Support Raising Training Summary
by John Hege
Philosophy of Support Raising: Is it Biblical?
The apostle Paul accepted support from churches so that he could go do ministry among others who did not yet understand the importance of giving (We cannot expect non-Christians to fund something they do not understand, although some get involved just because they see the benefit of a ministry). See the following verses:
Of course it is biblical! This is crucial to understanding support raising. Then you can begin to see Him provide for your work. It can be conformational to know you are called to this ministry by seeing God raise up a team of people. It is encouraging to have people stand behind you not just financially, but also in prayer for and with you. They are your partners.
Support Raising for the Long Haul
Our commitment to this work is 2-3 years minimum. This is because the first year is inherently getting used to the job and settling in, and can be very little fruit. We must “unpack our boxes.” Why would anyone want to invest in a relationship with us if we are not willing to do the same? Under unique circumstances we may bend this guiding principle.
Getting Ready For Support Raising
First things first: Work with your director on the target amount needed to report to your assignment. We have a document to help you come up with this sum, which includes payroll, ministry expenses, etc. You are on staff and working for CYAK when you start support raising. However, you are not ready to report until both you and the staff you are accountable to decide you are ready to come. A large portion or all of your support is usually required before this will occur.
Grasping the larger vision of the ministry is important in this process, as well as how you will be involved in the more specific ministry God is calling you to within that vision. This is very important to communicate effectively with potential donors.
We present the ministry primarily to families one at a time. The phrase, “everybody’s challenge is nobody's challenge” sums up the reasoning behind this well. If you present to a family or one person, you may challenge them in a much more personal way that will be answered in a personal way. It has been proven over and over that this is much more fruitful for the long-term. In a personal setting, they can ask whatever questions they may have and you can get them involved now rather than later when they may get to it. Limit large groups to as little as possible. You may not have to do this at all. One at a time relational support raising takes longer, but is more fruitful. Do not cut corners!
Setting Up An Appointment
Example: Hey Cal, this is John Hege. You know I am going on staff with CYAK and I was wondering if I could have an hour of your time to let you know what I am doing and possibly have you on my prayer team and/or financial team? Of course there is no obligation to do either. May I have an hour of your time in the next couple days to tell you about that?
Do ask for their time. Do communicate that you are after both prayer and financial support, but with no obligation involved. Reiterate that you want their time soon. Practice this with your support staff until you are comfortable, and then go for it! Set up your first appointment!
Share this with your ‘top ten’ list first to get started. These are the people who you know well, that love you, and will be easy for you to speak with. They will encourage you and get you off to a good start!
What To Share At An Appointment
Share your testimony of what God has done in your life briefly. Then go on to the larger picture of ministry God is calling you to, followed by what job you're specifically being called to. Then confidently present your needs, and challenge them to come on your team. At this point remember: be quiet, and let the Lord work. They will share what they are led to. Let Him work! Do ask if they can get involved now, so they may be in the system of getting started and getting letters, receipts, and the office will know they are on your team! Remember to ask for special needs gifts after they commit to ongoing help, and then to ask for referrals! Don’t leave without it.
The ask: Ask for 3 gifts, highest to lowest. Ask for ongoing monthly support, or quarterly. Ask for a 2 or 3-year commitment so that you do not have to start over the next year! This is very important! Next, ask for special needs gifts. These are gifts designated to cover things such as moving costs, conference costs, and travel. Don’t forget to ask for referrals for others who might be interested in hearing about the ministry after they come on your team. Ask them if they are comfortable calling ahead for you to set up an appointment. If they are unwilling to do this, ask them to give names and numbers.
Who To Set Up Appointments With
Anyone who will listen! Start with the people you know best and that may be most likely to come on your team. Remember: it is God’s work to build your team. Your job is to present and ask. His work is to speak to people and to bring fruit.
To help with administration, I recommend a 3 x 5 card file with the following categories:
This helps keep track of where you are at with people. It can get confusing when you jump in with two feet! Keep a good track, as people trust you.
Weekly Reports Throughout the Process
You are required to send a weekly report to your support raising coach. This will help them get a picture of what is happening in your support life and know how to pray for you! Make sure to include the following information every week:
Ongoing Support Raising
The work mentioned above is a foundation to get us going, but we need to continue in the mindset of support raising throughout the ministry season as well. This is because there is always attrition: ministry needs become greater or people are unable to complete their pledge because they lose their job, pass away, etc. By getting a handful of new people yearly, we ensure that we will not have to quit ministering if we have a financial crisis because of insufficient funds in our account for payroll and ministry needs. Please continue to work on new people as you go through your ministry year. Part of our ministry is to have people involved in His work. We need their partnership for prayer and provision of ministry needs.
Continue to sow seeds and appreciate those who are already on your team. This includes sending consistent newsletters or electronic updates if that works for you. We recommend monthly updates at least. People deserve to know what their money is accomplishing and how they can pray for the ministry, you, and people we are working with. This is important! Donors are gifts – exercise good stewardship with them.
