Make it Transformational: A Blog for Champion Discipleship

This month we have been teaching on the topic of The Transformational Ask and I hope you have attended one of these workshops. The information shared was excellent and it can revolutionize yourself and your organization.

But… having the keys to the car (or your TG Ask workshop workbook in your hand) is simply not enough if all you are going to do is hold them in your hand and not use them for what they were intended for. Keys were made to start a car. Mission Increase Foundation workshop material is designed to be implemented.

Both, when put to use, can take you to places you have never been.

As I have connected with a few ministry leaders I find that they sincerely want to start the car, or implement the principles taught, but lack the boldness to see where it might take them. They are comfortable staying in their familiar territory and seeing the same results.

When they think of being bold (in relation to their asking for money) their minds turn to those panhandlers on the street corner, who are bold in their asking, but offend or frighten people away just as quickly. And they surely wouldn’t want to offend anyone because this is how they might be perceived (at least this is what they tell themselves).

If you were to look up the word “Boldness” you will find some negative references. However, you can also find some very positive references as well. Wikipedia says, "Boldness" can also refer to a willingness to get things done, even despite risks, and is therefore broadly synonymous with bravery. Boldness is not always in a rash context, but can have a great positive connotation to the word.”

In the Bible Peter and John were great examples of what is was like to be bold. In the book of Acts 4:13 it says, The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. (NLT) In Acts 4:29, as Peter and John were released from prison, they prayed: And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. (NASB)

Peter and John weren’t afraid to step out and put to use what they knew and shared what they believed in. They didn’t hold any advanced degrees, but they tapped into the power of God which gave them their boldness to put to use what they had.

Last week, one day after a workshop in which we concluded with a prayer for boldness, a ministry leader replied via email to me these words, “Ok, so I stepped way out of my comfort zone after yesterday’s workshop on TG and called 18 Champions this morning asking for personal visits with them! Wow, I think my heart is still racing. I let them know that as the new Development Director (since Sept) that I am moving the Development Office away from the traditional secular fundraising model and moving it toward the Biblical model of seeing them as God’s givers vs. our donors. It seems well received and I simply asked them for more time to explain where I am going with this. I am taking the knowledge learned from MIF and really moving it into action, I don’t want to be one of those people who say, “wow, that’s great information,” and then file it away. I feel like I really get it and it’s my responsibility to share that knowledge with others.”

My challenge to you today is to look at what is your hand and to ask God for boldness to put it to good use!

As ministry leaders we must understand who our source is and understand that He is able to help us implement what we know that could revolutionize our ministry and those around us.

The Transformational Ask workshop has some great material in it and if you are in a location that you could still attend this month, I would suggest you make every effort to do so.

Also, if you have the time and have not read the blog post previous to this one, Your Ask Can Be A Gift...Seriously???,  written by Tracy Tucker, it is a worthwhile read that will help you with some very practical tips for making an ask.

March’s MIF workshop, The Transformational Ask: Your Ask Is A Gift, has generated high registration numbers and – from those who have already attended - a handful of success stories! 

What’s exciting about these success stories is that – within days of attending the workshop - ministry leaders are implementing new concepts related to formulating and then ‘making’ the Ask.  These efforts are leading not only to donations for the cause but – perhaps more importantly – the realization that the Ask really can be a gift!

Take a look at the email below from Anna at The Resource Distribution Council, a Tacoma, WA ministry which distributes food to 36 food banks, hot meal programs, and shelters.  Thanks, Anna, for letting us share your experience to encourage others!

As you read about her experience, notice that Anna:  

• Knows something about this champion - besides her giving history or capacity!  She knows Kendra’s* personal experience with the cause, how long she’s been involved, her particular interests, and something about her spiritual maturity. 
• Has a clear goal in mind for the requested funds.
• Clearly communicates the need for funds – and the impact of ‘beefing up our program for delivering to shut-ins.’
• Communicates a vision - a future state of the program - to Kendra instead of focusing on current services provided.  For a refresher on casting vision, take a moment to read this blog posting.

After you read about Anna’s experience, consider registering for this workshop if you haven’t already.  And remember: you, as a Christian ministry leader, have the opportunity to bless others by challenging them to greater involvement in and giving to your ministry!

 Here’s what Anna emailed:

The week before the workshop on major donor asks, Kendra*, one of my favorite very sporadic donors stopped by and gave us a check for $1,000. Her mother, for several years, volunteered in our offices.  Kendra doesn't donate to us because she believes in our cause. She has told me several times that she donates to us because we have always been good to her mother. During her visit she told me that she had another $3,000 she would like to give to a church. I thought, "Man, it would be nice to use that money but I have no clue how to ask her" so I kept quiet.

However, her words "You have been very good to my mother kept ringing in my ears." I kept thinking how much I would like to beef up our program for delivering to shut-ins. We now deliver to Kendra's mom twice a month. I kept thinking it would be great to have a stock pile of Ensure, and Depends. Food especially designated for seniors would also be a wonderful thing. 

On top of that, we now give space to a pet food bank and let them serve clients during the week. We could deliver food for their animals. Pets are so important to seniors and shut-ins.

I thought in my heart, "I know Kendra owns this cause." So, I called her and told her everything I just explained to you. I told her that I had never asked someone for money like this before. But, if she had not given that money away, would she reconsider us.  We would us it to purchase specific items for seniors and shut-ins. Not only did she say yes without hesitation, she told me that when that money ran out to call her again. I thanked her for being the "charter champion" of this cause.

Here's the kicker. She told me that she had a church picked out to give that money to. However, she hadn't felt peace about it and was hesitating. She decided that it must have been God's will that she mentioned it to me. Now, if I had jumped at the ask when she was in my office. If I had not explained the cause, she would have just clutched her wallet closer to her chest. Instead of feeling used, she knows she is being a servant of our Lord.

It was a wonderful experience for both of us. This journey with you is truly transformational.

 *Name has been changed.

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