Two and a half weeks ago I posted about Blackbaud, Inc.’s announcement that they had entered into a “partnership” with LCMS on a project to use Blackbaud’s CRM software to update the way LCMS conducts its business.
As readers may recall, I was initially skeptical, because I had been exposed to Customer Relationship Management software through my professional vocation. In the business world, CRM is about providing the customer what he wants when he needs it, to maximize profits for the company. In my opinion, value-selling was not how the LCMS should treat its members.
Pr. Bob Shonholz, Development Officer at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, has been patient and comprehensive in his explanation of how CTS will use Blackbaud’s software. I thank him for his time and his response, which follows:
Hi Dan,
I’d like to offer some insights and information that might help you understand better what is involved in the deployment of the Blackbaud system as it applies particularly in my area here at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS). I am in the Institutional Advancement Department of CTS since April 2008 and have served congregations in OH since 1996.
