By John R. Frank, MA, CFRE

In our world of development and relationships, we must always be watching trends, learning about people, and responding when appropriate. Our world is one of constant response to the world of our donors.

In my Doctor of Ministry-Leadership in the Emerging Culture I am studying many books and research on church and culture trends. There are many changes taking place in our world and we as development professionals must stay informed. This does not mean that we will LIKE every one of these trends. However, we must be aware of the world in which our donors live and breathe.

Over the next few eNewsletters I will share a few of my observations of stewardship trends (my dissertation focus) that will affect your development strategies.

Today, I begin with TREND #1- Changing Definitions of Stewardship. The builder generation lived in a world where stewardship was taught in their churches and Sunday schools. The words used to describe stewardship were usually tithes and offerings. The tithe was to be the first 10% of income to be given to the local church. Offerings were gifts given beyond those to the local church, usually to parachurch ministries.

Unfortunately, the term stewardship today means the annual tithe talk, the annual church budget talk, or just how to get money for the church.

John B. Savage, EMBA - Managing Editor, Boardwise

When it comes to boards, ministry leaders fall into one of two camps; either they inherited their board or they reluctantly assembled one in the launching of their start-up ministry.  In both cases, many executives don't know what to do with their boards, while the board members (and the one who chairs) know even less.  If you or your boss are in this common universe, read on.

Our biblical frame of reference is most often rooted in Proverbs 15:22 (Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.)  Relevant debate has stirred the pot on the value of consulting with these advisers selectively and individually or collectively in the same place and at the same time.  Regardless of where you fall, the key value of third-party advisors is objectivity.  In the trenches of business or ministry, few of us know ourselves so well that we lead consistently in every situation and environment. 

We are so surrounded with every facet of the ministry gem that entices us that we are prone to miss the nuances that will most effectively solve our problem or advance our cause.  Board members help us see more clearly when our passion has blinded us.

Another value your board can bring is resourcefulness.  The board's primary role is to make sure the mission is effectively and efficiently accomplished.  To do this requires resources of every kind - money, influence, gifts-in-kind, introductions, vendor contacts, specialized talent, and so on.  A client of mine struggled for years to make real progress in growing its ministry.  While it did sound work, it just couldn't break through to the next level. 

With prodding from their consultant (yes, yours truly), they have broadened their vision for their board and attracted a variety of community leaders who, together, bring every resource needed to move the vision forward and more successfully accomplish the mission.  What a joy to see progress after so many years of turmoil.  Board members bring direct and indirect resources that fuel our vision!