?

The Principle of Security
I will save and invest only if God is leading, with the understanding that I will give it all away at His slightest instruction. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and dust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up your treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal. Mat. 6:19-20
Prov. 28:8; 1 Tim. 6:9-11
What must be done to obey these verses?

The Principle of Compassion
I will not pray for someone's needs financially unless I am willing to be the instrument God uses to meet that need if He should desire. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 1 John 3:16-18
James 2:15-17; Luke 6:30, 38; II Cor. 9:6-15; Prov. 28:27
What must be done to obey these verses?

The Principle of Contentment
I will be content to live on whatever God chooses to provide, whether little or much. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:11-13
Prov. 30:7-9; Matt. 6:24-34; 1 Tim. 6:8
What must be done to obey these verses?

Copyright © 1996 Jim and Pam Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
201 Main, Parkville, MO 64152 USA
www.CCWtoday.org
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright
Other uses require written permission. Write for additional materials

My Top Five All-Time Supporters

2010-03-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

I could have written this, but I didn't (It is from "The Body Builders")

1. Mr. and Mrs. “Out on a Limb”
The Randall’s could tell I was impulsive and highly excitable when they met me as a counselor at a boys camp. Later, when I went to this mature, godly couple to explain my new ministry to college students and ask them to give, I’m sure they detected how many holes there were in my half-baked plans, inflated goals, and unrealistic budget. But, in spite of my inexperience and “over the top” salesmanship, they quietly handed me a significant check to help launch my ministry. They went out on a limb and took a risk on a naïve, young buck, confidently believing in me—and never looking back.

2. “Mr. Clockwork”
Robert started out sending $42.65, arriving on the 10th of every single month his first year. Then it bumped to $58.14 a month the next year, $79.88 the next, then $105.23, $146.92, etc, etc...Now, 18 years later, he and his wife are at $465.33 each and every month! Not only has Robert never missed a month of giving, the amount he gives increases every year! His faithfulness, consistency, and perseverance is unbelievable.

3. Miss “Led by the Spirit”
Anna has a good family, church, job, and…salary. She learned early on in her Christian life the importance of sacrificial giving. A little different than “Mr. Clockwork,” she likes to pray and let the Lord lead her as to where she should invest her giving dollars each month. Yes, some goes to her church, but much of it also goes to the needy she comes across and to ministries that have touched her life. Getting a “special check” from Anna is a treat because it always has a sweet encouraging note attached, an extra couple of zeros at the end of the amount, and a sure sign “Miss Anna” is interceding for me.

4. The “Go To” Guy
I don’t know--maybe Brad played basketball in high school and loved to be the one to heave the three pointer at the buzzer for a come-from-behind victory. Whatever the origin, he wants to be available to meet immediate and critical personal needs and ministry opportunities. “Let me know if you need anything at all!” is his mantra. Brad likes to meet personal as well as ministry needs, especially ones that arise at the last minute. Every Christian worker needs a generous, heart-felt friend like Brad who truly views himself as a “ministry partner.”

5. The "In Your Face" Friend
Rick had just lost his job and was starting over with another, and I was sure his invite to meet for lunch was to inform me of his need to stop giving. But, sitting down, his very first words were, "I've been on your team for two years now, and you haven't asked me to increase one time! Why not? While trying to stammer out some lame excuse, he blurted out, "Well ask me!" Totally caught off-guard, I feebly asked him to increase. "Well how much?" he demanded. After agreeing to the suggested amount, he asked to increase this past year. I had to admit I had done a pitiful job doing so. He then made me come up with a plan whereby I would ask at least two ministry partners each month to lift their giving. Since then, I have asked many of our supporters for a "raise" and found great response. Rick has taught me that a little "tough love" is sometimes the best love of all.

*The names have been changed to protect the generous!

Second-Generation Support

2010-02-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well, well...time to see if my experience with, passion for, and desire to remain on support is transferable...not "only" to those who read this blog and/or hear me speak or read some of my stuff...but now to flesh-and-blood.

Yup, it appears my son Josiah will soon begin the support journey as he takes a position a a Christian camp in a few months. More on this later.

I hope to have two more decades of service, and thus am trusting the Lord to continue to provide through the marvelous adventure of "support" or "deputation." And yet it is exciting to watch one of my sons embark on the same journey that I began over thirty years ago.

I'll keep you posted.

Top Five Fears in Support Raising

2010-02-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

Good stuff from The Body Builders:

Fears. We've all got ‘em. Some of us are willing to admit it; some of us aren't. Author Larry Crabb in When Fear Seems Overwhelming writes that most of us live our lives based upon our fears. We move toward those things that are safe and comfortable and run from and avoid those things that are scary and intimidating. I don't read his stuff though; it's mainly for men in denial and that, of course, doesn't apply to me!
As believers, we have an enemy who uses fear to discourage and even destroy us if possible. The question isn't IF we will experience fear in support raising, but only HOW we will respond when it comes. Identifying the fears might help forewarn us. My top five fears include:

1. Dread of Failure—Each year approximately 200,000 Americans feel led to contact various mission agencies to inquire about ministry opportunities. But some estimate that as little as 1% of those ever make it into long-term service. Why? I think when people read the fine print where it says “you must raise your support,” they quietly bow their head, turn, and walk away. Isn't it sad that most will never follow through with that sense of calling because of a fear of failing?

2. Rejection by Family—Sometimes those closest to us are the very ones who oppose us the most. Ironically, “Christian” parents can be the greatest obstacle to fulfilling the Great Commission. They might go and give to their church, but will do anything to dissuade their children from making the “ultra-radical” decision of becoming a missionary and the even more embarrassing step of “begging” others for support. None of us like rejection, especially from family members whom we dearly love.
3. Loss of Friendships—Some who do follow through to fulfill their calling into ministry get started raising support but then abruptly stop. Why? They perceive they offended someone. “Paranoia Tapes” start to play in the mind of the support raiser and they suddenly feel “led” to take the next career exit ramp rather than supposedly damage a friendship. We might think we're being sensitive or discerning, but in reality we may have prioritized pleasing men over God.

4. Appearance of Weakness—Aren't true blue Americans supposed to have a rough and ready “pull yourself up by your boot straps” self-sufficiency? If we depend on anyone for anything, it's a sign of weakness. That's why we're careful to acquire our own house, cars, computers, life/health insurance, savings/investments, even grill and lawn mower. We dare not borrow or lean on each other. And the ultimate indicator we don't really have what it takes to “hack it” in this world? Avoiding getting a “real job” by hiding behind a Christian ministry role and funding ourselves by leeching off of others!

5. Financial Instability—Depending upon God and monthly givers to fund our living and ministry expenses can seem foolish to some. Their definition of long-term security is getting a high-paid salary and benefits from a longstanding corporation—like General Motors, Chrysler, or Merrill Lynch. RIGHHHHT! Bottom Line: In all seasons and in all circumstances if the rock we choose to stand on is anything or anyone but Jesus Christ Himself, we will find ourselves on shifting, sinking sand.
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)

Walk By Faith

2010-02-26T08:02:00.001-08:00

I am hopeful there are no anti-piperites on this list, but if so delete this.

John just twittered this valuable and timely statement:

"The man God used to call me from pre-med to gospel ministry never knew it. Don't judge your life by known effects." John Piper

Don't judge it by attendance at your events, "decisions", or response to invitations. "No one comes to the Son unless the Father draws (literally 'compels') him".

Don't Worry About the Opposition!

2010-02-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the ongoing work of ministry can get really tough. Sometimes the support account drops. Sometimes it just plain hurts. But, as long as we are personally "growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ," no matter how tough the opposition may appear, the Lord has the knock-out punch. Invest less than a minute in this visual reminder: CLICK HERE

Ministry is Ministry

2010-02-24T09:26:00.001-08:00

I love it when somebody smart says the same thing I've said...like, for instance, "money follows ministry."

Here are wise words (not "just" because they agree with me from Bill Dillon (who wrote People Raising. If you've not bought and read this book you are ripping yourself off)

"I always cringe when I hear people talk about the support raising process and make such comments as "I can't wait to finish raising funds so that I can begin my ministry." I'm here to say loud and clear that fund raising is a ministry and a vital one to your prospects and donors. As you focus on ministering to them, I'll assure you that giving follows ministry. Look for ways that you can minister not only to your donors, but to your prospects as well. I'm convinced that God has divine appointments there for you and me and it just happens to be fund raising appointments."

Mad Church Disease

2010-02-23T09:54:00.001-08:00

I very rarely recommend a book before I finish it; but this is a vitally important book that I am in the midst of reading. Mad Church Disease is an honest look at why so many vocational Christian workers burn out/blast out/cave in; whatever term you want to use. You know you struggle with this; be honest enough to buy the book. If I had the money I'd buy you each a copy...I don't...so I genuinely plead with you to get a copy.

