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A sunrise over four distinct paths—dry cracked ground, a dirt road, a rocky path, and thorny terrain—stretching into the distance, with the text “Four Fundraising Volunteers” and “Matthew 13:8” displayed in the sky.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Four Fundraising Volunteers

by Ron Haas
April 7, 2026

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop, a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:8).

Choosing who serves on your volunteer fundraising team is one of your most important leadership decisions. The right people multiply your impact; the wrong ones drain your energy and stall progress. Jesus’ parable of the four types of soil teaches how people receive the gospel, and it offers surprising insight for recruiting volunteers. Just like the farmer encountered different soil conditions, you’ll discover people respond very differently when asked to help with fundraising.

Hardened-The path
The first type of ground Jesus mentions is the hard-packed path where birds eat the seeds before they can even sink in. In volunteer recruitment, these are people whose hearts are closed to your mission or who want nothing to do with fundraising. Their first response is, “I can’t ask people for money.” Maybe they just don’t see asking for money as ministry. Don’t take it personally. Not everybody is wired for fundraising.

Shallow-The rocky ground
The second type is rocky soil with just a thin layer of dirt. Seeds sprout quickly but die fast when the heat comes because their roots can’t go deep. These volunteers sign up enthusiastically and make big promises, but when the work gets hard or takes longer than expected, they disappear. They lack the deep commitment needed to finish. Experienced leaders learn to look past initial excitement and discern whether someone truly understands what they’re signing up for.

Distracted-The thorny ground
The third type is thorny ground. Seeds grow here, but weeds choke them out. These volunteers genuinely care about your mission and want to help. But their lives are just too crowded. Work pressures, family needs, and a dozen other commitments squeeze out their ability to serve well. They show up to meetings occasionally but can’t really dig in. The problem isn’t their character, it’s their calendar. Leaders need to help these folks make an honest assessment if this is the right time for them to serve. Perhaps you could suggest other ways they can support your work instead.

Fruitful-The good soil
Finally, Jesus describes good soil that produces a huge harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was planted. These volunteers have a “Here am I. Send me” attitude. Their commitment is real, and they have time to serve. They don’t just show up; they go all in. They don’t just complete tasks; they multiply your impact by bringing others along and modeling what generosity looks like. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send these types of workers to you.

Think About This: The farmer’s job isn’t to create good soil; it’s to find it and develop it. Smart leaders invest most heavily in people who show they’re ready rather than spreading energy equally across everyone. This doesn’t mean you’re unkind to those who can’t commit. It means you’re stewarding both your time and theirs well.

Response: Lord, please help me recruit the right people for our fundraising team.Give me wisdom to recognize who is ready to serve and grace to release those who aren’t. Help me build a volunteer team who will cultivate an abundant harvest.

Blurred silhouettes of a group of people against a light background, with the text “Dear Anonymous” and “Isaiah 43:1” displayed on the right side.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

“Dear Anonymous”

by Ron Haas
March 31, 2026

“I have called you by name” (Isaiah 43:1)

The Creator of the universe knows each of us personally by name. This divine principle has profound implications for fundraising. When we follow God’s example by truly knowing and using people’s names, we’re doing more than just being polite, we’re reflecting God’s heart for personal relationship. We’re acknowledging that each donor is a unique individual with their own story, passions, and reasons for giving.

People Give to People
People don’t give money to causes; they give money to people they trust who happen to represent causes they care about. Treating someone anonymously says, “you’re just a number.” God doesn’t see us as nameless faces in the crowd but knows us individually, so we shouldn’t view our supporters as anonymous check-writers. There’s something deeply personal and powerful about being known, being seen, and being called by your actual name.

Be Specific
When you see your ministry partners at events, instead of generic greetings, try “Maria, thank you for being here tonight.” During phone calls, weave their name naturally throughout your conversation: “John, I remember you mentioning your concern about evangelism and discipleship.” Compare “Thanks to all our donors!” with “Shoutout to Sarah, Mike, and Jennifer for making yesterday’s alumni event possible!” One feels corporate; the other feels like a genuine celebration of real people.

Say Thank You
During donor meetings, use their name when highlighting specific points: “That’s exactly why I thought of you, David, when this opportunity came up.” In thank-you calls, connect their specific gift to outcomes: “Maria, your $500 helped us serve thirty families last month. It’s not manipulation. It’s recognition. It’s saying, “You matter to me more than your checkbook.” Just be careful not to overdo it like direct mail pieces that stuff your name into every other sentence. That feels manipulative and insincere.

