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- Not long ago I discovered that high net worth individuals (over $5 million) have 92% of their wealth in non-liquid assets, which means that business equity, real estate, stocks, bonds, homes, planes, boats, and cars make up the majority of their wealth.
- So we have 100% of ministry leaders vying for the cash of a represented 8% of the available assets for giving from these individuals! Why not pray about, build relationships around, and create a plan around the 92% available non-liquid gifts that few of us even think about?
- Like me, you probably ask, “Where do I start?” One good place is with the National Christian Foundation that has 30 local affiliates around the country. If you want more information, contact Lewis Abbott or Dan Glaze at NCF, and they will provide you with educational tools you can pass on to your givers. Also idonate.com in Kansas City offers additional services for lower end non-liquid gifts.
- What is my planned giving strategy? Who can I reach out to help me?
- Finally, donor care means you communicate often how God is working in your life and ministry, while at the same time finding out from the giver how he or she is doing. It will be natural for your affinity to grow with couples in a similar season of life. If so, you may want enjoy getting to know each other better over dinner or at a retreat. Consider hosting a Bible study for your givers, such as Crown Financial, or think about leading an annual mentor group of six other individuals. Your investment in others invites their investment in you. You give not to get, but to express your gratitude and generosity. Givers like gifts.
- What types of gifts do our givers like to receive? How can I invest in them spiritually?
- As said earlier, “There is no better gift than intercession to the Almighty on behalf of another.” For example, I try to pray for people on the spot when they request the need for prayer. Immediate intercession precludes me forgetting and breaking my promise to pray sometime in the future. In addition, a hand-written note or an email with a prayer encourages. Begin to build a prayer list so you can pray for someone with your spouse or family members for a season of sickness or other felt needs. Prayer means you care.
- Ministry to givers also includes being present for special occasions like births, deaths, graduations, and weddings. You need to plan for funds in your ministry budget to cover travel and accommodation expenses for those times you and your spouse are invited to attend one of these memorable events. The investment of time in the families of your donors shows your genuine concern and love for them and their children.
- When one of our givers or a son or daughter is blessed with a newborn, we send them a copy of Max Lucado’s book, In Case You Ever Wondered. It is a very uplifting and personal story of the Lord’s love for a child. I write a personalized note in the front of the book to the infant reminding him or her of the parents’ love and Christ’s care for them.
- What needs do the children of donors have, and how can I help serve them?
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