And, if you decide to order it, follow the link below and I'll get a few cents credited to my account. But I really don't care how you get it...get it!

Don't Obfuscate Either in Teaching or Newsletters

2010-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Jack,
Has this ever happened to you?

You're listening to a high powered speaker give an
impressive presentation. But at times it's like you are
hearing a foreign language. You have a good vocabulary, but
you feel like you should have brought a dictionary. You find
yourself jotting down words to look up later, and discover
that you've missed key parts of the presentation.

You've been bamboozled by an obfuscator.

Obfuscation: "The activity of obscuring people's
understanding, leaving them baffled or bewildered. To make
so confused or opaque as to be difficult to perceive or
understand." {www.Dictionary.com}

Beware of obfuscators. They sound brilliant. They must be
brilliant because their vocabularies are so superior. Their
incomprehensible erudite commentary must be important
because no one can understand it.

I first learned the "value" of obfuscation when I decided
to major in philosophy in college. I was searching for the
meaning of life. I began with introductory classes. I read
the assigned readings and wrote papers analyzing what I had
read. My papers were clear, easy to understand and to the
point. I received grades of "C" or "B-". Those grades
confused me. What was I missing? I thought I understood what
I was reading. I was not accustomed to getting poor grades.
I was upset.

I decided to try an experiment. I used my thesaurus to find
obscure words to replace my clear ones. I obfuscated
everything I said. I replaced my easy to understand
paragraphs with cognitive opaqueness yielding professorial
accolades: grades of B+ and A.

I learned to communicate at a college level, using the most
opaque words I could find in my thesaurus. My professors
were impressed. Many business journals are written in this
academic style as well. When I began to write computer user
manuals and train people, I discovered that my language
needed to be more accessible. I had to unlearn my college
lessons and use language people could readily take in and
remember.

As a communicator, is your goal to sound impressive? Or is
it to deliver information that people can understand and
use?

If you really want people to understand you, if you really
want to make your point, don't force people to reach for a
dictionary when you speak or write.

Warmly,
Sally

A Needful Reminder/Warning

2010-02-21T08:35:00.001-08:00

After thirty years of ministry and seeing all-too-many coworkers fall (as well as the "national" figures), I think this article is worthy of a careful reading and occasional rereading. CLICK HERE

The Work of Writing

2010-02-19T08:08:00.001-08:00

For some, the newsletter is a chore likened to a root canal; for some it comes fairly easy.

None of us have "arrived."

I found the following to be helpful as regards writing, whether a newsletter, a blog, or just a note of encouragement:

By Mary Jaksch

Do you want to be a boring writer? No, of course you don’t!
But how to avoid it?
Do you sometimes read a piece that moves at an agonizingly slow pace? I do. Well, let me be honest here - I tend to read only the first paragraph, and then I put the boring book aside or flick over to another website.

Boring is bad. Boring is slow.

Enter Sol Stein. A master-editor who knows a trick or two. His book “Stein on Writing” lies on my bedside table and is a source of constant inspiration.
Stein’s take on ‘boring’ is that we need to accelerate the pace of our pieces. This means compressing the perceived flow of time.

Pace is often the deciding factor whether what we write is read, or not.

That’s especially true when it comes to stuff we publish on the Net, as internet savvy readers all seem to suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder.

The good news is that we can learn to control pace in our writing.

Sol Stein suggests three techniques to speed things up which can be used in fiction as well as nonfiction.

Use short sentences
Here is an example:
I stopped. The silence was awful.
Use frequent paragraphs
Frequent paragraphs move the reader forward. One way to use frequent paragraphing is to use dialogue. Because each line is really a separate paragraph. While it’s enlivening to use direct dialogue in non-fiction, it’s sometimes difficult to find a way to place it. Another way to use dialogue is as a conversation with your reader. Here’s an example by Brian Clark in this Teaching Sells Report:
Want to have a profitable online business?
Here’s the part where I tell you all about how fabulous it is to have a purely online
business.
And then I tell you how you can have the lifestyle you want, live where you want,
and have unlimited income potential-all from publishing online.
What’s that?
You mean you’ve already heard all that stuff?
Oh… You’ve already been sold the dream, over and over.
Now you’re looking for a way to make the dream come true that actually works?
OK.
Let’s just jump straight to that part.
Use jump cuts
Sol Stein suggests skipping about two thirds of your words in order to increase the pace. Here are two of his examples:
Version A:
In the morning he would shower, brush his teeth, shave, dress in a suitable business suit with shirt and tie, get down to the kitchen I time to have his coffee and then rush off to the station, but he’d frequently missed his train anyhow.
Version B:
He washed his body, shaved his jaw, drank his coffee, and missed the seven-thirty-one.
(This is what John Cheever wrote in his celebrated story “The Country Husband”)

So, here are Sol Stein’s three techniques to accelerate the pace - all ready to put into your writer’s tool box. But don’t just leave them in there. Bring them out and use them next time you wonder whether your piece is boring.
Do you think they would work for you?

What Can I Do For Them?

2010-02-18T08:51:00.001-08:00

Do I agree with everything in Bill Dillon's book, People Raising? Nope.

But this is worthy of repetition...

"Whether raising missionary support or funds for your organization you need to be appreciative of those who give and pray for your ministry and many do this sacrificially. From time to time you stop and ask yourself, "What in the world can I do for them?" Obviously you can't begin to match their gift with a similar gift back, to them but one thing you can do is to provide the gift of time. Take the time to call, email, visit and minister back and let them know what God is doing through their gifts and through your ministry."

Warning! Warning! Warning!

2010-02-15T08:56:00.001-08:00

This is a very timely warning for us all. If your first thought is "hah, that doesn't apply to me" I suggest you check the location of your head. Okay, maybe that is too blunt at 5.45 on a Sunday morning...but after thirty plus years of ministry I, like most of you, have seen coworkers crash and burn; and even at my advanced age I must "guard my heart; above all!" And so much you, dear friends.

Here's the article from Paul Tripp's Shepherd Press newsletter:

Guard Your Heart!

"It began innocently." These words have been used by many to describe the beginning of some event that resulted in personal devastation. Most recently, these words were used by South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford at the press conference in which he described the events that led to unfaithfulness to his wife. Governor Sanford stated that he met his future lover innocently, with a note of irony. They had a conversation eight years ago in which he counseled her to stay with her husband and not divorce him. The Governor went on to say that emails followed that conversation, and they began to develop a remarkable friendship over the next eight years.

It began innocently. This phrase, however sincere, offered no protection for Mark Sanford, his family, or the woman he was trying to help. There is a reason that the Bible warns so strongly to guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23 is emphatic: Above all else guard your heart! None of our actions are truly neutral. Even when seeking to help this woman eight years ago, about an issue where he appeared to be well-intentioned, Governor Sanford did not guard his heart. He did not protect the intimacy of his marriage. How did he fail to guard his heart? He did not provide the accountability necessary to guard those close to him. He could have provided this woman with the name of a competent counselor. He could have brought his wife into the conversation right from the beginning. Instead, he chose to “help her” himself.

For all of you who are parents – please listen to Solomon’s warning. For all of you who are parents in public service or ministry – please listen to Solomon’s warning. Talking with another person of the opposite sex who is not your spouse about intimate relational issues, without open and immediate accountability, is dangerous. It is not innocent; it is a high risk activity. When there is open discussion of intimate relational details with someone, there is always the possibility of things going horribly wrong. Christians have an enemy who is like a lion looking to devour the foolish of heart. The flesh is deceitful and it is at war with the Spirit. It cannot be trusted. Governor Sanford went on to say that he and his future lover went on to develop a remarkable friendship over the next eight years. Sadly, what was remarkable about it was that the relationship led to full blown adultery. This friendship was built upon deceit and misplaced trust. A s the governor said, his actions were first and foremost selfish. Selfishness is not the path to guarding your heart. Self pity will not guard your heart. Enjoying conversations about intimate relational struggles, with a woman who is not your wife, is not guarding your heart. Rather, it is the precursor to disaster. God has provided the family and the church for protection for God’s people. The marriage relationship must be guarded with relentless diligence. Don’t have conversations that you cannot speak openly and freely about with your spouse. As soon as intimate issues come to the surface in such conversations, be like Joseph—flee!! Urge the other person to speak with someone who can truly, objectively help him or her. Many relational failures in the church community happen simply because hearts are not being faithfully protected. Trying to help someone else’s marriage by talking privately with one of the spouses is asking for trouble.

