Podcast Summary: Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

Episode: A Biblical Look at Giving: Stewardship & Generosity with Jim Sheppard and Dr. R. Mark Dillon
Release Date: November 11, 2024
Host: Kevin Gentry
Guests: Jim Sheppard (CEO, Generis Consulting Firm) and Dr. R. Mark Dillon (Head, Christian Nonprofit Division, Generis Consulting Firm)

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Going Big! with Kevin Gentry, host Kevin Gentry delves into the profound themes of stewardship and generosity from a biblical perspective. Joined by two esteemed leaders from Generis Consulting Firm—Jim Sheppard and Dr. R. Mark Dillon—Kevin explores how these principles can transform marketing and fundraising efforts within churches, Christian nonprofits, and educational institutions.

Biblical Understanding of Stewardship and Generous Giving

Jim Sheppard opens the conversation by anchoring the discussion in scripture, emphasizing the foundational role of stewardship in Christian life.

• Genesis Foundation: Jim references Genesis 1, highlighting mankind's initial stewardship over creation before the fall (00:00-01:55).

  “Our first assignment, our very first assignment, and this is before Genesis 3... we were assigned the job, the responsibility for managing everything that God had created.”
  — Jim Sheppard [01:55]

• Psalm 24:1: He underscores that ownership belongs to God, fostering a sense of responsibility rather than entitlement.

• Transformation Through Giving: Jim argues that stewardship is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual relationship aimed at transforming believers.

  “For the Christian, money is a tool. It’s the thing that God uses to do things... it becomes a testimony of how God worked in us.”
  — Jim Sheppard [04:53]

Dr. R. Mark Dillon builds on this by portraying God as inherently generous, inspiring His children to give joyfully to causes of eternal value.

• Generous Nature of God: Mark connects God's generosity in creation to our calling to give back.

  “If we’re doing that, we’re doing God’s work, and that’s what He intended.”
  — Mark Dillon [05:55]

Roles and Contributions at Generis Consulting Firm

Kevin invites Jim and Mark to elaborate on their roles within Generis.

Jim Sheppard focuses on transforming church leadership's approach to giving, moving away from transactional mindsets toward transformational stewardship.

“We’re trying to help church leaders understand that giving in the church is not a financial transaction on Sunday morning... It really is about your relationship with your heavenly Father.”
— Jim Sheppard [06:35]

Dr. R. Mark Dillon leads the Christian Nonprofit division, assisting Christian universities, K-12 institutions, and ministries in executing transformational capital campaigns.

“We help CEOs and boards... if we can help them be better at asking for a gift, the results will be much, much better.”
— Mark Dillon [07:48]

Jim highlights Mark's impactful work, particularly in Christian higher education, noting significant advancements under his leadership.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Jim Sheppard shares a poignant story about assisting the Falls Church Anglican in securing a new sanctuary amidst legal challenges and organizational transition.

“We raised all the money to get you in there... It's one of my great memories of all of my years of church consulting.”
— Jim Sheppard [11:54]

Dr. Mark Dillon recounts successes in both large and small organizations, emphasizing the power of a big vision and effective communication.

“They just closed their campaign last week at $178 million and they're going strong.”
— Mark Dillon [43:35]

Cultivating a Culture of Giving

The discussion pivots to developing a pervasive culture of generosity within organizations.

Jim Sheppard introduces the concept of an ecosystem of generosity, where every team member is aligned with the mission of giving.

“Generous churches are led by generous pastors, but really generous churches are led by teams of generous people.”
— Jim Sheppard [16:44]

Dr. R. Mark Dillon emphasizes the leader's role as the chief development officer, advocating for storytelling to inspire and cultivate a giving mindset.

“What brings people to give is bringing them forward to see the transformation in their lives and the joy it brings.”
— Mark Dillon [19:45]

Perspectives on Tithing

The conversation explores diverse views on tithing within the church context.

Jim Sheppard critiques the often rigid teaching of tithing as either a foundation or a ceiling, advocating for a more progressive approach to giving.

