I have been reading surveys from conferences designed for major donors.  It’s not something I recommend and I would rather be reading John Grisham or even John Calvin.  I’m not much of a spreadsheet person…but I am curious about what matters to people. 

Of course” what people say matters to them and what actually matters are often two different things.  However ” in the case of one particular issue what they say and what they actually value are absolutely consistent. That is the need for encouragement.

Why do wealthy people need encouragement?  What could possibly discourage them?  I have come to believe there are generally four areas of life that are discouraging to them and where they most value periodic encouragement.

First” while they are not friendless by any means many of them are not altogether sure of the basis of those friendships.  People want to “minister” to them or meet their needs get to know them or take them out for coffee to get their perspective.  They are always on low level alert and just like an app you leave open ” it drains your battery over time.

Second” their kids often do not share their values and that creates tension.  While entrepreneurs have a “high tolerance for ambiguity” in their drive for achievement they are often puzzled and unprepared for their children’s beliefs about the world.  While they were shaped by their circumstances in life ” they have a hard time understanding the same is true for their kids.

Third” it is true that increased wealth brings increased responsibility – and sometimes more worry.  “For wealth certainly makes itself wings…” as Proverbs says.  There is not just the individual responsibility of managing but also the added responsibility of taking care of others.  Often it is not only immediate family but relatives employees ” and boards of organizations looking to them for wisdom and guidance. 

I have not met a person yet at The Gathering who is not carrying a certain amount of financial burden for others.

Fourth” relaxed conversations about the use of wealth and giving are rare.  While they think about it a great deal they have almost no place to talk openly without being guarded or ready to pull back quickly.  This may be the biggest area of discouragement for most.  So ” there is no give and take – only an internal monologue.

So” at least in this area people are absolutely honest when they say the primary value of getting together with others in similar circumstances is encouragement.  That’s why we call The Gathering a community and not a club.