But first let me say that there is no place you'd rather be vocationally than on YL staff ! Where is a place where you can really bloom with Christ in you? Where is a job that leaves you with a sense of Family? Where is a boss that encourages you to, first and foremost, walk with God? Where else is there a community of people who upholds the vision with you of others knowing God? Fellas, you probably won't work forever with Young Life, but while you do, drink it in!
One primary thing I would do different: Change Young Life's fund-raising strategy name from TDS (Taking Donors Seriously) to TLS (Taking Lovers Seriously). Sounds funny, huh? But here's the core truth: Why would we treat anyone... especially those who are already in it with us... differently than with the same affection and care that we have for high schoolers? Every thought and idea should be taken captive when it comes to loving these adult lovers (not donors!) of YL. Each of you have settled into your respective North Carolina towns, and now you know that these folks in your community need you as much as you need them. And they need you to love them.
Here are a few practical ideas on how to TLS:
- Instead of making a prospect list, make a lover's list. Prospect lists are made to find money to fund your thing. Lover's lists are made to remind you of those who love God and care about the things of God with you.
- Make a strategy to love, not to expose your community to Young Life or expand a base of support. The best things that come along the way are from the hand of God... while in Asheville, God surprised me with a couple of lovers that moved from California without any of my doing whatsoever! Love God and love one another.
- Plainly said, consider that maybe your present "donor list" might be too large. That's why the idea of calling it a "lover list" may be so overwhelming. (Note: it is not unloving to consider this thought. Having too large of a list might be more about growth than love)
- For those who are presently your lovers, make sure their name is spelled correctly on your list. (There are four ways to spell my wife's first name). Sounds simple, but a misspelled name communicates that they are a donor or a prospect instead of someone who cares about the things of God with you.
- A friend who works with a foundation recently told me a statistic: After a non-profit receives a financial gift three straight years (i.e. - Randy Johnson gives $1000 in 2010, 2011 and 2012) then the fourth year the non-profit begins to see that gift as an entitlement. Think about them with gratitude! And here is one way:
- Scott and Brooke are on staff in Tennessee. They sent us a Valentines Card, both handmade and hand-written, sending us their love. They are grateful for us, not our money, which leads me to my last bullet point...
- Be committed to having brotherhood and sisterhood first. Although tempting, don't want someone's money if you can't have them. Consequently continue to hope for and pursue friendship in Christ with others, not pursue their wallet for a good thing called "my ministry".
"Unscrupulous people fake it a lot; honest people are sure of their steps.
Nothing clever, nothing conceived, nothing contrived, can get the better of God."
Proverbs 21:29-30
Take love seriously, our God does.
