Lower birth-rates and the devaluing of religion have long term consequences for enrollment and the market demand for a specifically Christian education. While this survey does not measure differences between Christian and non-Christian values, based on other research and data I’ve reviewed, younger generations of Christians are following these cultural trends.

I will say, for most leaders, asking for money is one of the most challenging things that they do.

I will not say that, for most leaders, this becomes easier over time because I don’t think it ever does.

If you are focused on asking well… If you are focused on honoring God with your words … If you are focused on honoring the resources and the work that someone does to actually create wealth and the resources to give.

It should be challenging, and it’s okay for it to be challenging.

If you are worried about being awkward, about how you come across, or if you are coming across looking like you are just after someone’s money, or making the relationship all about money, here is my encouragement to you: The sheer fact you want to not come across as pushy or obnoxious means YOU ARE NOT.

Sensitivity to how you come across is a good thing; it’s a guard on your heart. It is actually something that will help you be who you want to be, which is more of yourself, authentic, and clear that this is about leadership, and, about the fact that you have a plan, you are moving forward with that plan, and giving is what fuels that plan to go forward.

You have three questions to answer for givers whenever you ask for money:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Gal 5:1

Musing over my lifetime ‘I wish I had that on a T shirt’ list, my thoughts went back more than four decades: Dateline: October, 1986, an early evening Prenatal Class somewhere in Greater Toronto 

 “I don’t want to tell you about childbirth,” said the progressively minded instructress to us dozen or so fathers-to-be, who pretty unanimously wished we were somewhere else. 

She went on, “I want to draw out what you already know about having a baby!” The shuffling male feet and vacant stares spoke eloquently of our profound ignorance on the subject. 

‘This won’t take long.’ I thought, ‘we may even be home in time to watch the hockey game.!

A healthy system is a beauty to behold. 

Whether it’s traffic lights perfectly timed greeting you with green after green en route to work or a gorgeously executed family dinner that arrives hot to the table with all members ready to eat - systems that work can make life easier, more efficient, and even more enjoyable!

My suggestion to you today is to apply this precision to your follow-up protocol. I want to explain and illustrate simple systems for follow up and then provide you with a toolkit for easy application.

Let’s dive in!

Jesus told us not to worry, for tomorrow will surely bring worries of its own. Yet as leaders, it can feel as though the only way we stay above water is by staying one step ahead.

More is constantly being expected for less.

In a nation that seemingly values the art of business, more than ever before, people voice complaints over simply not being able to “get it all done.”

What I want to suggest to you today is the notion of evaluating our intentionality in order to be our best selves, focused on what truly deserves our attention in our respective ministries.

As school leaders we have many responsibilities but none is more important than our role as “Communicator in Chief.” It is our responsibility to persuasively communicate our school’s mission and values. We communicate biblical truth and how it applies to people, programs, and policies. We communicate in groups and one-to-one with parents, staff, and students. We are the media and marketing voice for our school. And, we speak into conflict and controversy. Even our non-verbals speak volumes—the stickers on our vehicles, signs in our yards, what we write on social media, and how we respond to emails—all reflect upon our school. Whenever and wherever we speak, we represent our schools. We are never just Mr. or Mrs. private citizen. In his excellent book, Conviction to Lead , Albert Mohler writes:

To be a leader is to communicate constantly, skillfully, intentionally, and strategically. The effective leader communicates so pervasively that it seems second nature, and so intentionally that no strategic opportunity is ever surrendered. Many people try to contrast communication with action, as if the two are at odds. But communication is action, and the leader will spend more time communicating than in any other activity. 2

The Five Golden Rules of Communication

Beth Fagan, who has led communications and marketing for several large St. Louis area companies and who currently works as a media trainer and communications counselor, writes that “for some 40 years, I’ve studied – and helped shape – the communications of leaders, continually studying the ‘best,’ to learn what they have in common ... [Based on 40 years of experience], here are my five simple, time-tested thoughts about words and messages for leaders ...”