Forget the Media,
Remember Your Mission

Dear friends,

It has been very interesting to note the concern, media attention, and response to our economic situation in the non-profit world. I have read research by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Convio, Barna Group, AFP, and even today in our local paper, the Seattle PI.  All of the research points to this:

• Keep going. Do not stop sharing with people your mission, and your vision for impacting people.
• 7 in 10 plan to give the same or more than they did last year.  (Chronicle of Philanthropy, Oct. 27, 2008)
• In the AFP Global Research - 40% said NOW is the time to aggressively keep and grow your market/relationship share. (www.afpnet.org)
• Giving is recession-proof. (Seattle PI, November 24, 2008)
• 83% of people who say their financial situation has remained the same and will give the same or more during the holiday season. (Convio survey of online giving - October, 2008)
• A blog written by a former professor of mine, Bruce Flessner, stated to the blog question of the economy. "Stop talking about the economy and focus on your mission statement. Keep emphasizing that you continue to do what you have been called to do."

So this is my year-end encouragement and challenge to you. STOP READING THE MEDIA.  Believe in your passion for our ministry and organization. And believe that your donors believe the same thing.

As professional development officers, and ministers of development we sometimes must help our donors see that the sky is NOT falling. Give them hope that good things are still happening. Let them know that God is not being hit by the economic fallout. (He did not ask Congress for a bailout as some news is reporting.)

And let's remember one very important teaching in the New Testament about stewardship and being known as generous people - when someone in the early church had a need, those with extra gave more!  Now is the time for those of us with jobs, to be even more generous.

Yes, we are to teach that when unemployment goes up in our communities it is the church of Jesus that should step up and give sacrificially. When our local food banks are empty it is the followers of Jesus who should check their pantries and make an extra trip to the store to give to the emergency needs of our communities.

We are in the ministry of development not just to raise funds for our budgets, but also to raise up stewards in our communities. Giving is contagious.

I encourage your to know the facts, the research, and the strategies. And I also encourage you to remember the passion, the vision, the scripture of the early church, and YOUR commitment to stewardship, generosity, and the spiritual impact a giver can make.

We in the ministry of Development must keep the balance of money, budgets, and goals, with the miracles, spiritual warfare, and incredible provision of our God.  We must see both sides during this "economic hardship".

I pray you are encouraged to keep encouraging your stewards and donors and experience the blessings when you see God be faithful and "supply all of your needs through His riches in Christ Jesus".

Merry Christmas and a Great New Year to you!

John

Dr. John R. Frank
2009 Teaching Calendar