Raising funds for your salary is often a necessity in ministry work. However, we must not forget that support raising, although necessary, is as much a spiritual work as serving at your church, praying fervently, or reading your Bible. These all take a little bit of discipline and a lot of the Holy Spirit. Each of these gives us the greatest joy when done with the right heart, but can quickly spiral into legalism and shame if we are not careful.
If you are weary about raising support, or you are weary about giving faithfully to someone on support, remember this is a spiritual practice on both sides. This is a chance to trust the Lord in both giving and receiving and it is beautiful. Embrace the freedom of letting God take hold of your finances and give or receive with much prayer and faith.
The God that parted the Red Sea, rained manna from heaven, fed thousands from some fish and loaves of bread, paid taxes with a coin out of a fish’s mouth, a God that sent his Son to die and rise three days later, the God of miracles, can he not make your salary enough to be generous with your giving? Have you ever gotten a bonus at work and suddenly the toilet breaks and the bonus was just the right amount to fix it? Is this just a coincidence or is our God the great provider? Be generous and faithful with your finances, for our God provides!
Even though God is the main ingredient (and the one unfortunately forgotten all too often), just as in Bible study, there are strategies involved in raising funds. I've included a wide variety of resources below that have helped me and so many others accomplish the task of support raising. And as always, you can reach out to us at hello@cafe1040.com!
Support Raising Podcast - A Via Podcast
Via (formerly SRS) is a ministry dedicated to helping missionaries get fully funded. They are currently uploading video podcast episodes related to specific challenges people might have while fundraising. Click here to watch the first episode!
Book Recommendations:
The God Ask by Steve Shadrach: This is a great book to give you a God perspective in your support raising. This is a great place to start as you consider raising funds. Read this book if you want to get excited about what God can do through support raising!
Funding Your Ministry by Scott Morton: This book is very practical and reads more like a workbook. You can refer to sections you need to read again along your journey. Read this book if you need some pointers on “how to raise money”.
A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen: This book is great for people who are support raising and for people giving alike! Read this if you need quick inspiration on how great our God is. (A free version of this one is available, google it!)
