Communicating God's Love to a Hurting World!

 In Jesus Christ God gives us our identity, our purpose and our meaning in this life and in the life to come.1 Peter1:1-12 

● How to be "rooted", "grounded" and "grow" and so rise to the top of your "field"...and "bloom" where you are "planted" in your neighborhood, world and career...using your "Passion", "Abilities", "Gifts", "Strengths" and prior "Experiences" God has gifted you with. 

●"The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, Strengths and a unique Personality with different Experiences. Helping people with the puzzle and putting the pieces together so we each can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world and finish our lives well and leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."​ 

● Mobilizing the body of Christ globally to join Jesus in His mission, especially among the least-reached peoples, transforming lives, relationships & communities. Reaching the "Unreached People Groups" in the 10/40 window. There are endless opportunities to help complete the Great Commission, whatever your interests and abilities are.

http://northshorefinishingwellgroup.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/RichardDassow

 "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

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

"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 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Ability to see with the eyes of God, think with the mind of Christ, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit! 

A good prayer!

Have a great day!

You are special!

Combining our Spiritual Gifts and Strengthsfinder 2.0 "Strengths" in a meaningful way to change the world!

Interesting in volunteering or starting a new ministry?

Looking to start a small group ...up to 6 people, in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, to possibly discuss one or more of these books... or parts of...applying principles and wisdom to our lives...Ministry, Career, Job, Business, Nonprofit, Church and of course to our Families!

Also, willing to meet individually with anyone at Holy Grounds cafe and explore options...I'm a good listener.

I'll even buy you a cup of coffee!

Connect with me on Linkedin. Richard Dassow

As a believer in Jesus Christ and desiring to be a good steward and a faithful "follower" of Jesus on our way to glory...we can be a light for others to see the Truth. 

 ●"The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, strengths and a unique personality with different experiences.  Helping each other put the pieces of the seeming puzzle together so we each can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world and finish our lives well and leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Anyone in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area interested in meeting to review, discuss, etc. how the ideas, principles in any of of the books shown below... might apply to the challenges in our Lives, Ministry, Career and or Family?   

 

 Blessings

Richard

My latest TWEETS

  

Currently reading these two:

 

 _____________________________________________

 

 

Response to Pastor Jim Caler's sermon: Transforming Faith...Anyone interested?

 If you live in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area...an opportunity...

But you can put these principles into practice wherever you live.

Thanks Pastor Jim Caler for your sermon today...bottom line...Power of 3...For personal transformation!

Pastor Caler's sermon

Pastor Jim's CTA (Call to Action) was "Promise of Three".
3 people getting together for personal transformation.

My thought or response is built on it and is a hybrid.

A few good books I have read and or re read in past years (See complete list & pictures of books on blog post):

A few good books I have read or re read recently

 

Looking for a small group ...up to 6, to possibly discuss one or more of these books... or parts of...applying principles and wisdom to our lives...Ministry, Career, Job, Business, Nonprofit,Church and of course to our Families!

You don't have to read or have read book(s).


Or bring your own book that you would like to share with us...

This does NOT take the place of reading the best book: The Bible!


Also, willing to meet individually with anyone at Holy Grounds cafe.
Let's meet individually and explore options...I'm a good listener.

This "idea" is actually about 7 years old. See a blog post from the past.

https://northshorefinishingwellgroup.blogspot.com/2011/04/northshore-finishing-well-group.html

Blessings,
Richard

Pastor Caler's sermon

See my Twitter "Tweets"...even if you are not on Twitter 

It's all about Passion!

What is the meaning of life?

Have I found a place where I can volunteer...my  time and resources?

Can I be a part of their TEAM by donating to Our cause? Yes, it's our cause!

⧫  IF you are already donating or volunteering with this charity...do you 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, Linkedin and or Twitter...do you communicate that way? Retweets on Twitter and Status Updates on Linkedin? Do they acknowledge your efforts? Do you feel a part of the "Team"?

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?

See this site:  Checking out a non profit before investing in it.

If you have questions about the non profits mission and if they are TRUE to the founders original mission, Is your favorite non profit true to it's mission?

 

 

  My latest "TWEETS"

How do I find God?Begin Your Journey to Peace

Have I discovered my strengths, my passion, my calling?

Have I found a church that I can feel a part of their community?

Is it necessary to belong to a church?

 Why don't I love my job?


Do I have a best friend?

Investing My Life In My City and The World!

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

"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 charities to invest in...either as a volunteer or as an investor, what should I be looking for and why?
 
●  With the thousands of charities 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?

●  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

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