Just in Time for a Sermon: 6 Words You Should Know

But first, a brief commercial:
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Sorry to burst your bubble…December will be here before you know it. Seriously, it’s not too early to start thinking about your year-end letter (more posts forthcoming). In the meantime, get this on your calendar…
 
“Write Your Best Year-End Letter” webinar
For some, writing your year-end giving/stewardship letter might seem daunting or overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important stewardship letters you’ll write all year. Why? Come to this Zoom meeting, eat lunch and learn with me how to write your best year-end letter yet. I'll share all my tips and tricks so that your letter stands out.
 
This Lunch & Learn session is Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 12:30-1:30pm PT. Registration deadline is Nov. 5. The Zoom link will be emailed to you. You can register right here!
 
And now back to our regular programming…
 
You and I know that we all tend to fall into easy slang.
 
IYKYK*, ‘K?*
 
The insiders know the jargon (been to the narthex* recently?) but maybe others don’t.
 
In fact, those on the outside may think you’re delulu* and won’t catch the vibe* you were hoping for.
 
Even in the development/generosity world terms are thrown around as if everyone should know what they mean.
 
So, in that vein, here are six development terms you should know:
 
Fundraising: This term has broad significance. It gets used to describe anything that involves raising money. When in doubt, this is the go-to word – especially in the non-profit world.
 
Fundraisers: Refers to one-time events where the focus is getting people to bring out their checkbooks or credit cards to support your organization. This is a perfectly acceptable way to raise money. However, it’s often transactional in nature. You give me money and I will give you the opportunity to win or get something. Let auctions, car washes, and pie sales commence!
 
Development: This term feels a little more formal. People who are in the development field (people like YOU) are also in the business of building longer-term relationships. Therefore, being in or doing development is more relational in nature. The impact on the donor and the person who’s asking for funds (the development professional) is much more satisfying because you’re working to understand the donor’s values and goals beyond their wallet or bank account.

The next three definitions come from my colleague at Horizons Stewardship, Joel Mikell. He defines these three critical terms far more eloquently than I ever could.
 
Stewardship: It is what we believe about our relationship with money and possessions.
 
Giving: It is what we do in response to what we believe our role is as stewards.
 
Generosity: It is part of our identity developed through faithful giving. It’s a reflection of our character. It’s who we become.
 
Those last three definitions will preach. Thanks to Joel for his succinct explanations of these terms.
 
These words: fundraising, fundraiser, development, stewardship, giving, and generosity are the six primary terms that are often used but rarely defined in the church development world.
 
Are there other development/generosity words that you would like to see defined? Or do you already have some definitions you’d like to share with others?
 
Send them to me, right here.
 
In the meantime, remember, YOLO*. Get in the groove and you won’t have to experience FOMO*. Know what words or acronyms mean, because the words you use are important.
 
*IYKYK – If You Know, You Know
‘K – Okay?
Narthex – enclosed porch or meeting area just inside the entrance of a Christian church
Delulu – delusional
Vibe – a person’s emotional stat
YOLO – You Only Live Once
FOMO – Fear of Missing Out

Photo Credit: MonikaP @ pixabay.com

***
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. Need a prayer – and who doesn’t – as we approach the elections? Check out these ones from Sojourners.
 
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
 
Schedule a meeting now.
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