Fall 2012
The theme for Fall 2012 is “Resource Development.”
The Internet has undoubtedly changed the way we live. It serves as a valuable tool for people to communicate, research, shop, and connect. As our lives continue to revolve around technology, it only makes sense that the Internet is also changing the way we give. More Americans are getting online than ever before: 80 percent of adults and 95 percent of teens use the Internet. Twenty-five percent of those adults make charitable donations online, and that percentage continues to soar (Pew Int...
For the last 57 years, Giving USA has been published annually, providing the most comprehensive report on the sources and uses of charitable giving in America. In June, the volume of Giving USA providing data for 2011 was released — with startling findings on giving to religion in America.
While there are signs of a slow recovery in general charitable giving, not so for giving to religion. ...
God wants us to impact our world. Jesus’ last words on Earth were a clear call to action: "… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28: 19-20a). Whether through our job, our business, our church, or local and global missions, each of us is called to touch people in our sphere of influence and to work toward seeing God&rsquo...
After 31 years in the stewardship arena I have an observation — almost everything I need to know about fundraising I learned in the Bible. There are more verses dedicated to stewardship in the Holy writ than love and prayer combined. But none more pointed than the second shortest book in the Old Testament, a major lesson from the minor prophet, Haggai. These 38 verses contain a stewardship message of rebuke, challenge, and comfort.
What could a book written 2,500 years ago...
Ministry, at its core, is based on service — helping those in need and bringing people closer to the gospel of Christ. It is truly God’s work, and I marvel at the grace that exists in the hearts of people throughout the world who serve in ministry, providing their talents, time, and money to further the kingdom of Christ. The challenge in 1 John puts it clearly, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God...
God has an amazing sense of humor and timing. In early 2008 I began to feel unsettled in my job as a design manager for a large corporation. I had always enjoyed my job, but something was not quite the same. Through a series of conversations, prayers, and reading, it was affirmed to me that I was being called to serve in Christian ministries or nonprofits. Now, when was the last time you saw a design management position open in one of those sectors? This was going to be a step of faith.
When I attended the Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) national conference in San Diego in April 2010, I had exactly five days of experience in my position as Vice President for Advancement for Oak Hills Christian College. I also had exactly five days of experience in development. Though I lacked development experience, I did have a lifelong connection to Oak Hills Christian College — literally a lifetime. My father was working at Oak Hills when I was born. I also had a passion for ...
When I was a kid, I was young, naive, and wary of anything having to do with management. From a young age, it was instilled in me that managers, budget meetings, and committees were concepts associated with all that is wrong in this world. Around the dinner table each night, my dad would sit down and vent his frustrations about company politics, long meetings, and power-hungry managers. I remember thinking, Good thing I’m going into ministry and won...
Getting Naked. I can’t help but chuckle as I think of you reading this opening. I’m sure your reaction is likely the same as mine when I saw that book title as part of the online learning resource development coursework for CLA. I realized there would be books to read as part of the CLA Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader program, and I was hoping that some would be familiar to me. Some were, like ...
Ray Lyne was named a lifetime CLA consul during the 2012 CLA National Conference. Being named consul is CLA’s highest honor. It recognizes exemplary leadership in the field of Christian nonprofit leadership, including substantial assistance to the work of CLA. Lyne — president and chairman of Lifestyle Giving Inc. based in Irvine, Calif. — has spent 45 years in the design of personal estate and giving plans. He was a part of the Christian Stewardship Association (CSA) fro...