Blog Article
The Night 100 Donors Walked Out & the Night Nearly 1,000 Leaned In
The focus that changes everything. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”— 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) If you lead a Christian nonprofit or ministry, you know the pressure of planning a fundraising event that moves people toward generosity. After months of planning, the…
Read MoreClean Data Won’t Love Your Donors Back
A simple rhythm and resource to keep people as a real priority. “God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) Sometimes January turns into February until I finally get around to fixing all the stuff I should’ve dealt with in October. It’s when I face spreadsheet items that have remained outstanding even after January…
Read MoreHow to Begin Nonprofit Fundraising Planning in January
Encouragement to begin slower and better. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”— Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) January always tempts nonprofit leaders to rush headlong into planning. We start writing new goals. We add 10% to our previous year’s results to get new numbers. We consider what fundraising campaigns…
Read MoreWhat Happened to the New Year Resolution?
A trail of unfulfilled undertakings doesn’t cancel a future marked by fruitful growth and change when you choose to walk in the strength of community. “You crown the year with your good blessings, and you leave abundance in your wake.” — Psalm 65:11 (NET) What happened to the resolve? What happened to the gumption and…
Read MoreReceive the Gift of Time and Presence This Christmas
In the flurry of this busy season—in the midst of demands, weariness, and even regret—there is quiet, peace, comfort, and restoring relationship waiting for you. “…the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” — Romans 5:15 (NIV) This Christmas, I want to offer…
Read MoreChristmas is Coming—and We’ve Been Preparing All Year
When wonder at Christmastime becomes more about wondering how it will all get done, and if funds will come through in time. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (NIV) As Christmas approaches, many nonprofit and…
Read MoreA Playbook for Hosting Small Major-Donor Gatherings for Your Next Big Project
How a dining room table, a few faithful couples, and one step of prayerful courage can ignite a movement of generosity that outlasts us all. “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” — Romans 12:13 (NIV) If God has given you a vision that feels bigger than your budget, your team, or…
Read MoreGod Selects People to Be Leaders for the Times In Which They Live
Encouragement for times when the road ahead looks dark and difficult. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”— Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) I still remember sitting in…
Read MoreDon’t Be the Turkey: A Thanksgiving Reflection for Leaders
How gratitude shapes our ministry far beyond the holiday. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”— Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Saying thank you is great. Not being a turkey is better. What you don’t say matters. As leaders, we spend a…
Read MoreAs a Christian Leader of 25 Years, I’ve Learned There Is Always a Punchline
And when God tells the story, the ending is always good. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”— James 1:22 Comedians talk about the “two stories” behind every joke: the one you expect… and the one that surprises you. Their punchline…
Read More