Planning and it's importance

Pray, Plan and Prioritize...then delegate.

But don't get hung up on planning...the LORD can intervene at any moment and you can change direction! Keep your ears open!


"You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me" Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

As Oswald Chambers states : "The circumstances of a man's life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you." 


Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?The circumstances of a man's life are ordained bly God. In the life of a saint there is no chance

A few notes on "Planning" from the book of Proverbs:

"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths." Proverbs 5:21

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9



"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

We have to remember that these are observations...reality, not promises from the Bible. Our actions have consequences.


So, be sure to pray before making plans...and continue to pray!



Let me know your thoughts!
Have a great day!

Spiritual Gifts:Tests and Assessments: How important are they?

At our local Saturday morning "Men's Group", we had a short teaching on Ephesians 4:1-16, and "spiritual gifts"

Our small table Discussion Questions:

 
1. How should we live in the light of our Calling?
2. What spiritual gift do you have to build up the church?
3. Why is unity Important?

 

It was interesting listening to answers to Question #2 that it was apparent that there were different "gifts" that men had that were not among the common "gifts" listed in various scripture passages. Some were "Strengths" that could be common to all people...believers and non believers. 

 

We use our "Strengths" every day!  In our families, careers, jobs, business's.

Strengthsfinder.2.0 Assessment gives one a good 16 page pdf printout showing how you can use and develope  your strengths and use them every day!

One of my prior posts explains this more fully.

 

 

Also that none of the men at my table had ever taken a "Spiritual Gift Assessment" and that there was such an "Assessment"

 

  

I had taken several such assessments years ago...and was asked to bring some resources next week. 

 

 

After doing alittle research...I decided to make this blog post with some resources.

 

 

Be wary of tests and assessments: Best to be wary of Spiritual Gift Tests & Assessments

 

 Different "Assessments" and "Tests" have different "gifts".

 

 

Alot has to do with our understanding of scripture and the denomination we come from. 

 

A good list and definition of "Spiritual Gifts"

 

A fairly good Assessment 

  

Why is this all important?

 ⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1st Peter 4:7-11

 

 You might also check out these verses in various Biblical translations~

 

 

Check out 1st. Corinthians 12.

 

Going from ME to WE.

 

One body.  So whatever our "gifts" are...we are part of the body. Each  part of the body is important and needed. So we should be in a local body of Christ, where we are encouraged to serve...whatever our gifts and strengths are.

Bottom line: We are given "gifts" to serve.

Any "Assessment" one takes, requires a fairly good amount of time...but it is worth it!  Helps us find our place in ministry. 

 

The difference between natural talents or strengths and Spiritual Gifts

Hope this is of help. 

Blessings

Richard

 

 

Finding your place to put your gifts & strengths to work, making a difference for eternity

"...Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world."  A good vision or mission statement!

The Journey of Life:  To Be God's people..."Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world"!

How can one do that?

Start with prayer!

 "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."-Albert Schweitzer
 
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 

 If we truly are Jesus's hands and feet in the world...how can we be good stewards and invest our lives for His glory?  So we can truly make a difference in the world!

●  When searching for Nonprofits to invest in...either as a volunteer or as an investor, what should I be looking for and why?
 
● Start with your church! Look at your churches' website. What is their Mission statement and Vision for your city and the world?

●  It should jump out at you!  And then a clear statement as to how you can serve with them to help fulfill the Lord's vision both for your city and the world! Simple! 

● Maybe even a few short "Serving descriptions" with a 3 minute video of a volunteer telling what they do?


● What is your PASSION? 


● This is the most important item to consider. Need some help in clarifying your passion?

●  Now you need to know your Strengths!  Strengthsfinder 2.0. 

● The $19.99 version is great to use. It gives you your top 5 "Strengths" of the 35 "Strengths."
You get a beautiful 16 page printout of your "Strengths" and how to use them. 

●  If you still aren't convinced to do the "Strengthsfinder 2.0" Assessment...contact me and I will send you my 16 page printout. Just a sample of what you would receive. 


● Set up a visit with your church Volunteer Coordinator, or your favorite non profit.
Be sure to bring along your Strengths" printout to show them and ask how you can use your "Passion" and "Strengths" in advancing their Mission and Vision! Simple!

● Do they have a plan to integrate your Passion, Gifts and Strengths into their ministry and outreach?  Don't get discouraged. This may be something new to them. Set up another meeting.
Are they interested in seeing how your "Strengths" can be a vital part of them fulfilling God's vision and mission with you partnering with them or are they just looking to fill an empty position? Has anyone in their organization taken the assessment?   Maybe you spoke with the wrong person? May be time to move on...

● Don't give up on your church!  Send them a link to this post! 

