Developing a Vision for Veritas

By Heidi Jones and Mike Stice

In the fall of 2009, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust awarded Veritas a three-year grant to enable us to hire a full-time Director of Development. After many months of prayer and searching, the Lord brought us just the right person in Mr. Michael Stice. Mr. Stice comes to the position with many years of experience as the former Executive Director at Northwest Christian Community Foundation and Director of Development with Heritage Christian School. It’s already obvious that he is a great addition to our staff and will also be an incredible representative for Veritas.

“We are very excited and blessed to have Mike on board,” says Headmaster Bryan Lynch. “He not only brings with him a tremendous amount of experience in Development, but also knowledge of and love for classical Christian education.”
So, I asked Mr. Stice, “Now that you’re a part of the Veritas family, can you tell us exactly what a Director of Development does?”

Heidi, that’s a question I get asked often. Most folks would agree that when they think about a Director of Development, they think about someone who is a fundraiser – you know, the guy who asks for money. Although that’s partly true, development is much more then just fundraising. Initially, I was intrigued by the role and responsibilities of Veritas’ Director of Development as defined by our Headmaster and Board in the job description that I received. I think, too, it would be a valuable statement for our families to be aware of:

“The primary function of the development position at Veritas School is to increase general and financial funds for the school in support of the school’s strategic plans. As with all the school’s work, this should be accomplished in cheerful compliance with the will of God as revealed in His word. We therefore desire only that financial giving which is cheerful, without reluctance or compulsion. We believe this kind of giving most often springs from a personal sense of commitment and involvement. The development of those sentiments between an individual and an institution is a process marked by sincerity and honesty, recognizing that individuals may provide support by the giving of their time, talents and/or resources.”

Heidi, Jesus said in Acts 20:34, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” As the former Executive Director of NW Christian Community Foundation, I saw first hand this biblical truth in action. Most people are aware of the blessings that the recipient is given, but few people get to see the blessings that God bestows on the giver. This truth, called “Transformational Giving,” is a powerful one that transforms the giver’s heart and the receiver’s ministry, creating a partnership that impacts our communities for Christ. I believe God supplies our needs and is the source of all our financial resources. That’s why every development activity must be undergirded in prayer. It is not about “us.” It’s about God and the plan He has for Veritas, and the students and families it touches.

As the new Director of Development, for Veritas, what are your thoughts on the school and where do you go from here?

Our development program is based on the biblical principle that “Where there is no vision, the people will perish.” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) By arranging the words to read, “Where there is vision, the people will prosper”, we can see exactly what God is calling us to do and the blessing received by following His command. He clearly has planted a “vision” in the hearts and minds of the school leaders. The Veritas mission is “to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and godliness in its students, faculty, staff, families, and communities by providing an excellent Christ-centered and classical education.” If anyone was to spend a few hours at Veritas, he/she would discover, as I have, the exceptional faculty and staff we have here. Every day they try to make a difference in the lives of our students – a difference that goes well beyond higher test scores, athletic or artistic abilities. As important as these things are, our teachers exercise an equal and unique opportunity to make a significant impact on each student’s heart and mind for Christ.

Because of the staff’s hard work and dedication to classical Christian education, our graduates receive opportunities for excellent scholarships and merit awards at colleges and universities across the country. They take with them strength of character, the ability to think, to reason, and to discern between truth and deception. Perhaps most importantly, our teachers prepare their students to go out from here with godly character and the knowledge of how to impact their world for Christ. I believe that supporting Veritas is making an investment in something that will truly reach beyond our campus. It’s easy to see that these young men and women will become the community leaders, godly parents, and successful business people of tomorrow. The Lord has blessed us with teachers, staff, and administration that love Christ and share His love with our students. What a great blessing this is! What a great opportunity!

Veritas has been blessed, too, by the tremendous generosity of our families and others who have a passion for Christ and who understand the importance of a Classical Christian education. I am so grateful to those who, over the past 13 years, have laid the foundation of Veritas, and to those individuals who continue to nurture our school for the betterment of the next generation of Christian leaders. Development is more than just asking for money. It’s all about sharing the Veritas vision and giving others the chance to be a part of God’s plan for this incredible school. I am excited to speak with people about supporting a program that cultivates “wisdom, virtue and godliness” in our most important treasure – the lives of our students. Because this school has such a faith-based development philosophy, I trust that God has already planted a passion for our school in the hearts of many individuals in and around our community. My role is to meet as many of these folks as possible and ignite that passion, providing the opportunity for them to be part of God’s vision for Veritas. I consider it an honor to be a part of that plan, as well.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)