The Bullard Journal for June 27, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019: “A Call to Action” Nurturing Fully Devoted Followers of Christ. I had the opportunity for lunch today with a group of pastors, staff persons, and lay leaders to discuss the issue of discipleship. What is it? How do we help people journey towards becoming fully devoted followers of Christ? What are […]
Through Fundraising We Work Together for the Full Coming of God’s Kingdom
“Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God’s kingdom.” (Nouwen, p. 60) Always remember that fundraising is not an auxiliary program of […]
Fundraising is a Life-Giving, Hope-Filled Expression of Ministry
“How do we become people who security base is God and God alone?” “How do we move from perceiving fundraising as an unpleasant but unavoidable activity to recognizing fundraising as a life-giving, hope-filled expression of ministry?” (Nouwen, p. 55) Fundraising as a life-giving, hope-filled expression of ministry is what only can be achieved when we […]
Fundraising Must Increase the Significance of the Organization
“In the world, those who raise funds must show potential donors a strategic plan that convinces donors their money will help to increase the productivity and success of the organization” (Nouwen, p. 51) Fundraising success must also translate into increased significance in Christ-centered ministry. Success is simply not enough. Ultimately it must express itself in […]
Fundraising Must Create New, Lasting Relationships
“We have something to offer–friendship, prayer, peace, love, fidelity, affection, ministry with those in need–and these things are so valuable that people are willing to make their resources available to sustain them. Fundraising must always aim to create new, lasting relationships.” (Nouwen, p. 50) Fundraising must involve long-term meaningful relationships where the donor can participate […]
Fundraising is About Providing the Ministry of Community
“When fundraising as ministry calls us together in communion with God and with one another, it must hold out the real possibility of friendship and community. People have such a need for friendship and for community that fundraising has to be community-building I wonder how many churches and charitable organizations realize that community is one […]
Fundraisers Invite People Into a Spiritual Communion
“When we ask people for money to strengthen or expand the work of the kingdom, we are also inviting them into a new spiritual communion.” (Nouwen, p. 48) Fundraising often must go beyond the idea of raising funds for business-as-usual. Funds must be raised for a God-size vision. If our cause is of God, we […]
God’s Love Can Multiply the Effects of Our Generosity
“When Jesus fed five thousand people with only five loaves and bread and two fish, he was showing us how God’s love can multiply the effects of our generosity.” (Nouwen, p. 46) God’s love can do things through fundraisers and donors that do not add up from a human perspective. The miracle of sharing can […]
Donors Are Asked to Put Their Resources at the Disposal of the Kingdom
“Asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the kingdom. To raise funds is to offer people the chance to invest what they have in the work of God.” (Nouwen, p. 45-46) For fundraisers to fail to ask donors for a financial gift is to deny […]
Fundraisers Must Approach Potential Donors in the Spirit of Christ
“Because we approach potential donors in the Spirit of Christ, when we ask them for money we can do so with an attitude and in an atmosphere of confident freedom.” (Nouwen, p. 45) When fundraisers approach donors in the Spirit of Christ, they are free. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep […]