What if we put the “fun” back in “fundraising”? Too corny? Probably, but the word is there—all three letters. So, seriously, just imagine for a moment if fundraising were an enjoyable, ongoing part of your ministry rather than this ultra-stressful, only-when-absolutely-necessary, Herculean task. How much more at peace would we be? How many more dollars could we raise? What kind of a kingdom impact might we see?
Because unfortunately, it seems that fundraising is a necessary nuisance at best, and at worst it can be categorically demoralizing. And let’s be clear before moving any further. I’m not saying that asking people for money is easy—not at all. Fundraising is no walk in the park. Unless your neighborhood park is only uphill and no one picks up after their dog, then maybe that description is apt.
If you’re reading this, I’d imagine you’ve walked in this park. 80% funded, trying to move to Zimbabwe where the Lord has called you, and some of your closest friends and family members won’t give. Disheartening. Or, that suburban megachurch with the new stage setup every sermon series won’t support your refugee work in the inner city. Aggravating. Or, maybe you pastor in one of the wealthiest counties in the US, but only 10% of your designer-clothes-wearing, luxury-car-driving congregation gives. Maddening.
Let’s be real about why this happens. Fundraising is a battle. There is an enemy prowling, hoping to cut off our supply lines before they reach the front. What if they had no more resources, he thinks to himself. Then how much work would get done? He’s crafty and cruel. He wants you to be demoralized, disheartened, aggravated, maddened.
“The enemy wants you to be demoralized, disheartened, aggravated, maddened.”
So, if the above is true, if fundraising is a spiritual fight, how do you face those sweaty-handed living room asks and stage-led capital campaigns with genuine joy in your heart? It begins with some perspective shifts.
Shift 1: Fundraising is a part of your ministry, not a precursor to it.
The work doesn’t start when the dollars have been raised. Henri Nouwen, in The Spirituality of Fundraising, writes, “We must not let ourselves be tricked into thinking that fundraising is only a secular activity. As a ministry, fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry” (p. 21).
If our favorite Dutch priest is right, fundraising should be seen as ministry, not the thing that allows ministry to happen. Holding fundraising in a similar holy regard as these others is foundational before embracing shifts two and three.
“Fundraising should be seen as ministry, not the thing that allows ministry to happen.”
Shift 2: Fundraising is discipleship, not swindling.
“Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your work.” I’m dumbfounded by the number of times I’ve heard this. Unless you’re being rude, your asking is not a burden; it’s an opportunity. You are providing people with the chance to be a part of the incredible work God is doing. The good ol’ boys at the First Christian Church may never go to Zimbabwe. Through you as a conduit, though, they can make an impact there for the gospel. Not only that, but their hearts now look even more like Jesus’. That’s discipleship.
We’re afraid we’re coercing people into giving us their hard-earned dollars. We should be afraid of not giving people an opportunity to be generous, impactful, and Christlike with what God has given them.
“You are providing people with the chance to be a part of the incredible work God is doing.”
Shift 3: Fundraising doesn’t all rest on us; we have to trust God.
Work hard and put the time in. Do your homework and make the asks. Be faithful. But remember that only God can produce the results. As hard as it is not to internalize the “no”—as hard as it is when other people aren’t excited about this extraordinary thing God has put on your heart—you have to confidently move forward trusting that God will provide.
When your heartfelt ask is met with a, “We’re not in a position to do that right now,” or your letter/email/phone call is followed by radio silence, trust that God has someone else in mind. It might take some creative searching. It will probably take some relational investment. But they’re out there. Don’t forget that the Philippians were the only church supporting Paul in the beginning of his ministry. We can all agree that God was on top of that whole situation, right?
“The Philippians were the only church supporting Paul in the beginning of his ministry. We can all agree that God was on top of that whole situation, right?”
Conclusion
Let’s establish it one final time. Fundraising can be an uphill slog. But it can and should be a joy-filled trek. Don’t be duped into thinking it’s not holy labor. Expect gratitude, not bitterness, in those whom you ask. And trust that God is going to provide in order to advance his kingdom right on schedule.
