FAQs about A Defining Moment
What is the A Defining Moment (ADM) campaign and when did it start?
A Defining Moment, launched in 2005, is a $29 million philanthropic campaign initiated by LifeWay Christian Resources to touch the nations for Jesus Christ and change the course of the future for millions. During his last year as president of LifeWay Christian Resources, Dr. Jimmy Draper, the LifeWay executive team and division staff initiated A Defining Moment, and the first annual meeting for the campaign was held Nov. 1, 2006.
How was the name chosen?
A defining moment is a specific moment in time when a change is made that positively impacts a life for good. It is not just another point on the daily measure of time; rather, it is a moment from which all future time is forever changed. For LifeWay leadership and investors who join them, that moment has arrived.
What are the goals of ADM?
God has uniquely positioned and qualified LifeWay to help meet physical and spiritual needs throughout the world. The campaign is raising funds for projects such as the expansion of True Love Waits' abstinence-until-marriage initiative in Africa; a new translation of the Mandarin Chinese Bible; an evangelism initiative; and discipleship training in Cuba and Kenya.
These are projects that will be remembered as defining moments for scores of people who receive their first Bible, for nations that decrease the rate of AIDS and teenage pregnancies, and for societies that are provided with a means to solve major cultural problems-all to the glory of God.
How is ADM connected to LifeWay?
The campaign is an initiative of LifeWay Christian Resources and involves projects for which LifeWay already has resources and strategic relationships in place, enabling LifeWay to enhance its effectiveness worldwide.
Does ADM have the support of LifeWay?
Yes, ADM is supported by LifeWay and is an important part of its overall ministry. The LifeWay Executive Management Team spent a significant amount of time in contemplation and prayer about the specific initiatives to be addressed by ADM, and endorses the projects of the campaign. Dr. Thom S. Rainer, LifeWay's president and CEO, also has given his support.
Why is ADM important?
The physical and spiritual needs in our nation and world are immense, and people everywhere are looking for answers. God has uniquely positioned and qualified LifeWay to help. LifeWay has been known as the finest provider of religious resources anywhere in the United States, but this moment gives us the opportunity to expand our financial resources beyond LifeWay's operating budget to do things of a global nature that we've never done before. God has provided us with resources we know will impact the nations for Christ and transform millions of lives. We have the passion, the vision, the energy, the knowledge and the infrastructure to do this effectively and with no more than 5 percent administrative costs.
Many of our resources are being translated into other languages and can now be purchased in nearly 100 countries. We have consultants all over the world who are training people using the resources we provide. This is truly an opportunity for us to not only be known as a great resource provider, but as servants, ministering to the nations of the world. ADM fits seamlessly with LifeWay's vision of providing biblical solutions that transform individuals and cultures.
Why is this a major donor campaign versus a broader grass-roots campaign?
A Defining Moment is primarily a major donor campaign because it is anticipated that the bulk of the funding will come from major gifts provided by members of the President's Cabinet and Circle of Influence, and those with whom they have personal contact. Additional commitments will always be welcome regardless of the size of the commitment and/or gift.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention is a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, exempt from federal income tax under §501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as an organization described under §501(c)(3) of the Code. LifeWay has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, under a group exemption letter issued to the Southern Baptist Convention, as a public charitable organization as defined in §509(a) of the Code. As such, contributions to A Defining Moment are fully tax-deductible.
What administrative costs are involved?
Because of the ongoing ministry and organizational infrastructure LifeWay already has in place, the vast majority of gifts to A Defining Moment will go directly to specific campaign projects, limiting overhead expenses to no more than 5 percent. In other words, 95 cents of every dollar donated to A Defining Moment goes directly to ministry projects.
Who are the leaders of ADM?
Providing ADM leadership are Dr. Jimmy Draper, president emeritus of LifeWay Christian Resources, who serves as chairman of the President's Cabinet; Dr. Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay; and Mike Arrington, vice president of LifeWay's capital resource development.
What is the time frame under which ADM is operating?
A Defining Moment is a philanthropic campaign with a goal to raise financial support of $29 million by March 1, 2009. These funds will be used to initiate and complete five-year business plans that have been designed by LifeWay leadership.
Isn't ADM taking LifeWay in a different direction (philanthropy vs. resource development)?
This is a new venture for LifeWay, designed to expand and maximize the resources God has entrusted to us. We are facing a God-sized challenge in which our faith and vision are being stretched as never before. Henry Blackaby has described our situation well: "Anytime God leads you to do something that has God-sized dimensions, you will face a crisis of belief.what you do next reveals what you really believe about God." How we respond to the needs and opportunities before us will indeed say much about what we truly believe about God and His faithfulness. ADM will not change the operating culture of LifeWay, but with the participation of major investors serving with LifeWay, expanded financial resources will help LifeWay minister to millions it would not be able to reach otherwise.
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