Raising Support

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Raising Support
PowerPoint Assembled by Bob Munson
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Raising Support is

• Necessary
• Blessed by God
• Good for potential supporters
• Beneficial (in many ways) to you

So dont fear it. Grow through doing it.
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What encourages support?
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Does Need get you Support?
Not really Everyone has needs
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What about Vision?
NO!!!
Yes!
BUT if you havent demonstrated competence, or
you appear untrustworthy?
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But what is VISION?

• Vision is a clear mental image of a preferable
  future imparted by God to His chosen servants and
  is based upon an accurate understanding of God,
  self, and circumstances. -George Barna

Dont assume you will receive a burning bush
experience. Look for Nehemiah Experiences.
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Read Nehemiah Chapter 1

• Nehemiah learned of a problem. Something is not
  right
• Responded to this information with both his mind
  and heart.
• Invested his time (4 months) in prayer and
  planning.
• Sought to learn what he could do, personally, to
  be Gods instrument to solve the problem.
• Determined what other resources he needed.

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Gods Vision is BIG!!!

• Nehemiah lacked important things.
• He lacked time (he had a full-time job)?
• He lacked money
• He lacked authority

• To Carry out Gods Vision, he needed to get help
  from those who would recognize his competence and
  trustworthiness.

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What about Competence?
NO!!!
YES!
BUT if you appear to lack vision or seem
untrustworthy?
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Look at Nehemiah again (chapter 2)

• Was Nehemiah competent? He never built a wall
  before!
• But the king knew that he had proven himself
  competent in everything he did, up to that point.
• He also was able to give good answers to all
  questions posed him about the venture.
• ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR
  VISION (AND COMPETENCE)?

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What about Trustworthiness?
NO!!!
YES!
BUT if you seem to lack vision, or appear to be
incompetent?
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How do you show trustworthiness?

• Untrustworthy in little things then presumed
  untrustworthy in big things.
• Nehemiah was trustworthy. He was the cupbearer
  for the king--- one of the primary people keeping
  the king alive. The king trusted Nehemiah with
  his life!
• If you dont follow through on promises... If
  people cant rely on you, THEN PEOPLE SHOULDNT
  TRUST YOU!

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Consider the Martial Virtues regarding
Trustworthiness

• Courage I do what is right even when I am
  afraid.
• Duty I do what right even when I dont want to.
• Honor I do what is right even when no one is
  looking.

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Supporters must see all Three
VISION COMPETENCE TRUSTWORTHINESS.
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So who do you go to first?

• People who understand your vision
• People who have seen your competence.
• People who recognize your trustworthiness.

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Who are these people?

• Family
• Friends
• Church members

If they dont understand your vision. If they
have not seen your competence If they dont
recognize your trustworthiness
Doesnt that tell you something?
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What about people with Big Money?

• If they dont know you, why would they trust you?
• If they havent seen you work, why should they
  think you are competent to invest in?

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What about Institutions?

• Institutions are run by people.
• You cannot convince an institution to give you
  support without convincing a person.
• Support flows from relationships. You cant have
  a relationship with an institution.

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Some DONTS

• Dont assume people know what you need. Tell
  them.
• Dont assume people understand your vision. Help
  them visualize it.
• Dont assume people know you are competent.
  Demonstrate it.
• Dont assume people recognize your
  trustworthiness. Live it.

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Some Assumptions

• People (speaking primarily of Christians) want to
  invest in Gods Kingdom in a meaningful way.
• People dont want to be tricked, pilfered,
  cheated.
• People dont want their investment squandered,
  wasted, lost.

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Some More Assumptions

• People dont read letters from people they dont
  know.
• People dont take emails seriously from
  strangers.
• People dont make major decisions over the phone.

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Therefore

• Call or email or write letters only to set up
  meetings with people. These people should be
  people who know you, trust you, and recognize
  your competence.
• ltKey Note You must be sure you can trust them
  as well. They may become your partners in
  ministry.gt

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What do you need?

• Financial Support
• Resource Support (provide non-money goods and
  services)?
• Time Support (work with you)?
• Prayer Support (Note People tend to pray for
  those that they support with finances, resources,
  or time)?
• Accountability (Keeping you on mission)?

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But my friends, relatives, and church members
dont have money?!!

• First. Any financial support is more than no
  support. The concept of the widows mite from
  the Bible is not irrelevant to the Kingdom of
  God.
• Second. There are more important things you need
  from these people than money

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What can your poor friends, relatives, and church
members provide you?

• Prayer. Never underestimate that.
• Non-financial Support (time, goods)?
• Accountability Partners
• Emotional Support
• Guidance

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And..

• NETWORKING!!

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What is Networking?
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What is Networking?
Friends, Relatives, and Church Members act as
your ambassadors to other people. They can
provide you with -Contact Information
-References -Initial Contact
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Why is Networking Important?

• It greatly increases the number of viable
  contacts you can seek support from.
• It gives your friends, relatives, and church
  members the opportunity to serve God by helping
  you in ways they can.
• Frankly, cold calls (contacting strangers
  unannounced) dont work. You need to work
  through relationships.

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Supporters are Partners

• This means that it is a RELATIONSHIP.
• You are working with them as they are working
  with you.
• Treat them right

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How do you treat them right?

• Keep them informed about your triumphs, your
  struggles, your needs.
• DO NOT ONLY CONTACT THEM WHEN YOU NEED SOMETHING.
• Give in return. Help them to understand that they
  are part of whatever success you have in the
  ministry. IT IS A TEAM THING!!

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How do you treat them right?

• Be interested in their ministry. It is NOT just
  about you.
• When you receive support, you need to tell your
  supporters three things
• 1. You received support.
• 2. You appreciate support.
• 3. Support is being put to good use.
• Support is a two way street. Find ways to support
  your supporters.

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Maintain the relationship

• E-mail
• Newsletters
• Personal letters and photos
• Prayer cards
• Phone calls
• Personal visits
• Invitations for them to visit you
• Small gifts

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Books to Consider

• PEOPLE RAISING. A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RAISING
  SUPPORT. by William P. Dutton, Moody Press.
  Chicago, IL. 1993. ltStep-by-step practical guide
  to fund-raisinggt
• HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE. By Dale
  Carnegie. Classic self-help book, but highly
  relevant in relationship-based fund-raising.
• THE GOSPEL BLIMP. By Joseph Bayly. A humorous
  book on what NOT to do in ministry and
  fund-raising.

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Powerpoints

• Two other PowerPoint presentations are created
  by Asia Vision-STM on raising support. Check
  their website www.avstm.wordpress.com

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Websites

• Websites are better for personal education more
  than finding sources of money (generally
  speaking). But look at what groups are looking
  for.
• http//www.adnamis.org/FieldStandards.cfm
• Field Standards for Advancing Native
  Missions. See what this organization expects to
  see in those they support.
• Check missionary-sending agencies (IMB, TEAM, and
  others) in terms of their standards for
  applicants.
• ltLook at these standards in terms of Vision (or
  calling), Competence, and Trustworthiness.gt