The apostle Paul accepted support from churches so that he could go do ministry among others who did not yet understand the importance of giving (We cannot expect non-Christians to fund something they do not understand, although some get involved just because they see the benefit of a ministry). See the following verses:
- Do not muzzle the ox while it is threshing the wheat. Deut. 25:4, 1 Tim. 5:18
- A workman is worthy of their wages. Luke 10:7, 1 Tim. 5:18
- Those who share the Gospel should make their living by the Gospel. 1 Corinth. 9:14
Of course it is biblical! This is crucial to understanding support raising. Then you can begin to see Him provide for your work. It can be conformational to know you are called to this ministry by seeing God raise up a team of people. It is encouraging to have people stand behind you not just financially, but also in prayer for and with you. They are your partners.
Support Raising for the Long Haul
Our commitment to this work is 2-3 years minimum. This is because the first year is inherently getting used to the job and settling in, and can be very little fruit. We must “unpack our boxes.” Why would anyone want to invest in a relationship with us if we are not willing to do the same? Under unique circumstances we may bend this guiding principle.
Getting Ready For Support Raising
First things first: Work with your director on the target amount needed to report to your assignment. We have a document to help you come up with this sum, which includes payroll, ministry expenses, etc. You are on staff and working for CYAK when you start support raising. However, you are not ready to report until both you and the staff you are accountable to decide you are ready to come. A large portion or all of your support is usually required before this will occur.
Grasping the larger vision of the ministry is important in this process, as well as how you will be involved in the more specific ministry God is calling you to within that vision. This is very important to communicate effectively with potential donors.
We present the ministry primarily to families one at a time. The phrase, “everybody’s challenge is nobody's challenge” sums up the reasoning behind this well. If you present to a family or one person, you may challenge them in a much more personal way that will be answered in a personal way. It has been proven over and over that this is much more fruitful for the long-term. In a personal setting, they can ask whatever questions they may have and you can get them involved now rather than later when they may get to it. Limit large groups to as little as possible. You may not have to do this at all. One at a time relational support raising takes longer, but is more fruitful. Do not cut corners!
Setting Up An Appointment
Example: Hey Cal, this is John Hege. You know I am going on staff with CYAK and I was wondering if I could have an hour of your time to let you know what I am doing and possibly have you on my prayer team and/or financial team? Of course there is no obligation to do either. May I have an hour of your time in the next couple days to tell you about that?
Do ask for their time. Do communicate that you are after both prayer and financial support, but with no obligation involved. Reiterate that you want their time soon. Practice this with your support staff until you are comfortable, and then go for it! Set up your first appointment!
Share this with your ‘top ten’ list first to get started. These are the people who you know well, that love you, and will be easy for you to speak with. They will encourage you and get you off to a good start!
What To Share At An Appointment
Share your testimony of what God has done in your life briefly. Then go on to the larger picture of ministry God is calling you to, followed by what job you're specifically being called to. Then confidently present your needs, and challenge them to come on your team. At this point remember: be quiet, and let the Lord work. They will share what they are led to. Let Him work! Do ask if they can get involved now, so they may be in the system of getting started and getting letters, receipts, and the office will know they are on your team! Remember to ask for special needs gifts after they commit to ongoing help, and then to ask for referrals! Don’t leave without it.
The ask: Ask for 3 gifts, highest to lowest. Ask for ongoing monthly support, or quarterly. Ask for a 2 or 3-year commitment so that you do not have to start over the next year! This is very important! Next, ask for special needs gifts. These are gifts designated to cover things such as moving costs, conference costs, and travel. Don’t forget to ask for referrals for others who might be interested in hearing about the ministry after they come on your team. Ask them if they are comfortable calling ahead for you to set up an appointment. If they are unwilling to do this, ask them to give names and numbers.
Who To Set Up Appointments With
Anyone who will listen! Start with the people you know best and that may be most likely to come on your team. Remember: it is God’s work to build your team. Your job is to present and ask. His work is to speak to people and to bring fruit.
To help with administration, I recommend a 3 x 5 card file with the following categories:
- Top ten people
- People to call
- Appointments kept
- Appointments set up
- Thank you’s to send
- Supporters
This helps keep track of where you are at with people. It can get confusing when you jump in with two feet! Keep a good track, as people trust you.
Weekly Reports Throughout the Process
You are required to send a weekly report to your support raising coach. This will help them get a picture of what is happening in your support life and know how to pray for you! Make sure to include the following information every week:
- The number of people you called for an appointment
- The number of appointments you set up
- The number of appointments you kept
- The amount of special needs gifts you got this week, and total of special needs gifts so far.
- How much ongoing support pledged converted to monthly support you received this week
- Total monthly support pledged
Ongoing Support Raising
The work mentioned above is a foundation to get us going, but we need to continue in the mindset of support raising throughout the ministry season as well. This is because there is always attrition: ministry needs become greater or people are unable to complete their pledge because they lose their job, pass away, etc. By getting a handful of new people yearly, we ensure that we will not have to quit ministering if we have a financial crisis because of insufficient funds in our account for payroll and ministry needs. Please continue to work on new people as you go through your ministry year. Part of our ministry is to have people involved in His work. We need their partnership for prayer and provision of ministry needs.
Continue to sow seeds and appreciate those who are already on your team. This includes sending consistent newsletters or electronic updates if that works for you. We recommend monthly updates at least. People deserve to know what their money is accomplishing and how they can pray for the ministry, you, and people we are working with. This is important! Donors are gifts – exercise good stewardship with them.