Make Connections
Easter morning is perhaps the most incredible example of a name’s power. Mary Magdalene was distraught when she discovered Jesus’s tomb was empty. Two angels appeared asking why she was weeping. Through her tears, she said, “Someone has taken my Lord away, and I have no idea where they put him” (John 20:13).

She turned around and noticed a man nearby. Thinking he was just the gardener, she asked if he knew where they’d moved the body. Jesus could have preached a sermon about the resurrection, offered gentle comfort, or explained the theological significance of what had happened. Instead? He spoke just one word: “Mary.”

That’s all. Simply her name. But something about how he said it, with such familiar love and recognition made her immediately realize who it was. A single word, her own name spoken with intention, transformed her deepest despair into overwhelming joy. The worst day of her life became the most extraordinary moment she’d ever experienced.

Think About This: Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Donors who feel personally known don’t just give once, they become invested partners in your mission because they experience the same thing Mary experienced at the tomb: the life-changing power of being truly seen and called by name.

Response: Father, thank You for remembering my name. Help me remember the names of our faithful ministry partners.

Two men seated in a church pew, one placing a supportive hand on the other’s shoulder as he bows his head, with the text “Stewardship is Ministry, Not Marketing” and “Philippians 4:17–19” displayed across the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Stewardship is Ministry, Not Marketing

by Ron Haas
March 23, 2026

“Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:17-18)

When you write a thank-you letter to a donor, what’s going through your mind? Are you checking a box, or are you engaging in genuine ministry? The Apostle Paul provides the clearest biblical model for donor communication in his letter to the Philippian church. Paul isn’t just saying thanks. He’s ministering to these givers in these four ways.

He acknowledges their gift personally and warmly.
Paul names Epaphroditus, the person who brought their gift. He uses specific words like “amply supplied” and “more than enough.” These aren’t generic phrases from a template—they’re genuine and heartfelt. This isn’t merely a stylistic preference, it’s a theological necessity. Your ministry partners aren’t merely funding your organization. They’re investing in God’s Kingdom through your ministry. Your communication must reflect that reality.

He frames their gift in spiritual terms.
Paul describes it as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” He doesn’t talk about their gift as fuel for his ministry machinery. He describes it as worship—something that rises to God like incense from an altar. Your ministry partners need more than receipts and reports. They need a pastor’s heart that helps them see their giving as part of their discipleship journey. This means slowing down, being personal rather than efficient, and thinking theologically about what giving means.

He focuses on their spiritual benefit.
Paul writes, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” He’s more concerned about what’s happening in their hearts than what’s happening in his bank account. Their generosity is building treasure in heaven and shaping them into the image of Christ. In light of eternity, your donors have more to gain from their gift than you do.

He links their obedience with God’s blessing.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19). Paul connects their giving to God’s provision, teaching them that you can’t out-give God. When you treat donor communication as ministry rather than marketing, everything changes. You’re not managing a database; you’re shepherding souls. You’re not crafting appeals; you’re inviting others into the joy of Kingdom partnership.

Think About This: Did your last donor thank-you letter sound more like Paul or more like artificial intelligence? Did it minister to the giver, or did it simply acknowledge a transaction? Paul got this right two thousand years ago. Will you follow his example?

Response: Lord, help me reflect You in every donor communication. Help me genuinely thank our ministry partners for their sacrificial gifts.

A gold trophy on a wooden surface against an orange background, with the text “Run for the Fundraising Prize” and “1 Corinthians 9:24” displayed beside it.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Run for the Fundraising Prize

by Ron Haas
March 18, 2026

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a perfect picture of what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. With three Olympic golds and six world records in the 400-meter hurdles, she’s one of the most celebrated track stars in American history. But here’s what makes her story relevant to fundraisers: “You work all year to get here, but what you’ve done is what keeps you here. So it’s just about executing that, trusting the process, trusting the plan, and ultimately, trusting God.”1 That’s fundraising in a nutshell.

Executing the Work
Paul writes that “everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training” (1 Cor. 9:25). Sydney doesn’t just show up on race day hoping for the best. She trains every single day, year after year. The same is true in fundraising. Everyone wants the big gift, but few are willing to put in the hard work of building relationships with donors over time. There are no shortcuts to genuine cultivation. It takes discipline, consistency, and plain old hard work.

Trusting the Process
Paul continues, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air” (1 Cor. 9:26). Fundraising isn’t random—it has a clear process: identification, cultivation, and solicitation. You can’t skip steps. You can’t identify a donor on Monday and ask for a major gift on Tuesday. Just like an athlete can’t skip training and expect to medal, you can’t rush the relationship-building process and expect donors to give generously. Each step matters and builds on the one before it.

