People Raising: Raising Funds for Care Ministry Ken Davis Director Stewardship Ministries

Where is the focus?

Our dependence is upon Him! Our dependence is not upon systems or strategies

Is raising support Biblical? I. God’s Plan Calls for Others to Support Christian Workers The Old Testament Pattern Numbers 18:21-24 – God calls for Israel to give a tithe to support their “full-time” spiritual leaders. God’s plan calls for others to support Christian workers In Numbers 18:21-24, we see the Old Testament pattern for support. God called for the nation of Israel to give a tithe to support their “full time” spiritual leaders. God never changed the plan, and the Old Testament ends with a stern rebuke to the nation for not giving these tithes (Malachi 3:8). In Luke 8:1-3, we see the pattern for support in the life of Jesus. The Twelve were sent out by direction from Jesus, not by their own choice (Matthew 10:5). God’s plan for their provision was through other people (Matthew 10:5-15). Jesus could have performed a miracle to support himself, but he relied upon His friends during His public ministry. Paul expects Christians to help support him. Romans 15:24 Paul requests support. 2 Corinthians 1:15-16

The Old Testament Pattern Numbers 18:21-24 God calls for Israel to give a tithe to support their “full-time” spiritual leaders.

The New Testament Pattern Luke 8:1-3 Jesus allowed others to minister to him and the twelve disciples. (See also Matthew 10:5-15)

Different Models for Raising Support

MODEL 1 Prayer Alone No information No solicitation (George Mueller)

Prayer and Minimal Information but MODEL 2 Prayer and Minimal Information but no Solicitation (Hudson Taylor)

Full Information and Aggressive Solicitation MODEL 3 Prayer Full Information and Aggressive Solicitation (D. L. Moody)

If God calls you into full-time ministry, it is his plan that you be supported by other Christians. Support raising is a ministry; it is not begging for money People have a part in the Great Commission through your ministry.

Support raising provides opportunity for blessing to those who give to you. And, God gives them credit for their fruit. Philippians 4:17-19 Philippians 4:17-19 (King James Version)  17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.  18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.  19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Obtaining financial support is not something we do in support of ministry. IT IS MINISTRY. You will need the friendship, prayers and deep interest of God’s people even more than you will need their money. God has His own plan for your ministry.

Principles of Support Raising 1. HAVE A STRATEGY! PROBLEM: Scattergun approach. No Strategy. IMPERSONAL APPROACH.

Principles of Support Raising 2. IT IS ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS God has already chosen your supporters. People give to people People give to people they know People give to people they know and trust People give to people they know, trust, and care for.

Relationships The key to raising support is to have relationships with people you know in the most personal and practical way possible. IT TAKES TIME. What is the way most people raise funds as a para-church ministry? Or, even as a departmental ministry of the local church.

Effective Forms of Communication One on one Small group discussions Large group discussions Telephone Handwritten letter Typed letter Get Harvard list for power point Don’t put a lot of focus on direct mailing. Most effective way to communicate: one on one Why is it that so much direct mailing?

Effective Forms of Communication 7. Mass letter 8. Newsletter 9. Brochure 10. News Item 11. Advertisement 12. Handout

Effective Forms of Communication One on one Small group discussions Large group discussions Telephone Handwritten letter Typed letter

Relationships People give to people. People give to people they know. People give to people they know and trust. People give more to people they know, trust and care for.

Relationships The key to raising support successfully is to contact people you know in the most personal and practical way possible.

Relationships Only 7% of communication is done through words. 93% comes through expression, gestures, tone, and body language. A personal face-to-face meeting provides access to “total” communication.

Relationships 4 Benefits to Meeting One-on-One You have a captive audience. You get immediate feedback. You can get on their agenda and they can get on yours. 4. You can more effectively communicate your vision.

Relationships 3 Types of Face-to-Face Meetings Meeting to build a relationship without asking for funds. 2. Meeting to ask for a gift. 3. Meeting to grow and cultivate your relationship with your donors.

Going to People Personally 1. Begin with home church 2. List and catalogue relationships 3. Visit/Telephone/Write Tell Your Story 4. Track Support 5. Cultivate 6. Expand your contacts 2 John 1:12 I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face.

Going to God “Prayer is recognition that my need is not partial; it is total.” Dr. Howard Hendricks

Going to God Pray God will work above our plans and strategies. Pray for your donors’ personal needs. Pray for new prospects. Pray for the right words to say. Pray for boldness. Pray for God’s guidance and blessing.