Governor Sanford’s affair is high profile. But sadly, thousands of low-profile marriages in the church are put at risk daily because hearts are not being guarded with fierceness. Learn the names of those in your church who are reliable counselors. When someone comes to you with marital troubles, immediately point them to these counselors. Then let them know you are informing your spouse of this conversation. Tell them that you will also encourage an elder or pastor to check up on them. Following this practice is an important, effective way to guard your heart.

Please consider carefully Solomon’s warning:
"Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life"

Dessert, Anyone?

2010-02-11T08:22:00.001-08:00

From the folks at People Raising:

"As you raise funds, the challenge always is looking for new contacts. One of the ways to successfully accomplish that is to have a donor provide a dessert time and invite friends. On one occasion, I asked one of our donors to do that and they gladly agreed. At that desert time, I was introduced to a gentleman who you knew very little about me and my ministry. During our time together, he caught our passion and vision. He then began to support the ministry. He also caught the vision of introducing his friends to our ministry who then caught the vision and started giving financially. Whether raising personal support or fund raising for your organization sharing your passion and vision with one individual can help extend your network and increase the number of those who can support your ministry."

Why Do Some of our Students Stagnate

2010-02-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

I just posted this on my "regular" blog (CHECK IT OUT HERE), but I think this is so vital, so important, and so often missed that I will gladly risk giving you a double (or triple) dose here:

In the great book, "The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind Shift that Changes Everything" the authors make a statement regarding, specifically, church ministry that I insist is directly applicable to those of us involved in youth ministry (meaning, how many "good" students who are trying to live right and do right are thinking, "What do I have to do to get my youth leader's attention???)

"But if we pour all our time into caring for those who need help, the stable Christians will stagnate and never be trained to minister to others, the non-Christians will stay unevangelized, and a rule of thumb will quickly emerge within the congregation: if you want the pastor’s time and attention, get yourself a problem. Ministry becomes about problems and counselling, and not about the gospel and growing in godliness.

"And over time, the vine withers."

Praying for our Supporters

2010-02-04T05:27:00.001-08:00

I am reasonably confident we all invest time praying for our support - but may I ask how much time you spend praying for our existing supporters?

Don't know what works for you, but I have, in addition to other written prayer needs, 31 pages for each day of the month, and I randomly write each of my supporters on at least one day. So, if I'm disciplined, there is at least one day per month when I pray for a specific supporter.

Some of them communicate specific needs, and those go on the list, perhaps daily, dependent on the need.

Of course we are hopeful that our supporters are praying regularly for us, but, bottom line, we can't do much about that (except communicate regularly our specific needs), but we can do something about how we pray for them.

The Ten

2010-02-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Without getting into my feelings about the issue, I get a tad snarky when someone asks me to sign a petition or pass on an email about getting the "Ten Commandments" back in school....I just say I'd be glad to sign if they can tell me the Ten. None have ever been able to.

As we all know, so many of our students (and, sad to say, their parents) are woefully ignorant of basic stuff...like, for instance, the ten commandments. Here is a link that may prove helpful: CLICK HERE

dunkin donuts and the gospel?

2010-01-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Just stumbled across a guy named Michael Kelley...in a writing praising Dunkin' Donuts for kicking some serious Starbucks tailfeathers...and how it applies to those of us committed to sharing Jesus:

"Dunkin Donuts is creaming Starbucks right now. Dunkin won the taste test, it’s 3 times cheaper, and the company is actually expanding whereas Starbucks is closing stores every day. Dunkin is about to roll out a $100 million marketing campaign to trumpet the results of the taste test and try and put the dagger into the heart of Seattle. Some people are saying that Starbucks has seen its better days, and that this is just the beginning of the downhill slide.

I would propose that the church has something to learn from Dunkin Donuts.

The reason we have something to learn is that we have tried to be Starbucks. We’ve tried to be slick, trendy, and hip. We’ve tried to be a place that is non-threatening and easy to come to. And when you walk in, you see beautiful people in holy jeans and black glasses, all looking very intellectual and hair-frosty.

Additionally, we have tried to make church a low-demand environment, much in the same way Starbuck’s is. It’s low demand in that even though the basic premise of the store is selling coffee, some people don’t even go there for coffee at all. And nobody’s going to pressure them about the coffee. That sounds familiar, too.

But guess what?

People like Dunkin Donuts. They like that it’s not trendy. They like that it’s not hip. They like that it’s not cool. You know why they like it?

Because it’s simple: It’s good coffee at a reasonable price.

It’s not fru-fru, latte, grande, frappa-whatchamacallit. IT’S COFFEE. And at Dunkin Donuts, they call it what it is. COFFEE.

Seems like there’s a lesson in there for us as Christ-followers somewhere. Now hear me say this - I’m all for contextualizing the gospel. But I’m also for simply proclaiming what we have to “sell” rather than trying too hard to at it.

And you know what else? The thing that we have? It actually tastes good. Maybe the problem is that we don’t really believe the gospel tastes good. We don’t believe it tastes good, so we feel the need to pile alot of stuff ontop of it to make it more palpable. Maybe if we really believed it tasted good, we would have the courage to let it speak for itself, like Dunkin did, rather than trying to help out the product so much."

Don't Lose Heart

2010-01-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a great read from one of my favorite guys, Mart Batterson:

In my daily Bible I came across this passage in Numbers 32: "They went as far as the valley of Eshcol." I think that is where many of our dreams die. It is the place where we lose heart or lose sight or lose focus. That is as far as the spies got. The promise was about to be fulfilled. It was at their fingertips, but instead they let it slip through their hands.

The valley of Eshcol is the place where we stop trying or stop believing. It is the place where we turn back. But here is what God put in my heart: turning your back on a God-given dream is turning your back on God himself. Obviously, the operative phrase is "God-given." You need to keep going after that dream. Why? Not so you can accomplishment something. Please! You need to go after that God-sized dream because it is the thing that will keep you on your knees living in raw dependence upon God. That is how we grow. And that is how we glorify God.

For those in the valley of Eshcol, here's one verse and one story.

Psalm 37 says, "Wait passionately for God." Most of us wait passively. The Psalmist says wait passionately. How do we wait passionately? One word: prayer.

I just got an email from Randall Brown, founder of Fusion Warehouse in Anderson, SC. I've never met him, but his story inspired me. He read the story in In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day about how we prayed for eight years for Ebenezers Coffeehouse and God miraculously gave us that piece of property. His story is so similar. Randall started doing prayer walks around an empty 70,000 sf Wal-Mart building. He prayed around it every day for three-and-a-half years until one day the Lord said today is the day to call them. They had 47 cents in their bank account. Today that building is home to an incredibly creative student center that is impacting its community!

I hope that encourages those who are in the valley of Eshcol. You may only have 47 cents in your account. You may have been praying for something for three-and-a-half years.

Don't lose heart. Don't lose sight. Don't lose focus.

Ideas Concerning Thank-Yous

2010-01-28T08:32:00.001-08:00

Here's something from one of the blogs I review frequently...it is obviously not pertaining directly to those of us who have the privilege of being "on support," but it is just another prod from me to send thank you notes regularly to your people: (by the way, we have yet to get a firm "closing date" here in NY, nor do we have approved appraisal/financing on the other end...and I leave Thursday morning to drive to St Jo to attend Saturday's quizzing and then begin a week in a church in Troy, Ks Sunday...appreciate any prayers you can lift!)

rom Daily Writing Tips by Ali

Sending a thank you note is always a lovely gesture – and often an expected one. I'm sure that when you were a child, your parents encouraged (or forced) you to write thank you notes for birthday and Christmas presents. As an adult, you should still make a point of writing a thank you note to express gratitude in a number of situations. These come in both personal and business contexts:

Personal

It's appropriate to send a thank you note:

When you receive a gift (especially important for wedding gifts).
When you've been a houseguest in someone's home (this is sometimes called a "bread-and-butter letter").
When someone has done a particular favor for you.

Business

It's appropriate to send a thank you note:

After attending a job interview.
After receiving a promotion or payrise.
After a business lunch, dinner or party.
When an acquaintance has given you their time and advice.
When a manager or professor has supplied you with a reference letter.
To co-workers who've given you a gift (this last one may fall into the "personal" category, depending on how well you know your colleagues).

Obviously, the types of thank you notes you write in a personal context (to your grandma, for instance) will differ considerably from the types you write in a business context (to an interviewer who you barely know). I'll cover the "personal" and "business" notes separately, outlining the general structure and giving you some examples.

Writing a Personal Thank You Note

If merely expressing your gratitude doesn't seem like a good enough reason to write a thank you note, you might like to read these words of advice from Leslie Harpold.