What one church is doing helping people assess their S.H.A.P.E

Your Spiritual gifts, Heart or Passion, Abilities, Personality and Experiences.
You can take an assessment and they will get back to you with possible places to use your S.H.A.P.E. It's a good assessment, but they don't look at your "Strengths".

Would love to hear your experience! Connect with me on Linkedin or Twitter. 

Meeting for coffee to further discuss your opportunities! 

This Blog is searchable...by Keyword.  Try Strengths, Ministry, Calling, Volunteering, Mission,Vision, Faith, S.H.A.P.E, Passion, Boomer, Eastbrook...to see previous posts going back 8 years. 

   
●  With the thousands of non profits out there...how can I evaluate them?

●  With our instant access to information on the internet, we are probably already searching and can easily get confused. What are we really looking for and why?

●  Even if we don't know it...we are looking for an organization that aligns with our passion...our desires. We all want to make a difference in the world, don't we? 

● The best way is to start as a volunteer with an organization if possible.

 ●  So start by looking at their website!

●  What you want to find immediately when looking at their website:

 1. Mission Statement

2.  Vision Statement or their strategy for reaching their mission.

A great place to start to volunteer is in your own neighborhood...and you set the schedule!

●  This is what I am telling charities that they need on their website!
The Basic info you need on your site! 

●  But what are donors really looking for?

●  You already had some idea of who you wanted to donate to!


 ●   It's all about Passion and Relationships!  What am I passionate about? A Clue

 ●   What is Passion?  "..passion is morally neutral. It is simply a strong feeling or deep longing  for something." ..."Passion is the God-given ability to feel so deeply about something that it causes us to move toward the object of desire. This passion stems from an urge given by God-a burden, an emotional response to a need or opportunity He wants us to move toward. It's not a feeling that we experience and then lose easily. It's persistent and powerful. We can't ignore it."  Discover Your Destiny by Bill & Kathy Peel.

"The thing is to understand myself, to see what God wishes me to do...to find the idea for which I can live and die"-Soren Kierkegaard
 
 "The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” —William James

"...Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world."  A good vision or mission statement!

●  So, what is your passion? 

●  We must have clarity about the Vision and Mission of an organization. If I am looking for a charity that I can volunteer with, I look for people I respect who are practical-minded. I want to be sure it's the sort of project that I can bring something of value to, and in which I'm being involved in a meaningful way. So I always ask myself: Is it a mission I believe in? Do I believe in the people who are in it? and does it use my talents and gifts in a way that engage me?"

●  So one of the best ways to evaluate a charity is to volunteer with them...if they are in your area or have a local chapter...like The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army...just two examples!  They are looking for volunteers! They have FREE training, both online and classroom . ●  No matter what your passion, gifts, abilities, past experience, personality etc. are, each of these organizations has a place for you!  You just have to have patience and talk to people at the organization...and start getting connected. The same for any organization.  These are just two International organizations that have local chapters around the country within easy driving distance. Obviously, there are probably other similar organizations that have local chapters. 


●  When contacting an organization...consider calling and talking to Communications  Director or Volunteer Director.  But do your research on their website first!

●  This is what you want to immediately see and clearly understand!

 1. Vision Statement

2.  Mission Statement

3.  Their Strategy for reaching their Mission

4.  It's also great if they have some testimonies from reciepients of their ministry! 


●  There's a lot of noise going on in the world. We need to listen to God speaking to us and that it is God that is speaking.

●   When I stand before Jesus one day, I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Isn't that what you want to hear?
So what are we asking ourselves as we view their website and consider if we should invest in their cause?
So what is God calling me to do?
We all know there is no I in TEAM.
What is God doing in the world through this organization?

●  Can I be a part of their TEAM by donating to Our cause?  As a volunteer and or investor. Yes, it's our cause!

●  If we are already volunteering with an organization...do we feel a part of the TEAM?
How?
How do they communicate with you?
Newsletter?
Phone call for funds?
Phone call to see how you are doing and if you would like prayer?
If you are on social media, do you promote your favorite organization? Tweets and Retweets.
Status Updates on Linkedin. Does organization acknowledge your efforts? 

Have I prayed about how I might be a good steward and use God's funds to further His cause through this organization?

●  Do I need more help in evaluating this organization?

●  How To Make Wise Choices When Investing Your Funds In A Charity! 

●  Where Would You Like to Volunteer?

 

●   If you have questions about the non profits mission and if they are TRUE to the founders original mission, Is The Organization You Want to Volunteer With, True To Their Mission? and why it is important!

 

●   Has your favorite non profit drifted away from it's original vision and Mission?   A good read on this subject of "Mission Drift"

 

Finding peace with God

  I welcome your thoughtful insights. Richard

N

Helping you accomplish your vision and mission!

