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Dear Friends
The Ministry of Development Institute - The New
Stewardship
As we begin our slow slide into summer slump, remember to be
thankful to your current donors before you lose contact. Also, let
them know the ministry continues, even as graduation, summer
camps, vacations, and business take priority.
I am pleased to announce a brand new training opportunity.
After years of speaking and training, we are announcing the first
annual The Ministry of Development Institute - The New
Stewardship.
This week-long intensive training will be held in Southern
California January 7- 11. It will be comprised of new ideas
training and workshops designed to create a wealth of take-home
material. It will be offer an innovative structure for individuals
and teams and will bring a great ROI to your leadership and
development efforts.
More information will be coming, but please mark your
calendars. We are planning to limit the Institute to 50 attendees
only to provide the level of input and interaction desired.
Enjoy this eNewsletter and keep in touch!
John
John R. Frank, MA, CFRE
President
The Frank Group
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Stewardship Trends that Impact Your Development Strategy #3 |
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John R Frank, MA, CFRE
As I continue on my topic of stewardship trends from my
Doctor of Ministry-Leadership in the Emerging Culture I
examined the generational shifts in views of the term
stewardship and how it affects their giving.
TREND #3 - Builder, Boomer, Buster, and Bridger Age
Views of Stewardship
As each generation moves through their time of biblical
training, or lack thereof, the results in giving have been
interesting and alarming. Allow me to share my observations of
how each generation views stewardship.
Builders - Were taught to give tithes and offerings. The
first 10% to the local church, then above that to parachurch
ministries. They were faithful and trusted leadership. Very
legalistic in terms and definitions.
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The Summer "Pump" |
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As you head into the next few months, how do you embrace the
fundraising opportunities that lie ahead? If you happen to be
like most organizations, you're reluctantly preparing a series
of "Summer Slump" appeal letters that acknowledge the
historical and predictable downturn in donation support.
It just needn't be so! Allow me to suggest three reasons
why you should consider another approach.
#1 A slump in giving doesn't necessarily mean a downturn in
support. I have a personal distaste for the array of
panic-laden direct mail copy that implies the end is near, as
if the organization didn't know this was coming!
Just because the money isn't flowing in like other times of
year, that doesn't mean your donors have lost their love for
you. For some, giving is principle-based and consistent, but
for many it is discretionary spending.
When the summer comes, their dollars shift to other areas,
temporarily. When the fall returns, so does their pattern of
giving. Be honest with yourself and your donors. Your
budgeting needs to reflect this seasonality. Not every month
can be your best month. This too shall pass.
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