I will also grudgingly tell you the hidden secret of thank you notes: They improve the frequency and quality of the gifts you receive. People like being appreciated, and if they feel you actually notice the nice things they do for you, they're more likely to give an encore performance.
- How to Write a Thank you Note

Ideally, your letter should be on paper rather than emailed. If you are emailing, you must send individual thank you notes rather than mass-emailing everyone who gave you a gift.
In most cases for a personal note, it's not appropriate to set it out as a formal business letter. Instead, use good-quality notepaper or a nice greetings card.
Structuring a Personal Thank You Note

You should put your address at the top (or, if you know the recipient will already have your address, simply put the name of your town and state). Add the date.
Address the recipient as "Dear [[name]]", then open the letter by thanking them for the gift, hospitality or kindness offered.
Your second sentence or paragraph should give some indication of your enjoyment or use of the gift.
Some people like to go on to share a little news, especially if they have been out of touch with the recipient for a while. Some etiquette experts, though, suggest that the thank you note should purely be about the recipient's kindness, not about your own life. I believe that in a personal context, it's fine to share your news.
A good closing sentence or paragraph is one which looks forward to seeing or speaking to the recipient – especially if a reunion or holiday is coming up. Mentioning "thank you " again is a good idea, to emphasise the point of the letter.
You should not end with "yours sincerely" but with a less formal phrase; "love" or "love from" is often appropriate for relatives, or "best wishes", "warmest wishes" or even "thanks again".

Example of a Personal Thank You Note
Here's an example, from the Etiquette Grrls' book More Things You Need to Be Told (p56):

September 1, 2005
Dear Katherine,
Thank you so much for the wonderful book about nineteenth-century architecture of Long Island that you sent me. Not only was it the perfect present (I haven't been able to put it down!) but it will certainly come in handy for my studies. You always pick the perfect thing!
Again, thanks so much, and I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Bitsy

As you can see, a thank you note needn't be long to be friendly, polite and effective.

Encouragement

2010-01-27T09:57:00.001-08:00

From the "People Raising" folks:

"All of us are concerned when the economy goes south. It affects all of us. For the fund raiser it's a challenging time because people would tend to be more cautious and not freely give as they have in the past. But the encouraging news is that God's net worth has not decreased. When it comes to missionary support raising or raising funds for your organization, move out by faith, challenge people and look for His provision."

How Does Your Email Reflect You?

2010-01-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Michael Hyatt writes an interesting blog, and he recently posted this regarding email. I urge you to read and heed as appropriate:

What Do Your Email Messages Say About You?

Posted: 19 Feb 2009 06:00 AM PST

Last night, Gail and I went to see the play, “My Fair Lady.” I am embarrassed to admit that I have never seen it. I had seen clips from the movie, but I had never the watched the entire thing.

The reason I went is that Matt Baugher, one of our Thomas Nelson Vice Presidents, was starring in the lead role of Henry Higgins. I was blown away by his performance. He sang, danced, and spoke with an English accent. I was completely swept up in the story and forgot that Matt is a colleague and dear friend.
The story itself is fascinating. The version that we saw is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s movie Pygmalion, with book, music and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. It is a story about Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics, who takes on the challenge of transforming Eliza Doolittle, a common cockney flower girl, into a duchess.

Higgins particular expertise was that he could listen to someone speak and tell precisely where they were raised. Based on their diction, grammar, and accent, he claimed that he could determine their hometown or county of origin within six miles.

What does all of this have to do with email? Plenty.

Every time you communicate, you are making a “brand impression”—for you—and for the organization you represent. What kind of impression are you making? Is it positive or negative?
I want to focus for a few moments on email, since for most of us that comprises 90% of our communication today.
Here are four ways to make a positive impression with your email messages:

Respond in a timely manner. I can’t overstate the importance of this. As I have said elsewhere, to whatever extent I have been successful, it is due in large part to the fact that I am generally been very responsive. My goal is to respond to all emails the same day I receive them.
Address the sender personally. Don’t just start writing. Use the person’s name. Nothing is sweeter to the recipient’s ear than their own name. And in the age of unprecedented spam, using a person’s name indicates that you are a real person, not a robot.
Use proper grammar. You don’t have to obsess about this, but observe the basics: use complete sentences, check your punctuation and spelling, and proofread your message. And please, don’t use ALL CAPS. If you are feeling a little insecure about this, I highly recommend that you read a basic English grammar book, like English Grammar for Dummies.
Keep the message short and your intention clear. As a recipient, there is nothing worse than receiving a long message from someone, reading it, and still not knowing what the person wants or is saying. When in doubt, use short sentences, short paragraphs, and short messages.
Use a proper signature block. Use your email program to create s standardized, email signature that includes your full name, logo, company, address, telephone numbers, website or blog, twitter handle, etc. In my opinion, it should be simple but professional.

You may not have to impress a professor of phonetics, but your peers, subordinates, superiors, and external business associates will still come to conclusions about you, based on your oral and written communication skills. THerefore, it is worth taking time to improve these skills and become intentional about how you communicate.

A View of the New(sletter)

2010-01-22T09:43:00.001-08:00

Bumped into a valued friend and coworker this morning; he told me he was going to write his newsletter and said something about how many he has written. He has been in ministry a looooong time, and the number was big.

It got me to thinking...how big is your mailing list? Let's say a small number, fifty...that means (assuming you are smart enough to send out a monthly letter) you write 12 letters that ends up being 50 a month or 600 a year. Hopefully your list is somewhat larger than that; you do the math.

In our hypothetical count, 600 letters go out. Hopefully the majority of them are actually read!

What a privilege to bless, encourage, and educate people 600 times in a year!

Whether you hate or love or are ambivilant to your newsletter; it is used of the Lord to be the lifeline for your ministry. And everytime we write we need to ask the Spirit of God to give us insights into how we can not only inform our people, but bless them.

The Ten Commandments of Layout and Design for Donor Newsletters

2010-01-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

And Curt Harlow, Chi Alpha West Coast Area director, spoke all these words:

"I am married to a great graphic designer and she brought me out of the land of bad newsletters and spake unto me:

"You shall have no other information at the top except YOUR NAME and the FULL NAME OF YOUR MINISTRY.
"You shall not make for yourself a newsletter that is OVERCROWDED. Nor shall it have small text and a cacophony of images or you will not receive support for a thousand generations.
"You shall not use THE COLOR BURNT ORANGE (or similar Kinko's discount paper colors) on your newsletter.
"Remember the Sabbath and actually SCHEDULE TIME every month to do the job with excellence. If thou doith it at the last minute your supporters shall thinkith 'This is a sloppy ministry and I shall find another place to investeth my coin.'
"HONOR YOUR SUPPORTERS in every letter and it will go well with you. Tell them thanks, but avoid financial appeal (it won't work anyway) and never use 'poor' talk.
"You shall not murder the English language. FIND A PROOFREADER.
"You shall not engage in BAD PHOTOCOPIES.
"You shall STEAL GOOD IDEAS from friends in ministry.
"You shall not give five testimonies and seven updates with six prayer requests and fourteen scriptures. STICK TO ONE MAIN THEME and this shall you do creatively.
"Don't covet your neighbor's COLOR LASER PRINTER. Raise your budget and get your own."

People "Leak"...Remind Them

2010-01-20T09:45:00.001-08:00

I feel every monthly (yeah, I typed "monthly") letter we send out needs to remind our recipients that we are "on support." People forget, and need the reminding.

How to do that without feeling we are begging and/or whining is a chore.

One of our team had what follows in a letter last year; I kept it as a reminder, as well as a model (not word-for-word; but the sentiment) for my own letters.

Perhaps it will be of inspiration/example to you:

"It continues to be a privilege to partner with you, to trust as He speaks to the hearts of His people to provide for me along the way. Your prayers, your financial gifts and your words of encouragement are what make it possible for me to answer God's call."

Good stuff!

Not Directly Support Related, But Important

2010-01-19T07:50:00.001-08:00

Since we are all in ministry, I feel compelled to share this with you for your thoughtful and prayerful consideration. After thirty plus years of vocational ministry, I sadly concur with this guys' assessment. Many of our students who profess salvation know what they are supposed to be against (premarital sex, abortion, drugs, etc), but do they know, are they being taught and guided, concerning what (Who) they are for?

Here's the thoughts:

internetmonk.com thinks evangelicalism is dying. Here is one of his observations that, for me, is hard to argue:

2) Evangelicals have failed to pass on to our young people the evangelical Christian faith in an orthodox form that can take root and survive the secular onslaught. In what must be the most ironic of all possible factors, an evangelical culture that has spent billions of youth ministers, Christian music, Christian publishing and Christian media has produced an entire burgeoning culture of young Christians who know next to nothing about their own faith except how they feel about it. Our young people have deep beliefs about the culture war, but do not know why they should obey scripture, the essentials of theology or the experience of spiritual discipline and community. Coming generations of Christians are going to be monumentally ignorant and unprepared for culture-wide pressures that they will endure.

