This article is a summary report on the presentation by Professor Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP, The Science and Scripture of Fundraising, which discusses the scriptural foundation of planned giving, major gifts, and fundraising.
Planned giving is fundraising in a significant way. In 2021, the most recent year for which the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GC) has Planned Giving & Trust Services (PGTS) realized gift information, there were over $88 million dollars raised for the worldwide Adventist church due to PGTS fundraising. Taken together, these are major gifts given by Adventist members and friends of the church that support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The following presentation is based on 1 Timothy 6:17 – 19. This scripture addresses Gift Planners following God’s direction for working with donors. Two translations of this verse are noted below.
1 Timothy 6:17 – 19 NKJV
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
CEV
Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life. Instruct them to do as many good deeds as they can and to help everyone. Remind the rich to be generous and share what they have. This will lay a solid foundation for the future, so that they will know what true life is like.
Dr. Russell James summarizes this scripture as “Biblical fundraising is a scriptural ministry focused on the wealthy.”*
Giving v. Sharing
In his presentation, Russell James distinguishes between GIVING DOWN and SHARING ACROSS. Giving down is almsgiving (eleémosuné), usually out of pity. Sharing across (koinónikos) is the giving and receiving of resources within a fellowship community.
Giving down matches with begging, not major gift fundraising; see Mathew 6:3 for directions on how to give alms. Sharing across is illustrated in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9; sharing with the fellowship community. Giving down and sharing across are significantly different types of giving. Each of these types of giving should be approached in distinctively different ways.
If It Feels like Begging, You are Doing it Wrong.
Building sincere peer relationships is the most crucial feature of fundraising. The previously mentioned text in 1 Timothy 6:17 – 18 shows a direct command to all gift planners to build relationships with wealthy people and deliver a specific message of trust in God and sharing. Scripture authorizes this message encouraging good works and generosity. As PGTS Gift Planners, we fill a specific niche as trusted counselors.
Donors give because generosity is part of their identity. We do not pressure donors, or beg them, to give, rather, we assist donors in accomplishing what God has already put on their hearts to give. At times we serve the purpose of reminding donors of their core values and helping these values to remain top of mind. Therefore, assisting someone to accomplish God’s will, benefitting the donor and the recipient, is a worthy and noble calling.
Transformational Giving
A significant difference exists between giving down from disposable income and sharing across from wealth. The scripture in 1 Timothy 6 refers directly to wealth and does not mention disposable income. Planned Giving speaks directly to donors about giving from their wealth during their lifetime, in addition to having a plan for their final gifts after they die to provide for the needs of their families and support God’s mission to reach the world for Jesus.
Russell James states, “The first time most people ever commit to a gift from their wealth (not from disposable income) is in their estate plan.”* As PGTS Gift Planners, we are there when this happens. PGTS Gift Planners build relationships with and steward these donors. A tremendous amount of trust is developed between the donor and the PGTS Gift Planner. This trust is sacred and must be carefully nurtured and protected by the gift planner.
Joy of Giving Makes Beautiful Things Happen
When donors trust God in all areas of their lives, God supplies all that is needed to enjoy life abundantly. The value of wealth is that it enables donors to share in a way that accomplishes things that impact the community and the world around them. The donor rejoices in the identity of being rich toward God. 1 Timothy 6: 7
We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
Those who are rich toward God during their lifetime receive the most joy. Donors who are generous toward those in need in their community praise God through their actions for His rich blessings. God gives big gifts to the donor, and they, in turn, give big gifts to support God’s mission on earth. This attitude of being a conduit for God’s blessings, first receiving then passing along to others, brings great joy to the donor.
We Cannot Take Wealth With Us, but We Can Send It Ahead
1 Timothy 6:19 says all should be “storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life.” This text indicates there is an eternal benefit to sharing what God has blessed us with here on earth. There are everlasting results for those who are faithful to God in their earthly stewardship. Biblical fundraising provides the basis for donors to enjoy wealth to the fullest in their current and eternal life.
What is Most Important?
You may have seen the bumper sticker saying, “Those who die with the most toys win.” It is usually on a large recreational vehicle or on the toy hauling trailer behind it. Biblical fundraising challenges donors to question this materialistic philosophy and consider replacing it with a God-focused approach. While we receive eternal life by Grace alone through the Blood of Jesus Christ, God promises those who use their wealth to do the most good in their communities will enjoy a rich and vibrant life now and throughout all eternity.
Summary Conclusion
Professor James summarizes his presentation by describing how planned giving fundraisers are empowered to participate in this all-important ministry:
- Yours is a scripturally commanded ministry.
- You are an authorized messenger.
- You can come alongside the rich – these status differences are temporary and tentative.
- You encourage wealth sharing, not just disposable income “almsgiving.”
- You offer the best deal ever. They get…
- To enjoy their wealth
- To create good works
- To do good
- To become generous and sharing
- To store up treasure for the future
- To take hold of a superior life experience
- To take hold of a superior life experience
The ministry of Planned Giving & Trust Services allows each gift planner for God to encourage members and other friends of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to live their lives abundantly and experience the Joy of Giving.
*Russell James, The Science and Scripture of Biblical Fundraising, School of Financial Planning, Texas Tech University, https://staff.willplan.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/The-Science-and-Scripture-of-Biblical-Fundraising.pptx