Propagating the Faith - What Christian Business Leaders Can Do to Support Christian Education
By David Sexauer, Barnabas Partner and CEO of DAST Consulting
Many of us are familiar with the concept “No money, no mission.” The fantastic missional work that churches and many nonprofits do is impossible without funding. Those of us called to be marketplace missionaries bear a responsibility to leverage our time, talent, and treasure on behalf of the Kingdom, so that those called to full-time traditional ministry can maximize their talents for the glory of God.
One of the most effective areas where traditional ministry workers can spread the gospel is Christian Education, specifically in the PK-12 space. According to research conducted by the Barna Group, “a majority of Americans make a lasting determination about the personal significance of Christ’s death and resurrection by age 12.” The data shows unequivocally: if we don’t get kids introduced to Jesus in their early school-age years, they will likely never meet him this side of heaven. And while there are many wonderful ministry opportunities to share Christ with young students, kids spend the vast majority of their waking hours in school.
A graduate celebrates at Cornerstone Christian School, Sacramento
Every Christian school is three things: a school, a ministry, and a business. Pursuing excellence in all of these areas is no easy task. Christian school leaders must ensure that their institutions are academically excellent, ministry efforts are spiritually enriching, and business operations are financially sustainable. Most Christian Education workers come from a ministry or education background. Very few are business people with solid chops in reading financial statements or understanding concepts like EBITDA (to say nothing of the net present value of cash or asset classes). And while almost all Christian schools are nonprofits, having a solid grasp of business and financial operations is essential, even if no profits are being distributed. As I’ve heard it said, “No profit doesn’t mean no money.”
So what can you do as a Christ-follower who is busy running a company, caring for your own family, and being pulled in many different directions on a regular basis? I would ask you to prayerfully consider three things that I believe every business leader in America can do: Show Up, Help Out, and Fully Fund.
Show Up (Giving your Time)
Every Christian school can use more volunteers. There are many levels of this, from working the concession stand at a ball game to serving on the board of directors. However, no matter how much time you have, some of it can be used to show up and lend a hand. If you like to play golf, invite some buddies out for the golf tournament. If fine dining is your thing, host a small gathering of potential donors and the school leader. If fundraising makes you uncomfortable, consider inviting a teacher or two and their spouses to enjoy a nice meal with you and your spouse. The mental and emotional impact of you just spending time around the folks working hard to reach the kids with the gospel will be much more significant than you can probably imagine.
Help Out (Giving your Talent)
As a business leader, you possess a skill set vastly different from that of most individuals in Christian Education. Whether you run a marketing agency, are the CEO of a manufacturing company, or lead a team, department, or division of a tech firm, your experiences and knowledge of how business works are needed on committees and at the board level in almost every Christian school. Meetings are typically held once a month or even once a quarter, lasting no more than a couple of hours. Consider reaching out to a Christian school in your area and asking if they need any skilled volunteers in your areas of expertise.
Fully Fund (Giving your Treasure)
Making tax-deductible donations to a local Christian school is a tremendous investment in the lives of the kids, but also a nice way to reduce your annual tax liability. Educational institutions often offer some of the most advantageous tax benefits available. For instance, many states offer state tax credits, where 50% of the donation amount is reflected as a credit on your state tax return. There is even legislation pending right now that would give a 100% credit on federal returns for donations made to qualifying educational organizations. And every Christian school out there spends money on a vast array of goods and services. If your business provides goods or services that a school uses, consider offering them at cost or below cost to benefit the school's ministry.
One of the newer ideas growing in the Christian school world is the idea of apprenticeships or work-based learning programs. Imagine a partnership centered around an IT support program. A school I work with is establishing a work-based learning initiative where students are trained in IT support and are offering their services to local small businesses (all backed by an experienced IT services company). In this scenario, the school generates revenue by providing a valuable service to the community, while students gain hands-on experience in a high-demand field. Your business benefits by receiving quality IT support, and the school strengthens its ties within the community.
Let’s think creatively, partner wisely, and steward our resources to help Christian schools thrive for generations so that the faith of our fathers can be passed on.
About The Author: David E. Sexauer
David E. Sexauer is a high-energy servant leader who enjoys helping others. He currently serves as the CEO of DAST, an organization that unlocks financial resources to ensure every child in America has access to a Christ-centered education. David received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Religion from Azusa Pacific University. He has completed graduate coursework at APU and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. David served his country in the U.S. Army for four years, from 1993 to 1996.
David has a long history of involvement in helping nonprofits improve their organizational excellence and development efforts. He has been involved in the formation of multiple charitable organizations and enjoys sharing his business experience and skills with organizations that help others.
David met his beautiful wife Cheri during college. They have been married for over 30 years and have 7 children. David is actively involved in his local church and is blessed to be ordained as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.