Do not be deceived by conferences or movements that are theological in nature. These are a tiny minority of evangelicalism. A strong core of evangelical beliefs is not present in most of our young people, and will be less present in the future. This loss of "the core" has been at work for some time, and the fruit of this vacancy is about to become obvious.

READ THE WHOLE THING HERE

A FREE Record-Keeping Program

2010-01-18T07:55:00.001-08:00

Ethan is one of the recepients of "Support 101," and he has alerted me to a program which I did not know existed...I'm gonna give it a look, maybe a try...perhaps you should also...here is Ethan's note to me: (I'll save you a step. After you read Ethan's note come back and click here to go right to the site!

I use a free software called TNT MPD (ministry partner development)

You can either have direct downloaded gift input from your financial organization, or you can use it all manually entering all the data. It is very useful, links to outlook and excell ~ (mail merge ect) color coded as to if a donar is up to date. shows graphs as to when they give etc. you can even put pictures and notes ~ birthday and anniverseries in for suprise notes to your partners. you can write in tasks, set up certain appeals, group your partners by state, partner prayer or financial or special etc.

I am now using this with everything I do with my donors. I schedule apts and phone calls, and write down notes about each touch I have with them. If they mention they are going on vacation i write it down so that next time i call them or write, i can ask how the vacation or whatever is.

TNT ~ only really works on Windows (unless your a real techie)

God is Bigger than the Economy

2010-01-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Another good article from The Body Builders:

Successful Support Raising
In a Suffering Economy

What's a support-raising Christian worker to do when things get so bad it's more appropriate to spell it ickonomy rather than economy?! Should you do the "security shuffle," scrambling to interview for church staff or secular positions? Afraid not. They're slashing budgets and employees too! Yes, some of your donors' 401K's turned into 201K's overnight, but God is still in control, and clinging to the six pillars I list below may help you weather the financial tornadoes intent upon wreaking havoc on the economy…and our support teams!

1. Review your calling
Go back and remember when and how God led you into this ministry and reaffirm that conviction. When you get to heaven someday and review the tapes of your life, the Lord may ask, "Do you want to view the good times first or the bad?" Guess what? From God's perspective, these tumultuous, faith-stretching experiences may be part of the "Good Times Highlight Reel!"

2. Don't panic
Do not send out crisis letters. People might respond once, but if you ever do it again they'll conclude: "Either this Christian worker doesn't know how to manage their money or they need to raise more support." Ron Frey, veteran fundraiser, asks: "Can we count on the resiliency of our economy or the good will of the American people to support our causes?" My answer is a resounding NO! Even though the nightly news feeds peoples' fear by likening our situation as The Great Depression 2, our security is in God, and God alone!

3. Diversify your ministry partners
Those whose main support comes from a few big "sugar daddy's" may be in trouble when the economy tanks. For you, spread out to different cities and states, seeking to add a steady flow of new givers, even if they're just $50, $75, or $100 a month gifts. Creating a broader base of 100 monthly donors provides so much more long-term stability than hanging your hopes on five big hitters promising to tithe from their end-of-the-year real estate deals! And studies show people are less likely to cut back on a monthly commitment they have made to an individual Christian worker than they are a general gift to a church or charity.

4. Focus on essentials, not electives
Kill your debt. Don't take on any new debt. Build up your savings account. Repair stuff rather than replace. Get creative. Plant a garden. Pool the whole family's incomes and expenses. Work together, and just like your struggling supporters, prayerfully distinguish between your wants and your needs.

5. Empathize with your supporters
Acknowledge to your givers the economy is suffering and they may have been affected. Ask what you can pray for them about. Be sensitive to their losses and pressures, never demanding they give, but with appreciation and humility asking them to continue to invest in God's work through you. During these tough times, Ellis and Colleen Goldstein with Campus Crusade have committed to pray for different supporters each night and then send them a postcard telling them they did so.

6. Keep the ministry vision central
Scott Morton with the Navigators says, "We must remember we are inviting supporters to advance the Kingdom, not merely to meet our personal needs." YWAM's John Ray adds: "Let's help our supporters process what is really valuable and how their investments cannot be affected by the stock market or economy." Veteran fundraising consultant Bill McConkey shares, "We should all be making Jesus the Lord of our asset base so it goes into the Kingdom now, and when we get to heaven, God won't have to ask us why we were such hoarders!" Finally, knowing your donors want their tightly-squeezed giving dollars to be the most strategic possible, you may want to evaluate your mission statement in order to put forth the most compelling case for support possible.

The Experience Trap

2010-01-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is from one of my favorites, MARK BATTERSON. Though not directly support related, there are some points that apply; and it all applies to the work to which the Lord has called us, and the work which is enabled by our supporters:

A few years ago I read a book by R.T. Kendall titled The Anointing. I memorized something he said because it's so true: "The greatest opposition to what God is doing today comes from those who were on the cutting edge of what God was doing yesterday."

One of my greatest fears is that I would lose my innovative edge. I never want to become a closed-system. That's why I read like crazy. That's why I go to conferences. That's why I do reconnaissance at other churches. It boils down to this: you never arrive. And if you think you have, it's the beginning of the end. One of my fall back verses is I Corinthians 8:2: "He who thinks he knows does not yet know as he ought to know." Translation? The more you know, the more you know how much you don't know!

Did some research this week on what is commonly referred to as the experience trap. On one level, experience is important. We need a deep knowledge of our domain. But if we aren't careful, old methods can blind us to new possibilities. I wrote a little bit about the heuristic bias in Wild Goose Chase. It is the tendency to think the way we've always thought and do it the way we've always done it. Another way of saying it is this: at some point, most of us stop doing ministry out of imagination and start doing ministry out of memory.

I have a core conviction: there are ways of doing church that no one has thought of yet. We also have a core value: everything is an experiment. But in order to maintain a culture of innovation, you have to believe that there might be a better way. Over the years, we've tried to periodically put everything we do on the table. We don't want any sacred cows. If a service isn't working, we'll kill it. If we need to shift sermon strategy, so be it. If we need to radically change our small group structure, we'll do it. Going to a free market system of small group wasn't just one of the most important decisions we ever made. It fosters innovation because we expect our leaders to get a vision from God and go for it.

I really think it comes down to this: stay humble and stay on your knees. Thank God for experience! It fuels wisdom. But let's not let it blind us to new possibilities!

I love the church. I bleed the church. And I believe our best days are in front of us. But old wineskins won't cut it. I'm praying that God would continue to raise up a generation of right-brain leaders who dare to be different.

Resources - The Price is Right!

2010-01-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a ton of articles from The Body Builders...do I agree with all of them? Of course not, but that isn't the point. There is no "way" to raise support; you've got to find what works for you...Obviously you can't read all of these at one sitting, but come back and check 'em out:

September 2004
"Standing Firm: Not Starting Until They Get to 100%"

October 2004
"Muller, Taylor, or Moody: Whose Approach is Best?"

November 2004
"Poor Talk: Is it Poisoning Your Ministry?"

December 2004
"Support Raising and Witnessing: Any Connection?"

January 2005
"Churches or Individuals: Which Should You Focus On?"

February 2005
"Support Raising Solutions: Do You Model What You Ask Others To Do?"

March 2005
"Underfunded Staff: What To Do With Them?"

April 2005
"A Working Spouse: Does it Affect Support Raising?"

May 2005
"Full or Part Time Support Raising: Which Approach is Best for Your Staff?"

June 2005
"100% in 100 Days: Are You Kidding?"

July 2005
"Lowering the Support Raising Bar: Whose Fault is That?"

August 2005
"Five Current Trends in Personal Support Raising"

September 2005
"Tentmaking vs. Support Raising: Which is the Biblical Model?"

October 2005
"Budget or Vision: Which One Pulls Your Train?"

November 2005
"Administrative Staff: Getting them Fully Funded"

December 2005
"Connecting You to Major Donors: Why Staff Should be the Bridge"

January 2006
"To Ask or Not to Ask: That is the Question!"

February 2006
"Standard of Living: What Should it be for Christian Workers?"

March 2006
"Asking Big: Does it Offend or Affirm?"

April 2006
"Front Door-Back Door: Why do people leave your organization?"

May 2006
"Getting Personal: Support Raising is like a Marriage Proposal"

June 2006
"Newsletters: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly"

July 2006
"Five Ironclad Policies Every Ministry Should Have"

August 2006
"An Open Letter to the Parents of Support Raisers"

September 2006
"An Open Letter to the Spouses of Support Raisers"

October 2006
"An Open Letter to the Pastors of Support Raisers"

November 2006
"An Open Letter to the Friends of Support Raisers"

December 2006
"Support Raising Relationships: The Six that Matter Most"

January 2007
"The Top Four Books on Support Raising"

February 2007
"Prayer and Support Raising: Only God Can Turn Hearts"

March 2007
"The Latest Support Raising Trends: A Survey of 100 Sending Agencies"

April 2007
"Crossing the River of DeNial: Why it's So Hard to Change Ourselves"

May 2007
"The Role of the CEO: Raising Organizational and Personal Support"

June 2007
"Back to the Future: Can old friends become new supporters?"

July 2007
"Asking for Referrals: A Key to Multiplying Your Contacts"

August 2007
"Jesus: Did He Really Live on Personal Support?"

September 2007
"Asking Non-believers for Support: Is it Wrong?"

October 2007
"Placing Priority on Support Training: It Shows You Care"

November 2007
"Taking the Leap of Faith: From Job to Full-Time Support Raising"

December 2007
"Big Visions Require Big Dollars: Principles From Nehemiah"

January 2008
"Subsidizing Staff Salaries: Does it Help or Hurt?"

February 2008
"Support Training: How Much is Enough?"

March 2008
"When Building a Team, Don't Settle for Cheap Substitutes"

April 2008
"How My Relationship With God Affects My Support Raising"

May 2008
"The Most "Secure" Job You'll Ever Have!"

June 2008
"Getting "Buy In" From Supporters at Pivotal Transitions"

July 2008
"Three Secrets to Save Your CEO From a Heart Attack!"

August 2008
"Four Ways a Steering Committee Can Help Get You to 100%"

September 2008
"Support Raisers: Should We Be Giving Too?"

October 2008
"Three People in Your Ministry Who Should NOT Raise Their Support"

People "Leak"...Remind Them

2010-01-11T08:51:00.001-08:00

Got this quite a while ago from an organization...this was the last paragraph in their letter. There is nothing new under the sun, so perhaps this is something you can adapt for a future letter?

Remember...your support list doesn't necessarily remember that you are "on support." Remind them!

Here's the closing paragraph:

"We count on you every month to help us according to your own abilities by sending a gift today so we can continue our work. I hope you consider our efforts worth your support."

I'm not saying "cut and paste" it into your newsletter, but it serves as a reminder that it is okay, and probably necessary, to remind our people how we subsist.

God's Interruptions

2010-01-10T06:36:00.001-08:00

Came across this a couple days ago; not directly applicable to deputation, but very applicable to our busy schedules and lives...

"We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will
be constantly crossing our paths and cancelling our plans by sending us
people with claims and petitions. We may pass them by, preoccupied with
our more important tasks, as the priest passed by the man who had fallen
among thieves, perhaps - reading the Bible..... it is part of the
discipline of humility that we must not spare our hand where it can
perform a service and we do not assume that our schedule is our own to
manage, but allow it to be arranged by God."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

May God Increase "Small Amount" Supporters

2010-01-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

     It has been my joy and pleasure to subsist on missionary support for just over three decades. I have served parachurch youth ministries throughout that time, and the Lord has been faithful to provide for, first, my needs, then, following marriage in 1982, my wife and now four children.

     During this period of service I have seen scores of potential staff members initiate the support raising process and then, after a length of time, drop out. There are a multitude of reasons for this, to include the possibility that God closed the door in each case for His own good purposes.

     From my view, however, many quit because there was inadequate supervision, training, and encouragement. For this reason I am in the process of writing a book/training manual on the subject. Yes, there are many books on-the-market; and all have good information, but I am writing primarily for those who are raising funds for career work with small youth ministries that dot our land, and for those who are raising support for short-term mission work.

     In all cases, though, I believe a key negative factor is that there are so many potential supporters who do not support for one simple reason…at some level they feel their small contribution won’t be of help.

     I do ask my contacts to pray specifically as to whether God might have them come alongside in our work. I am hopeful they do!

     But I wonder how many times God prompts them to invest five, ten, or twenty dollars a month and they think, consciously or not, “Oh good grief, I’d be embarrassed to give ‘only’ that amount,” or “Jack would be upset if I ‘only’ supported him for ten bucks a month.”

     Wanna bet?

      Let’s see, I spend some time writing a monthly newsletter, I include a return envelope; you put ten, or twenty, bucks in the envelope, lick a first class stamp, and mail it back to me.

     Whether five, ten, or twenty bucks….I think this is a pretty good “return” on my investment!

     And, at least of equal importance, now that you are investing in my work you are probably praying for the work also. As Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there is your heart also.” Too often I think we misquote that verse as “where your heart is, there is your treasure also.”

      Nope. It is hard to show interest if you don’t have anything invested.

      Sure, I enjoy the fact the Lord has raised up some “big” supporters. But in my early years a petite grandmother in rural Kansas began supporting me…for two dollars a month. She supported me for over ten years, and then went on to glory.

     After she died, I must admit it was hard to miss the two dollars. But, oh, did the lady know how to pray!

Thank You Help

2010-01-08T09:28:00.001-08:00

You do send out thank yous, do you not?
If not, why not?
If someone walked in and handed you twenty bucks; wouldn't you say something?
"Oh, but there is postage and times costs..."
Yeah. So?
If you don't want to write thank yous, that's your decision.
But, if you want to do the polite thing, but need some advice, I found this helpful: click here

"I've not heard from a donor for a while, what now?"

2010-01-07T12:05:00.001-08:00

So what do you do when a regular supporter seemingly drops off the planet?

I don't know what you do, but let me give an example from late last week...

I am not a numbers guy, but I keep a paper monthly record of support that works for me, and I periodically check it...and was surprised that I had not received a gift from a long-time supporter (like 25 years!) for over two months.

What to do?

I sent him the following email, with the subject "Awkward Question"

Hey there! I recognize you have more than a few things on your plate, but have noticed you guys have not sent support for last two months; and thus need to ask if that is a permanent thing, an oversight, or what? Just trying to budget for the move and so forth...obviously (I hope!) this is not a "bill" or a nag, but just seeking clarification...let me know when you can.
No bites on the house yet. God has a timing to coincide with His will...so am trying to be patient

A couple days later I got this response:

Hi Jack,

Not sure if you got the message through Jane, but it is my oversight. After all these years you would think that wouldn't happen, but it did.

I must've displaced some envelopes. I usually sort through at various times of the month, separate and schedule bills from ministries. I realized about three weeks ago that I hadn't sent anything out to you, nor had seen the mailing envelope. It has been a blur since the beginning of May. I hope to catch-up with the "stack of stuff" this week.

Praying for your move, direction and patience!

And today I got the "make up" check...plus a "bonus" so to speak.

Communication...maybe you'd do it with a phone call, or, if geographically possible, a visit. This guy lives a few states away, so I did the email thing.

Again, my basic premise regarding support - "There is no "way" to raise/maintain support"...you need to find and tweak what works' for you.

But I hope this example is a reminder to you that communication is vital!

Huh?

2010-01-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

The following is from a well-known support "expert"...

"Prospects and donors have many questions and from time to time you might hear this very question. "How much do people typically support you?" Be careful on this one. If you recite a lower amount, they could very easily consider that amount. I would respond by saying "people are supporting me at different levels" and then I would fall back on a minimum ask of $100 per month."

Excuse me? Why not "just" answer the question? (Frankly, I'd have to do research; I don't crunch numbers, and my "regular" supporters vary greatly). I also have personal problems with "minimum ask."

Am I the only one?

How You Doing with Thank yous?

2010-01-06T17:41:00.001-08:00

I just got done writing thank you letters. This time it was to six supporters; one from NY, one from MO, two from CA, and two from KS. One is my high school journalism teacher, whom I "bumped into" while on a speaking trip in California. He came to Christ well after my high school years. After we reconnected, I sent him a letter telling him about deputation, and he immediately became a $50 buck a month supporter. For years he has been giving $250 monthly.

Another is a former Youth For Christ club sponsor in Kansas who has supported me from day one. He told me, perhaps twenty-five years ago, that he supported several YFC staff members, and that I was the only one who sent him thank you notes.

The others are "just" people God brought across my path and, for reasons known only to God, began supporting me. All of these folks have been supporting me for at least 25 years...that's a quarter-century!

Guess what? I saw one of these guys two years ago; another about nine years ago; the others I've not seen in at least 20 years. So why do they stick with me? First, because of the Lord; and, a close second, because I stay in touch with them, and frequently remind them of the truth - I could not do what I do without them, and that every life touched through our ministry is, however unknowingly, endebted to them.

It probably took me twenty minutes to write the thank yous. $2.46 in postage (the combined gifts of these six totaled $525). And in a couple days these six vital links in our chain of ministry will get a letter from a very appreciative home missionary.

