People of Masterworks is a series highlighting talented folks who contribute to the success of our ministry partners on a daily basis. Our hope is that, by getting to know some of our team members, you’ll also learn more about Masterworks and our mission to move hearts and minds to action.
Renee manages Masterworks Momentum, a suite of marketing services for ministries with limited budgets — but unlimited vision. These organizations are gaining momentum and are about to reach the tipping point where they’re ready to take their marketing to the next level.
What is unique about Momentum?
Momentum is the culmination of 25 years of experience — from high-level strategy, to pushing innovation, to working with data, to providing high-level client service expertise for very large organizations while Masterworks was growing and constantly evolving.
In Momentum, we can combine all of that for smaller ministries that might not have a large staff or the budget for a fully custom program. To do this, we need to think differently and work efficiently on tight timelines.
What is your biggest contribution to our ministry partners’ success?
I have had a wonderful career with Masterworks. Nearly 20 years. I am a strategic innovator and I love to learn new and better ways to help organizations accomplish their marketing and fundraising goals so that they can be successful. I love coming alongside them, as a partner, to serve them in the way that works best for each ministry I touch.
What motivates you in your work?
I love my work because each day brings on new challenges. There is never a dull day! I embrace challenges and love to solve problems and I get to do that for the organizations we serve — from overall strategy down to very specific needs within each department. I have gained the knowledge and experience to understand the big picture, as well as know the small details that are required for success. I help organizations beyond just fundraising — from advising on executive searches, to the restructuring of their internal resources, to strategy and fundraising. It is a comprehensive approach, not parceled out, piece by piece.
How would you describe the path that led you to the work that you do now?
I had worked at another small agency before coming to Masterworks. That company specialized in Christian radio ministries. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg, and Ravi Zacharias. Before that, I was in finance. Masterworks was a great fit. I have served in ministry most of my life, as my husband was a pastor. As a pastor’s wife, I was very involved in the churches we served. When I look back, I can see all the different opportunities that God put in my path to lead me to where I am today.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing nonprofits today?
Every nonprofit has their own unique challenges, but the acquisition and retention of donors is still something that every nonprofit needs to focus on. It has always been a challenge, and I believe it will continue to be one. With the rising cost to acquire, the current culture we live in, and the aging database, there are many things that cause this situation.
What are you learning by working with ministries?
I am learning that we must be flexible and fluid in our marketing and fundraising. If we are not good at changing positions or adapting to changing conditions, we will not be successful. This is one of the reasons Momentum works so well — it is easy for us to flex and change when we need to. We are constantly learning. We need to be nimble enough to seize opportunities as they arise. No two ministries are the same, so we need to be fluid enough to come alongside and help them accomplish what they need. Since Momentum serves smaller organizations, we often need to be the support system that they may not have internally.
In your personal life, what equips you to serve our clients every day?
As a child of God, wife, mother of four, grandma to six, and friend, I have always loved to serve others. It is my DNA, and it is foundational to everything I do. Since I love to learn and share, my family, friends, co-workers, and clients get the benefits of that each day. Loving and serving people is what I am about.