"The Ministry of Development"

Development--the word appears in a hundred different contexts every day; Real estate development, Human resource development, Management and staff development, Personal development, Psychological development, Physical development, Economic development.

Yet for those involved in the field of philanthropy, development will typically take on one of two meanings. For neophytes--and those who see the field only through very narrow lenses-- development is often a euphemism for fund raising. Unsure of the status of their profession, "development" is a face saving semantic sidestep, a way of saying what you do without having to say what you really do--that is, raising funds.

Development encompasses much more than fund raising although resource mobilization will always be at the core of development. For the real professionals, and John Frank is clearly one of them, development is a comprehensive set of more than 30 distinct disciplines ranging from strategic planning to persuasion theory, from human resource development to charitable estate planning, and from information systems to direct response advertising.

Regardless of the definition you choose, development--or, in a larger sense philanthropy and institutional advancement--is BIG business. While private enterprise and government comprise the two main sectors of the American economy, the "third sector" of philanthropy is now responsible for a whopping total of more than $125 billion annually. No small chunk of cash by any measurement."*

*Larry Johnston's Introduction

For many years ministries have been involved in doing the 'what' of development without really knowing the 'why' behind their activities. "The Ministry of Development" addresses both of these issues from a practical and spiritual perspective--it is must reading for everyone involved in ministry today from the CEO and Board members to the newest staff member!

The author, John Frank, stated his purpose for writing this book this way: "to add something helpful to the field of Christian development" which he truly loves and to which he feels a calling. The author hopes it proves to be a foundation upon which quality, God-honoring development is built in many ministries.

If you're involved in ministry, you know all to well the different perspectives regarding the development function--recruiting, fund raising, and public relations.

Dr. Wesley K. Willmer, V.P. University Advancement for Biola University stated it this way: "John Frank's Ministry of Development provides an insightful overview of the basics of raising money from a biblical worldview perspective and should prove helpful to those concerned with advancing Christian non-profits."

The first portion of the book lays the scriptural foundations for development as a ministry. This includes Bible references as well as related definitions and theories. Section one addresses the philosophy of a ministry of development--Is Development Part of God's Plan?, Scriptural Foundations for Giving, and key development principles.

Rev. Stephen Burger, Executive Director, International Union of Gospel Missions had this to say: "Development is more than fund raising, and his book is a guidebook to the Christian perspective. In these muddled times, a guidebook on God's Word is a great help. 'The Ministry of Development' puts the proper face on fund raising for Christian ministries."

The second section of the book addresses the technical applications of a development effort within a Christian ministry. General principles as well as some proven, specific strategies are given. This section shows how to implement a development ministry philosophy covering such topics as development concepts, how to minister to your donors and putting it all together - making your development effort ministry.

There is so much potential to involve God's people in His great plan for reaching all people, and yet, there is so much disparity in the quality and philosophies of development programs in ministries today. Some people believe it is best only to pray and wait for God to supply. Others try every fund-raising technique found in the latest magazines or how-to seminars.

Christian ministries need to become grounded in the whys of development. Why do we raise funds? Why does God desire stewardship? Why do we need development? Why do donors need to give?

The author attempts to offer a foundation to Christian development. It is his hope and prayer that whether you are a new development professional, a board member or a seasoned veteran, you will find this information relevant, encouraging, challenging and usable.

That's why John Frank's book, "The Ministry of Development" is both important and timely. He puts forth the biblical reasons for giving and thereby establishes a foundation for development that rests on the Highest Authority. But because John is a savvy and seasoned veteran of development wars in addition to being a committed Christian, he knows that "God talk" alone won't make it in today's highly demanding and competitive field of development. That's why his simple and straight forward presentation of development philosophy, principles, basic concepts and guidelines are so worthwhile.

If we as professional development officers in Christian ministries can build our programs on biblical principles, there is no end to the opportunities to see God use His people to change lives both now and for eternity.

This is a practical book which should bring glory to God through its reading and implementation.

Recently Dr. Ted Engstrom received a copy of the book--here's what he had to say: "I have read through the completed project and know that it will be a great help and encouragement to those in the field of financial development. You have done a good job with this and I am pleased that the material is now available and in print... Your definition of Christian development is about the best I've seen yet--'Creating opportunities to involve God's people in God's work.' Excellent!"

John Frank is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has led development efforts in rescue missions, Christian higher education, primary and secondary education and international evangelism organizations.

To Order John Frank's Book