Nothing of any eternal significance gets done without collaboration of other people and organizations!

 

 

What can your organization do better than any other organization in the world?

 

That needs to be conveyed on your HOME page of your website.

And a final thought! Who is going to get the glory?

Be careful who you collaborate with so you don't experience "Mission Drift". 

  Do you have a Vision?  One good book on developing your vision:

 

  Uncertain about your vision and mission? Drifting from your original vision?

If you need a refresher on Vision and Mission... 

 

How are you communicating your vision and mission to your audience?
Who is  your audience?
Who do you want to reach?
Who do you want to reach with your website?
Why?

"If God knows He'll get the glory, He will bless you beyond your ability and beyond your resources."    Bob Gass-Bob Gass Ministries. 

So where is God in all this?

Getting back to your vision.  Is this a vision from the Lord or one of your good ideas?
There is a difference! If it's a great idea of yours, you'll have to do the work and you'll get the glory!  If it's a vision from the Lord, He'll get all the glory!...Yes, you still have to do a lot of hard work.  The key is to know the difference. Starts with prayer and passion. 
Andy Stanley.  Visioneering-God's Blueprint For Developing and Maintaining Vision.

Again, so where is God in all this? Are you giving Him credit for what you are doing or how God is using you and your organization? 
Is God mentioned on your website? If not, why not? 
Has your organization drifted from it's original vision?
If you have, it's not unusual...mission drift is an organization's default position.


Where do you get your funding? How does that determine your vision and mission? 

When anyone looks at your website they want to see the following items clearly!

1.  Your Vision Statement

2.  Your Mission Statement

3.  Your Strategy for reaching your Mission

These need to be clear and to the point!
ON your HOME page!

When most young people look at a website...you have 5 seconds to get their attention or they are off! And they are viewing on their cell phone! 

When viewing a blog or a website for the first time, if you don't get their attention with the first 5 words in your first sentence of your first paragraph...they are off!  
Check your analytics ...Are they going to another page? 
What is your Bounce Rate?
Are they landing on your HOME page?
Most viewers do NOT come to your HOME page first!

Your site must be easy to navigate.
Did you have a focus group try to find your site? 
Do you know why people are coming to your website?
How did they find it?
What did you learn from that?

If a potential donor has a substantial amount of funds to invest in your organizations... whether it's $1,000, $10,000, $100,000 or 1 Millions or more...

What are they looking for? How do you think or believe they evaluate your organization? 

 

Maybe they are "Boomers" looking to invest themselves, their passion, prior experiences, etc. as a volunteer...are you open to that? 

 

Are you giving them the opportunity to be Jesus's hands and feet in the world?

 

This is the information I believe they are looking for:

 

1. Your Vision  statement

2  Your Mission statement

3. A short 3-5 minute up to date video of your organization...Latest project...

4. A clear message of How I can partner with you! As a volunteer and or with a financial gift.
 What my $25, $50, $100 other gift will do. What am I giving to? 


5. All your  LIVE Social Media buttons: Twitter, Blog, Facebook, Linkedin, Pin, Reddit, others...so they can easily  check them out.  Are you updating them frequently? If not, why not?


6. A DONATE Button
 
7. Do you have a new project or initiative that needs funding? 

8. Bottom Line: A clear message of How I can partner with you! 

A real added addition that most non profits do NOT show or make available easily.

9. Financial info: Your latest 990 form

10.What do you want them to do before they click off your website? 

 

I know this is a lot of info!
If you ever applied for a GRANT or intend to...you will need this information. 
Will need to be in a format easy to read! 

If you have a Development person...they know or will need to know this. Why not  put it on your website?

If you are still with me...a few more thoughts:

1. What is the goal of your website?
2. Who are you trying to reach?
3. How long has your website been active? When was it last redesigned?
4. Remember the majority of viewers are viewing your site on their cell phone, NOT their PC or laptop!

These suggestions come from a prior BLOG post of mine: How to Make Wise Choices in your giving to charity

A MUST read for any non profit! Especially if you intend to apply for a grant or expect donors to make substantial contributions!

  There is a check list of items you will want to consider.

 

  Six good books for strategic planning. 

 

A good book for non profits who want to go from being a good organization to being a great organization:  Good To Great and The Social Sectors. 

A short review of the concepts!

 

If you are partnering as a volunteer, employee or board member of a non profit...this is one of the books to read and understand the concepts!

 

What can your organization do better than any other organization in the world?
That needs to be conveyed on your HOME page of your website.

And a final thought! Who is going to get the glory?

Let me know  your thoughts and ideas.

Blessings
Richard 

https://twitter.com/RichardDassow