Recently, I invited Bob Buford, Leadership Network's founder and board chairman to speak to the members of our Generous Churches Leadership Community. Bob is a keen observer of American culture and the American church.
During an interview and question and answer time with about 50 church leaders who are focused on creating cultures of generosity in their churches, we discussed the current economic crisis and how it may impact the way givers give. We talked, in particular, about the unique way high that net worth givers think and what the church can do to invite their involvement and partnership. I thought Bob's response was compelling.
He suggested that as we deal with high capacity givers we need to remember that they don't want to hear the church say, "we can do it, you can help". They would rather hear, "you can do it, we can help". Meaning, they have God given passion and expertise and it is better for church leaders to find out what that passion is and tap into it. Their giving will follow their passion, not ours.
What is your church saying to your key givers? Are you asking them to get on board with your vision, or are you listening to them and releasing them and the resources they steward to do some good in the Kingdom?
Posted by Christopher Willard, director of Leadership Network's Generous Churches Leadership Community.
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