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Five Things They Never Told Me About Christian Fundraising

R. Scott Rodin | posted 11/02/2007
This article provided by the Engstrom Institute

What's so Christian about the way we do our fundraising? Is Christian fundraising nothing more than secular fundraising, with some Bible verses strewn throughout our appeal letters?

I've been wrestling with these questions throughout my career, wanting to understand what our Christian theology has to do with our fundraising strategies and techniques. As a result, I discovered five things I believe mark us as distinctly Christian fundraisers, and change dramatically the way we carry out our work. They are things I wish I'd learned a lot earlier.

1. Spirit-led, not Sales-led

God's people give to God's work as they're led by the Spirit of God. We may agree with this in our hearts, but approach our work as though it's really all up to us. When we ask people to pray over their decision, we must be sincere in leaving the decision in God's hands.

We must do our work well by making clear presentations and a definite ask for support. But we do not 'close the sale.' One dear faithful supporter responded to an ask I'd made by saying to me, "I'll pray about this and trust God to lead me in how I should respond." Then she looked intently at me and continued, "Will you?" It's a question I ask myself now on every donor call.

2. Transformational, not Transactional

If we ask our donors to make a transactional giving decision, we'll fail both our ministry and the kingdom of God. Asking supporters to give their money is different from asking them to give their heart. Our goal is not just more money, it's to raise up godly stewards to be rich toward God.

Transactional gifts are here and gone. A relationship with supporters that leads to ongoing spiritual transformation (in them and us) builds the kingdom of God, including our ministry. Christian fundraising is a function of God's work of transforming hearts, minds and purses. The secret that's lost on so many CEOs and boards is this: If you take the time to participate in the transforming work God is doing in the lives of your supporters, their generosity will follow. The very best givers are the most faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

3. Warfare, not Welfare

When we ask people to be faithful stewards by supporting our ministry, we're entering into spiritual warfare. Christian fundraising is about far more than asking people to give to the welfare of our ministries. It's challenging God's people to deny their allegiance to the god of Mammon and declare through their generosity their complete obedience to one Lord.

The enemy won't take this lying down, so we need to be prepared for the battle. I've been blessed by reading Ephesians 6:10-18 as a preparation for my fundraising work. It calls us to put on the full armor of God, to stand firm and pray in the Spirit. A fundraiser is a warrior, not a welfare collector. Our work is symbolized not by an extended empty hand, but by a helmet, sword and shield.

See also:

 biblical stewardship, Christian fundraising, development program, fundraising