I Don’t Want to Talk About It!

March 24, 2017

An Emotional Topic

Few topics are closed to discussion, but this is one of them. While this promises great reward, it can also produce considerable embarrassment. It can help feed, clothe, house, heal and educate people, or it can shrink one’s heart. It demonstrates grace and benevolence, but it can also lead to a lack of mercy.

What can possibly produce such diverse results? The answer is philanthropy or giving or the lack thereof. Gallup recently revealed that 83% of Americans give and over half give to religious organizations. Of course, that doesn’t include giving to hospitals, schools and social service agencies for religious purposes. Why such a reluctance to talk about giving and why so much religious philanthropy? I believe it’s because giving is a spiritual activity.

Nouwen on Giving

The late Henri Nouwen emphasized that very thing. “Fundraising (and philanthropy are) not a response to a crisis. First and foremost, they’re a form of ministry, a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission. Whether we’re asking for money or giving money we’re drawn together by God to do (something) through our collaboration.”

In the Bible the Greek word for giving is metadidomi, which means, “to impart” or “give.” Often it is accompanied by haplotes, which means, “sincerely, generously and without pretense.” To give that way requires being moved emotionally by someone’s vision and the hope of what that vision can achieve.

A Spiritual Activity

You might witness homeless people receiving help, an alcoholic being redeemed or dozens of other outcomes that in our capital campaign consulting we see churches and non-profits regularly achieve. However, the degree to which organizations connect deeply with prospective donors will be the degree to which their generosity is provoked. That’s why I believe that giving is a spiritual activity.

Again Nouwen explained, “If money touches our relationships with family members (and) the world beyond our home, it also reaches into our inner life. It is interesting that the phrase “personal worth” can mean both the extent of our financial assets and our value as a human being.”

Value the Contributor More Than the Contribution

As fundraising consultants, we often tell clients that whether it’s in a church or nonprofit organization, people desire to be valued based on who they are and not what they give. In fact, when the former is prevalent the latter tends to take care of itself.

I heard a story about two shipwrecked men on a remote island. One man paced and worried while the other got a suntan and relaxed on the beach. The worrier asked, “Aren’t you afraid that we’re going to die?” The second man responded, “Nope. I make a $100,000 per month and I tithe. My pastor will find me.”

Giving is Stewardship

While humorous, most pastors and many nonprofit executives avoid talking or teaching about stewardship, because giving is private and they are uncomfortable invading that privacy.

However, this is contrary both to sound practice and Biblical wisdom. In fact, sixteen of Jesus’ thirty-eight parables were about handling money and possessions. The Bible offers 500 verses on prayer but over 2,000 on money and possessions.

Pastor Sid Litke argues, “Giving is actually a deeply personal indicator of our spiritual maturity and love for God. If we understand that our ‘treasure’ is an indication of our ‘heart,’ how can pastors avoid teaching on the important issue of giving?”

Giving As a Form of Worship

Litke believes that giving is our stewardship responsibility for using wisely what He gives us. “As God’s stewards, giving decisions are simply thinking through how He wants us to allocate His money.” He believes that giving is a form of worship allowing us to give back in thanksgiving for what has been given to us.

If more churches and even nonprofits embraced that idea, philanthropic conversations and activities would grow exponentially. And from my perspective, it can’t happen soon enough!

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church

I Don’t Want to Talk About It!

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