As a ministry leader and fundraiser I have to confess that I have disliked the phrase from the first time
I heard it . . .“We can't do what we do without you.” The misguided mantra we use in an effort to convince our donors and volunteers how valuable they are to the ministry.
After over a decade of feeling this way, my perspective was finally confirmed by my good friend Doug Shaw in his recently released book, “The Rules of Fundraising.” Doug’s Rule #9 states: You don't have to lie to raise money [or get people to volunteer].1 This admonition is included with a few of the “little white lies” we advance, along with overstating the impact of our organization.
After over a decade of feeling this way, my perspective was finally confirmed by my good friend Doug Shaw in his recently released book, “The Rules of Fundraising.” Doug’s Rule #9 states: You don't have to lie to raise money [or get people to volunteer].1 This admonition is included with a few of the “little white lies” we advance, along with overstating the impact of our organization.
Now don’t get me wrong – what ministry partners do and give is no less than
critical to a successful and effective ministry. But to make such an overstatement robs the glory
from the true origin of all our available resources and abilities to serve people in
need . . . that of our heavenly Provider.
God is the true owner and provider of all that we have – and all that the donor and volunteer share with us. Those who share are merely His chosen stewards of what is His. I actually verbalized this a few times when thanking those who served my ministry by saying that while we could still do most our work without their involvement, their participation made it so much more meaningful and less challenging . . . and our success wouldn't be such a blessing if we weren't sharing it with them. I wondered though, if that resonated as much.
God is the true owner and provider of all that we have – and all that the donor and volunteer share with us. Those who share are merely His chosen stewards of what is His. I actually verbalized this a few times when thanking those who served my ministry by saying that while we could still do most our work without their involvement, their participation made it so much more meaningful and less challenging . . . and our success wouldn't be such a blessing if we weren't sharing it with them. I wondered though, if that resonated as much.
If what I feel is right, in what way can we make our gratitude known to
those who invest their time, treasure, and talents in the ministry? We can appreciate them and their investment by
acknowledging that they empower us to serve in a manner that is enhanced and
more effective – and which pleases our Lord. I feel the more important idea to convey is
the vital impact our partners bring to the table through their efforts.
Their involvement has a direct bearing on the breadth and depth of the ministry to, and the life-change produced in, those we serve. That impact is the mantra we should voice – and not understate.
Their involvement has a direct bearing on the breadth and depth of the ministry to, and the life-change produced in, those we serve. That impact is the mantra we should voice – and not understate.
1 Douglas K. Shaw, The
Rules of Fundraising, Naperville: DSA, 2013, pg 58, brackets mine.
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