Just for the record...there is no receipt sent with the note, no return envelope. It is simply a thank you.

How often do your people hear from you?

Special Project Fund

2010-01-06T10:49:00.001-08:00

One of our fellow staff members wanted to go to Nationals, but didn't have the cash. I urged her to add that to her next support letter. Just the need, and ask for help. She got more than necessary.

People like to give to individuals, they like to give to projects. If your ministry allows, there is nothing wrong (and, in my view, everything right) about a "car fund," a "short term mission fund," or whatever. Can this be overdone? Of course.

But if you have a genuine need, and it is "work/ministry" related; let your people have a chance to participate.

I do not think this would apply to a "Porsche fund".

Ministerial Logo?

2010-01-04T08:08:00.001-08:00

I've often thought that the best "logo" or "pin" for a genuine minister of the gospel would be a toilet plunger. Why? Because we are called to "serve the Lord with gladness," and, perhaps especially in youth ministry worthy of the name, serving often involves the mundane; setting up chairs, copying studies, unplugging a toilet etc...Toilet plungers don't get a lot of attention or glory; they just do the dirty jobs when necessary...but they do it effectively, efficiently, and tirelessly when needed.

I was reminded of that by this:

The real test of a saint is not one's willingness to preach the gospel, but one's willingness to do something like washing the disciples' feet - that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God.

Oswald Chambers

Have a blessed week serving, and remember you are able to do so because the Lord has called you, the Lord is equipping you, and His people are helping you pay the bills!

An Important Reminder

2010-01-03T19:51:00.000-08:00

DELEGATE THE WORKLOAD

by Charles R. Swindoll

Read Exodus 18:1--27

The Christian worker is a strange breed. He or she wants it to look as if the work is terribly hard. In fact, the more difficult and strained the look, the better. Christian workers are notorious for what I call the "tired blood" look, better known as the overburdened and outdated "missionary image," or, better stated, the exhausted "overburdened religious image." They usually carry an old, worn-out Bible, and walk with a slump, listing to port. They seldom smile---sort of a "please pity me" image. Makes me want to gag.

I don't mean to be super critical. The tragic reality is, some of these folks are overworked and hardly have enough to live on. But I believe you can be in full-time ministry without having to resemble the poor-me stereotype.

The happiest people on earth ought to be those of us in God's service. And we ought to look like it. We have every reason to smile more than anyone else. Even though our work is terribly serious, we ought to have more fun and have a better time doing it than anybody in any other career or calling. I think an individual in cross-cultural ministry or a local pastor ought to be able to enjoy his or her taste in music and live it up, just like anybody else.

Frankly, those who look as if they've just finished their last piece of bread do not minister very effectively, certainly not to me. Those who minister to me, and those to whom I think I minister, are men and women who truly enjoy life. We really don't need to spend all our time on the negatives of life; there are enough heart-breaking experiences to go around for all of us.

Please don't misunderstand me. Ministry is not an easy calling. There are times when you must work longer than you should. And those times can occur back to back. But we don't need to remind most pastors of the need to work harder. We need a reminder of another sort. "You're making your job harder than it should be. Share the load. Lighten up! Your work can be easier. Let us help you get these things done."

Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005). Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Too Hard Sell?

2010-01-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

EXPLANATION: For about two years I have sent out occasional emails to people who are "on support," and, dumby that I am, I have neglected this blog. So, with the start of the New Year, my first task is to get all those emails I sent out previously put on this blog...If you'd like to, read, heed, and/or toss as appropriate to your situation.

Reminder of three, to me, basics of "support raising":

1. There is no "way" to raise support (You need to find what works for you)

2. Support raising is not preparation for ministry, it is ministry.

3. Money follows ministry.

That being said, here is the first one I sent out, in March of 2008:

So I get this letter today from a national ministry that I really enjoy.

As I got to the last of the cover letter, I was at first intrigued by what they wrote, and then wondered if it was too "hard-sell."

I'd be interested in your opinion.

Here's the concluding paragraphs:

"This is the kind of help you have learned to count on...And all of us on staff work hard every month using our gifts and abilities so we won't let you down.

"In the same way, we count on you every month to help us according to your own abilities by sending a gift today so we can continue (this) important work. I hope you consider our efforts worth your support."

So...again, I have mixed feelings about this particular approach; but it may be something you can use/adapt for your own use; or perhaps you share my misgivings?

Would appreciate your continued prayer that the Lord would send a buyer for our New York house so we can get this deal on the road - literally and figuratively!

42 cents is better than 44 cents!

2009-04-06T08:49:00.001-07:00

Depending on when you mail your MONTHLY newsletter, you may want to make note that the postal increase is scheduled for May 11. Fourty-four cents for a first class stamp! Yikes.

Many send their letters out electronically, and that is your choice. I believe there is still something positive to be said about an actual snail mail...that does not have to printed out (regardless of how good the recepients' intentions are) and, of course, the envelope also holds a return envelope :)

But the postage increase as well as the ease of internet sure makes thank-yous via email and prayer updates via email and/or facebook groups or whatever more appealing.

Communication to our support teams is absolutely vital...in whatever way we do it, just do it!

Thank Yous

2009-03-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Postage is going up. The postal service says it may well go bankrupt.

Horrors.

But the postman is our friend...we send out newsletters, people send us money. Sure, there are electronic ways to do both, but for the foreseeable future most of us will rely on the postman and the ever-increasing price of a stamp.

Do you send "thank yous" for all your gifts? I make that my goal. If available, I have no problem using e-mail to so do...and once in a while I send an actual card or letter. No real "system," just as I feel like doing at the moment.

When "on the road" I frequently send postcards to various supporters, not specific "thank you for your recent gift," but "thanks for being part of the team."

If you say "I just don't have time for thank-yous" I think that really means you don't have time for your supporters...the ones who sacrifice to keep you in the fight.

Advice Regarding E-Mail

2009-02-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Michael Hyatt writes a blog I read. He recently discussed e-mail. It is worth the read:

What Do Your Email Messages Say About You?

Posted: 19 Feb 2009 06:00 AM PST

Last night, Gail and I went to local production of the play, “My Fair Lady.” I am embarrassed to admit that I have never seen it. I had seen clips from the movie, but I had never the watched the entire thing.

The reason I went is that Matt Baugher, one of our Thomas Nelson Vice Presidents, was starring in the lead role of Henry Higgins. I was blown away by his performance. He sang, danced, and spoke with an English accent. I was completely swept up in the story and forgot that Matt is a colleague and dear friend.

The story itself is fascinating. The version that we saw is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s movie Pygmalion, with book, music and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. It is a story about Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics, who takes on the challenge of transforming Eliza Doolittle, a common cockney flower girl, into a duchess.

Higgins particular expertise was that he could listen to someone speak and tell precisely where they were raised. Based on their diction, grammar, and accent, he claimed that he could determine their hometown or county of origin within six miles.

What does all of this have to do with email? Plenty.

Every time you communicate, you are making a “brand impression”—for you—and for the organization you represent. What kind of impression are you making? Is it positive or negative?

I want to focus for a few moments on email, since for most of us that comprises 90% of our communication today.

Here are four ways to make a positive impression with your email messages:

1. Respond in a timely manner. I can’t overstate the importance of this. As I have said elsewhere, to whatever extent I have been successful, it is due in large part to the fact that I am generally been very responsive. My goal is to respond to all emails the same day I receive them.
2. Address the sender personally. Don’t just start writing. Use the person’s name. Nothing is sweeter to the recipient’s ear than their own name. And in the age of unprecedented spam, using a person’s name indicates that you are a real person, not a robot.
3. Use proper grammar. You don’t have to obsess about this, but observe the basics: use complete sentences, check your punctuation and spelling, and proofread your message. And please, don’t use ALL CAPS. If you are feeling a little insecure about this, I highly recommend that you read a basic English grammar book, like English Grammar for Dummies.
4. Keep the message short and your intention clear. As a recipient, there is nothing worse than receiving a long message from someone, reading it, and still not knowing what the person wants or is saying. When in doubt, use short sentences, short paragraphs, and short messages.
5. Use a proper signature block. Use your email program to create s standardized, email signature that includes your full name, logo, company, address, telephone numbers, website or blog, twitter handle, etc. In my opinion, it should be simple but professional.

You may not have to impress a professor of phonetics, but your peers, subordinates, superiors, and external business associates will still come to conclusions about you, based on your oral and written communication skills. THerefore, it is worth taking time to improve these skills and become intentional about how you communicate.

ME? Raise Support? Who would I ask???

2009-02-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

GET STARTED…SIMPLE AS ‘A’ ‘B’ ‘C’
Here is my standard reply to someone who asks, "Who could I ask to support me? How do I get started?

