The Barrier of Stewardship
We don't just raise money to build buildings. We raise money to fulfil a vision.
Many leaders shy away from fundraising. Are you one of them? The truth is that when we believe in something bigger than ourselves, our degree of passion increases exponentially, our conviction grows, and we become a bonfire in an open field that draws the attention of an audience. To spearhead financial stewardship and growth more successfully, we should implement proven principles.
Principle 1: Set your gaze on the greater vision and direct others’ sights toward the same vision.
- Most people will give money out of a sense of obligation or being moved emotionally. But giving to a point of walking in pure faith and giving beyond that which “makes sense” requires a deeper purpose…a vision for something much greater!
- Lay out a vision of fulfilling your organizational mission and how each team member plays a part.
- Regularly redirect everyone’s sights toward this vision.
Principle 2: When you hear good ideas of what other people are doing to steward and to raise money, assess them and consider adapting to fit your needs.
- The ideas that have made one non-profit successful were likely taken from another non-profit and adapted to suit their unique vision. You don’t need to recreate the wheel but find ways to adapt it to your own vehicle.
Principle 3: Don’t rely on the math!
- Do your part but don’t trust in how it currently adds up. God’s math can’t be known until it is shown. Patiently sow seeds, water them, and look for the harvest.
- Reflect on the account of Gideon in the Bible (Judges 6-8). Gideon sought more Israelite soldiers for battle, but God delivered a different plan, a divine one. What Gideon saw as numerical disadvantage, God saw as enough, shrinking the army down to 300.
- Faith in our capable God speaks louder than the “reality” we see before us. It is as if God is saying, “I want you to do your part; watch Me do My part. I’ll work out the math in My way and in My timing.”
Principle 4: If you have a big vision, go bold! It begins with YOU.
- You are the first to be stretched when staring at the size of the future and then, in turn, convey this to your organization. Help people see what you see and create opportunities to communicate this repeatedly. Be resolute and courageous.
- Don’t limit your vision of a greater financial bounty to merely what you can do yourself. Our responsibility is to convey the vision and call people up to it. You gather the ropes and hand them to people to pull with you.
- We tend to believe that other people have the same resources we do, and so we limit what we believe is financially possible for them. Beware of pre-judging someone’s ability and willingness to play a part to fulfil the vision.
Principle 5: Stay in your lane.
- People are gifted, called, and equipped to accomplish various tasks with specific focuses. Your task is simple: communicate often, lead by example, recruit a gifted team, and prepare the path. Intentionally develop strategic partners. Connect with people, reveal your authentic self and your passion for the vision, earn their trust.
Principle 6: Steward the givers, which fuels the vision!
- When gifts come in, remember to celebrate each one. People want to know, “Did you get my gift? Did it make a difference?” Consider how can you better recognize partners who financially contribute to the vision.
In summary, give meaning to people’s money. Communicate vision and a higher purpose for giving—that people’s gifts pave the way for a greater future, changed lives, and hope. Paint that narrative in every way possible and watch the harvest come!