I’ve been thinking a lot about raising support in ministry and how it affects us. I’ve also been thinking about some things that I’ve learned in this process of raising support for ministry. I’m far from an expert, but here are some things I’ve learned.
- It’s a full-time job – part of your ministry. If we think that raising support is so that we can DO ministry, we’ve got the wrong philosophy on raising support. It is part of our ministry. It isn’t something that is so that we can do ministry. We are ministering to people as we raise support and share vision for what we feel God wants us to do.
- People give to projects more than ongoing stuff. Special projects always seem easier to finance due to the fact that there is a measurable goal. That’s why so many more people will give to a building fund than will tithe on a regular basis.
- You’ve gotta really believe in what you’re doing. If you believe in what you are doing, you will be able to communicate the vision more clearly. If you can communicate the vision, and people see your passion, you will be able to fund your projects.
- God is in control. We must not forget that God has the plan in His hand and that He will supply what is lacking in our ministries.
- You should have an idea of what you need and how you’re going to get there. If we aren’t clear about what we need or what we are asking for from people, they will not give. There should be some sort of financial plan.
- You need sneezers/advocates for your cause. Seth Godin, in his book Idea Virus talks about sneezers, or people who will spread your idea for you. In ministry, we need to look for these types of people. They are people who believe in our ministry and trust us and are willing to stick their necks out for us.
By the way…we’re still raising money for the Institute for Youth Ministry. Click here to chip in.
