The video below is from the Executive Director of The Harbor, an organization that exists to help transition children who have “aged out” of the Russian orphanage system but are still in need of help and assistance as they prepare to become self-sustaining adults.

Here is what is great about this video:

1. It’s not professional looking. I don’t mean to imply that the Executive Director doesn’t present herself or her organization as legitimate. I often hear the excuse: “I can’t afford a professional video.” Go get Flip Video’s HD camera and begin telling your story and the story of those impacted by your ministry…TODAY. Don’t wait until you can “afford” to have a professional videographer. Truly, you can’t “afford” to wait.

2. It’s very specific. Listen to the growth in supplies, teachers, and number of professional learning programs that the Executive Director lists. She didn’t say: “Thanks for your faithful giving. We were able to do a lot of cool stuff.” Quantify the impact of the ministry investment made with the capital from the person in the pew. Don’t expect them to connect the dots.

3. It’s personal. She talks about teaching those involved in this ministry the value of eating together and celebrating the season. (Obviously, this video came out during the holiday season.) What the Executive Director did was connect with what many people associate with about the holiday season: eating and celebrating around large tables with family and friends and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Orphans don’t have this “built in” advantage because there is no extended family to celebrate with. The Harbor creates community and family and an opportunity for the children to hear the Gospel.

Here is the BIG question: How does this video compare to your church’s budget presentation?In other words, if you were to lay the two side by side, which one would the people who sit in your pews fund? (Hint: They are being asked to make this decision almost every day.)

The person is the pew has a choice and holds the power to fund your church, The Harbor, or more than 1.2 Million other NPOs. What is your church doing to ensure the resources God intended to fund your ministry budget ends up in the offering plates of your church?

It’s “game on” time. Are you ready?

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