“The tithe is really just the training wheels that God puts on us... Once we get beyond that, He takes the training wheels off and says, now y'all go and do some real giving.”
— Jim Sheppard [30:48]

Dr. R. Mark Dillon supports a flexible approach, noting that most congregations have a small percentage of significant givers while the majority contribute modest amounts.

“Only 10 or 15% of your attenders are giving at a tithe or above... So we have a long way to go.”
— Mark Dillon [33:34]

Personal Journeys into Stewardship and Fundraising

Dr. R. Mark Dillon shares his unexpected journey into fundraising, transitioning from seminary to consulting after responding to a call to raise funds for a library project.

“I came to see that 10 years turned into a 30-year career of helping God's people be rich toward God.”
— Mark Dillon [36:05]

Jim Sheppard recounts his shift from a corporate financial career to Christian stewardship consulting following his conversion at age 28.

“I was out of a job in mid-June, and I spent the summer of 1992 asking God what He wanted me to do next... Here I am 32 years later.”
— Jim Sheppard [38:22]

Transformational Power of Giving

Jim and Mark provide inspiring examples of how strategic giving can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Mark Dillon highlights a university that exceeded its fundraising goals significantly through visionary leadership and effective communication.

“They closed their campaign at $178 million and they're going strong... It was a big idea, stellar communications of the vision, and the courage to ask.”
— Mark Dillon [43:42]

Jim Sheppard shares success stories of church planters who thrived thanks to adequate startup capital secured through generous giving, likening church startups to business ventures.

“See churches come out of the ground... It gives you goosebumps.”
— Jim Sheppard [44:02]

Encouragement and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Jim and Mark offer heartfelt encouragement to listeners seeking to leverage their gifts for greater impact.

Dr. R. Mark Dillon urges embracing an eternal perspective, reminding listeners that their work on earth contributes to eternal outcomes.

“Helping raise money for the common good gives hope and sustenance to people in need and it gives joy to the giver.”
— Mark Dillon [48:24]

Jim Sheppard emphasizes that in God's economy, nothing is wasted, and even small contributions can have significant eternal impacts.

“The ultimate go big is investing in eternity... Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
— Jim Sheppard [50:41]

Jim also recommends Mark's seminal book, "Giving and Getting in the Kingdom: A Field Guide to Christian Fundraising," highlighting its timeless relevance.

Conclusion

Kevin Gentry wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Jim and Mark's invaluable insights and encouraging listeners to explore Generis Consulting Firm's resources for further guidance on transforming their fundraising effectiveness.

“Kevin, thanks for listening to today's Going Big podcast. Hopefully you were inspired to go big for your cause...”
— Kevin Gentry [Transcript Ending]

Key Takeaways:

• Stewardship as Transformation: Giving is not just financial support but a means of spiritual transformation and sanctification.

• Leadership in Fundraising: Leaders must embody and promote a culture of generosity, integrating stewardship into every facet of the organization.

• Flexible Giving Models: Moving beyond rigid tithing, encouraging progressive and sacrificial giving tailored to individual capacities.

• Strategic Communication: Effective storytelling and visionary leadership are crucial in inspiring significant philanthropic contributions.

• Eternal Impact: Embracing an eternal perspective ensures that giving transcends earthly limits, contributing to lasting spiritual and communal benefits.

Notable Quotes:

• “For the Christian, money is a tool. It’s the thing that God uses to do things... it becomes a testimony of how God worked in us.”
  — Jim Sheppard [04:53]

• “Generous churches are led by generous pastors, but really generous churches are led by teams of generous people.”
  — Jim Sheppard [16:44]

• “The ultimate go big is investing in eternity... Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
  — Jim Sheppard [50:41]

Resources Mentioned:

• Generis Consulting Firm: GenerisConsulting.com
• Book: Giving and Getting in the Kingdom: A Field Guide to Christian Fundraising by Dr. R. Mark Dillon
• Kevin Gentry's Website: 10xStrategies.com for additional marketing and fundraising resources.

This episode serves as a profound exploration of how biblical principles of stewardship and generosity can revolutionize fundraising and leadership within Christian organizations. Jim Sheppard and Dr. R. Mark Dillon provide actionable insights and inspirational stories that encourage listeners to embrace a culture of giving, ultimately driving transformative change in their communities and beyond.