Accumulate names and addresses! Who? To help get your mind whirling:

• Associates
• Bankers
• Church friends…close or not
• Doctors
• Everyone you know (get it?)
• Friends and Family…no matter how close or distant
• Gym/Exercise/Sports contacts
• Home Business contacts (past or present)
• Insurance agents
• Just everyone you know…no matter how well
• Klass mates from high school/college (‘K’ is hard!)
• Little League contacts
• Mechanics
• Non-Christians…let them see the Lord work in your life!
• Other people in ministry; even if they are on support
• Pastors, past and present
• Queen of England…well, maybe not
• Roommates
• Study groups, support groups
• Teachers…high school, college, Sunday School, Seminary, etc
• Uniformed friends/associates: police, post office, nurses, etc
• View any directories you have (church, business, etc) to see if you’ve overlooked someone
• Wait on the Lord, take a break, ask Him for names!
• X-boy or –girl friends (seriously!)
• Youth (teens have a lot of discretionary income; let them learn early the joys of missionary involvement)
• Zoologists or anyone else not thought of yet

Begin a database/contact list for all the above. Keep adding to it as you think of names.

Consult with spouse, close friends, etc you think are already in your corner; they will remind you of people you’ve overlooked.

Draft your initial letter

Encourage yourself in the Lord! (see 1 Samuel 30:6) “If it is His will, it is His bill.”

Focus on ministering to support prospects through prayer, encouragement, and by giving them the opportunity to be directly involved in something significant…the ministry to which God has called you!

Get all the information from the ministry which you are going to serve to ensure you are operating in accordance with their policies. Gather historical and current information about the ministry so you can pass it on to your potentials.

Have fun! This is an adventure on which most never embark!

Include your family in everything from addressing envelopes to choosing stationery to photo selection etc.

Journal your adventure! Added benefit: sharpening your writing skills.

Know that the Lord is your “point-man” (Jehoveh-nissi: “The Lord our Banner”)

Live in the now. Don’t spend time wondering, worrying, or waffling. You are not going to be in ministry; like all Christians you already are in ministry; you are just preparing for vocational ministry.

Make sure you are giving regularly to the Lord’s work…your church…other ministries. If you don’t now, you won’t then.

Never forget the Lord feeds the birds of the air, but He doesn’t throw seed in their nest.

Offer to present your ministry to every forum you can think of…churches/Bible studies/Christian radio/whatever.

Pray! (never overlook the obvious).

Question others that have been or are now “on-support.” Exit stage left if they are negative (as opposed to realistic) about their experiences.

Read the Word (duh). Read missionary newsletters (for the good, the bad, the ugly). Read biographies of missionaries.

Schedule time each day to put efforts into support. Learn now that support raising and maintenance is a vital part of your daily job description.

Tailor a record-keeping system that works for you; not only your data base, but
ways of keeping track of when you talked to/wrote a prospective
supporter; their response, giving record and so forth. Do it now so you
don’t have to play catch-up later.

Utilize a computer! No matter how literate (or illiterate) you are regarding
computers, learn more so you can use it to maximize your time and thus
practice good stewardship.

View yourself from someone else’s perspective. If you were someone else and
you were asked to support you; what questions would you have? Make
sure you have answers!

Write! Work on your draft of the initial letter(s). If writing is a struggle for you, read a book, take a class. But the best way to learn to write is to apply your seat to a seat and write. Practice writing a thank-you note for a gift of $5,000….as well as a gift of $5.

Xamine yourself. So much more fun to examine other people, but the Word tells us to examine ourselves regularly (see 1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

Yodel. Go for a walk. Play a game of tennis. Read an escape-novel. The point? Loosen up! Don’t let your shoulders tense. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Zeal! Develop and encourage a zeal for life…particularly for the joy of trusting the Lord regarding support! Guard yourself against whining, as in, “poor little me, I’m on support.” It is an honor, a privilege, a calling!

Think About It

2009-01-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

Click on the following and read...it is not directly applicable to support raising...or is it? But it is definitely thinkable regarding ministry and how we do it...CLICK HERE

It Is Time!

2009-01-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

I've lived in Missouri now for two months. Still readjusting and adjusting to new home, new office, new opportunities, new challenges.

But it is time to get this thing rolling.

So I'll be adding content often; if you can, subscribe to be kept aware of new postings.

I'm passionate about support!

After thirty years of being "on support" I've learned a few things...here's the outline:

1. There is no "way" to raise support (you've got to find what works for you and your giftings)

2. Support raising is not preparation for ministry, support raising is ministry

3. Money follows ministry.

I'll be building on these observations, and am more than ready to try to answer any questions you may have if you'll simply leave them as a comment.

Blessings!

We Be Workin'

2008-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Just for info; my house in NY has yet to sell (pray!), but I am "officially" off staff of Family Life and "on" staff with Midland Ministries in Saint Joseph, Mo. Working out of my house for the first time in my life...yikes!
But working on the book/manual, and ready to answer any questions concerning the exciting world of support raising.
More later. Connect if you wish by dropping a comment...

What's This Support Stuff About?

2008-03-07T06:27:00.002-08:00

I've been "on support," responsible for raising deputation; whatever term you like, since 1978.
I am fervently "pro-support." Not only do folks invest financially to keep me in the work; but they pray! It's kind of like the mastercard commercial...gas, $3.50 per gallon; motel $59.00; prayers - priceless.
I've seen too many people scared of suppport raising, and too many drop out of ministry because of not maintaining support.
I certainly don't have all the answers, but I have over three decades of experience, and I desire to encourage, exhort, and educate anyone who will accept help.
I am currently transitioning from two decades of service with Family Life Ministries in New York to Midland Ministries in Saint Joseph, Mo.
So this is a work in progress...but if you have questions, feel free to connect.

FULLY FUNDED - Support Raising 101

Writing Matters!

Focus on Old Peeps?

Incredibly Valuable Advice!

Successful Support Raising:Is it About Character or Gifting?

Write for Lazy Readers

What do you think about this?

How Men Vs. Women Raise Support:Five Differences

Not Support Related...or is it?

Idolatry in Ministry

The Disaster of (typical) Youth "Ministry"

Grace in Crisis

Take Time to Observe

Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc....Worth the time?

A Case in Point

Three Fears?

Vital Reminder for All Who Work with Youth

Good Doctrine Makes Better (Teenage) Saints

Die on the Right Mountain(s)

A Great Whatever You Wanna Call It

The Vital Thank You Note

1. Decide to write a Thank You note

2. Choose someone to thank

3. Find a reason to thank

4. Get the address

5. Pick or purchase a Thank You card

6. Write a draft

Format suggestion:

7. Write the note

Here’s an example:

8. Prepare the envelop and pack the card

9. Drop the note in a mail box

10. Plan to repeat steps 1-10

Serving Suggestions:

One of the Most Important Things I've Posted...or Read

Pastor Mark's Introduction

Grace's Answer

Pastor Mark:

Five Drop outs

Support Raising Dropouts:Five Who Gave Up

Danger! Warning!

Final Sayings of (ex) children's and youth pastors

Chew on This Stuff for a While - It'll Do You Good!

m I think this is an important word from Michael Hyatt

Word of God does Work of God

Is It a "Concern" or a "Responsibility?"

Writing Matters!

Connected?

Tell "Em What the Lord Has Done

Relations Matter - in Ministry, in Support-raising and Maintenance

Good stuff from http://blog.thesource4ym.com/. Certainly applies to ministry in general, also to what I perceive to be the ministry of support raising and retaining:

Stay in Touch/Keep in Touch

Share Your Heart

Five Distored "Gospels"

Gratitude?

Seven Principles of Finance for the Believer

My Top Five All-Time Supporters

I could have written this, but I didn't (It is from "The Body Builders")

Second-Generation Support

Top Five Fears in Support Raising

Walk By Faith

Don't Worry About the Opposition!

Ministry is Ministry

Mad Church Disease

Don't Obfuscate Either in Teaching or Newsletters

A Needful Reminder/Warning

The Work of Writing

By Mary Jaksch

Boring is bad. Boring is slow.

Pace is often the deciding factor whether what we write is read, or not.

The good news is that we can learn to control pace in our writing.

Use short sentences

Use frequent paragraphs

Use jump cuts

What Can I Do For Them?

Warning! Warning! Warning!

Dessert, Anyone?

Why Do Some of our Students Stagnate

Praying for our Supporters

The Ten

Successful Support Raising:
Is it About Character or Gifting?

How Men Vs. Women Raise Support:
Five Differences

Support Raising Dropouts:
Five Who Gave Up

Successful Support Raising
In a Suffering Economy