Being intentional - Part 1 |
Feb 15, 2011 |
If you are a regular reader of this blog, or frequently attend Mission Increase workshops (if not, definitely look into it!), you’ll know we talk a lot about helping champions (formally known as donors) grow to maturity in their Christian walk as they interact with us and the cause God has placed us in.
It is what Transformational Giving is all about - teaching people what it means to give in such a way that it is a collaboration between them and God; where His grace is infused in our lives so that we may be free to give to the people and purposes He has drawn us to.
What a joy to give in this way! Yet, it doesn’t happen naturally. It takes wise spiritual leaders (parents, pastors, parachurch leaders, etc.) to teach us what it means to give in this manner, as well as challenge us to take steps to act on what they’ve taught so that we REALLY learn it.
That said, let me talk to you as a parachurch leader.
How are you intentionally teaching your champions about transformational giving? This includes giving of their material wealth, but certainly is not limited to that. God has granted each one of us MANY gifts and it is each one of those gifts that we should be concerned with. How might your champions use their various gifts in ways that transform not just the recipient of those gifts, but the giver of those gifts as well? Are you helping them find the answer to this question, AND providing them opportunities to do so?
It’s all about intentionality and that’s where our PEO grid comes in (PEO = Participation, Engagement, Ownership). This grid is a great tool in understanding where people are in relation to the cause because once you know that, you can begin being intentional in how you train them and challenge them in the cause.
Next time I’ll share some questions on how to begin learning more about your champions and where they are in relation to the cause. For now, let me challenge you...if you’ve not developed a PEO grid for your organization, get with your local Giving and Training Officer and begin the process.
I don’t know who said this: “Change is inevitable, growth is intentional.” but there's a lot of wisdom packed into it!
Suzanne