Trusting the Plan
Consistency is everything. Day in and day out, you need to be sharing your organization’s story, connecting with donors, and keeping your mission front and center. One good conversation isn’t enough. One compelling newsletter isn’t enough. It’s the steady, faithful work over months and years that builds a sustainable fundraising program.

Trusting God
Here’s the truth that keeps us humble: fundraising is about asking the right person for the right amount at the right time in the right way. You can do everything correctly—execute flawlessly, follow the process perfectly, stick to your plan faithfully—but ultimately, God is the one who prompts donors to give generously. We work hard, but we trust God for the results.

Think About This: Athletes compete “to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Cor. 9:25). The gifts you ask your donors for solve problems right now and lay up treasures in heaven.

Response: Lord, give me the discipline, consistency, and hard work to run the fundraising race to win the prize for your glory.

1Mercer, K. (2024, August 8). Christ-follower Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone claims another Olympic gold, world record. Sports Spectrum. https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/olympics/2024/08/08/christ-sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-gold-record/

A single boat moving across a wide expanse of deep blue water viewed from above, with the text “Lonely Fundraising” and “1 Kings 19:14” displayed over the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Lonely Fundraising

by Ron Haas
March 9, 2026

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty… I am the only one left and they are trying to kill me” (1 Kings 19:14).

Elijah had just pulled off an incredible win against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He called down fire from heaven that consumed the offering, the altar, and even all the water they’d poured on it. Queen Jezebel was furious and threatened to kill him. Terrified, Elijah ran for his life as fast as he could 150 miles to Beersheba. Eventually he reached the mountain of God, where he poured out his heart to the Lord: “I’m all alone. Nobody’s helping me.” Sound familiar? Have you ever complained that nobody is helping you raise money?

The Ups and Downs
Elijah was not a superhuman somehow protected from fear or discouragement. James reminds us that he was just a human being like us. If you’ve been fundraising for any length of time, you know the emotional swings. A successful event leaves you pumped, but by Monday you crash hard. When a donor says yes, you’re on cloud nine for weeks. But when they say no, you start wondering if God really called you to this work. Ask God for the strength to navigate this emotional roller coaster.

Take a Nap
Elijah’s ultra marathon was so exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually that he collapsed in deep sleep. An angel woke him with the smell of freshly baked bread. He ate it, slept some more, and awoke the second time with the energy to keep going. This is a great lesson for fundraising workaholics who push themselves from morning to night, and even through weekends. Get some rest. Take a day off. Jesus told his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31). Take time to come apart before you fall apart.

Gain Perspective
Helen Keller said, “Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.” Elijah complained that he felt all alone. But God reassured him there were still 7,000 people who hadn’t bowed to Baal. You might think you’re the only one who cares about your ministry, but you’re wrong. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people who care about the people you serve. You just need to find them.

Find a Partner
God gave Elijah a practical solution: his new partner, Elisha. You need a fundraising friend. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Ask God for a colleague who can work alongside you. Maybe you need to hire staff, find a volunteer, or recruit a board member who’ll help you connect with donors.

Think About This: If even a prophet got discouraged, none of us are immune. Elijah was also powerful in prayer—and you can be too. When you’re down, spend some intense time in prayer. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Response: Lord, forgive me for thinking I’m in this alone. Please bring me a fundraising partner who can help carry this load with me.

Two open hands lifted upward in a gesture of offering or prayer against a warm, softly blurred outdoor background, with the text “Urgent Generosity” and 2 Corinthians 8:4 displayed on the left side.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Urgent Generosity

by Ron Haas
March 2, 2026

“They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people” (2 Corinthians 8:4).

The believers in Macedonia are a stunning example of generous giving. Paul was collecting funds to support the Jerusalem church, which was struggling with persecution and poverty. When the Macedonians learned about the situation, they begged Paul to let them give. Think about that. These people were broke and going through their own crisis, yet they pleaded for the chance to help someone else.

Paul was stunned by their response (see 2 Corinthians 8:5). What made them so eager? They saw a real need connected to real people at a specific moment. That combination creates urgent generosity. Here’s how to inspire the same response in your donors.

Shouting “Fire”
If you don’t have a fire, don’t yell fire. Artificial urgency trains donors to ignore you. “We need your gift right now” without context is just noise. And desperation messaging backfires. Donors who care will worry. Donors who don’t will leave. If you face a genuine crisis, say so. But choose carefully. You get one, maybe two, emergency appeals before people stop believing you.

Tell the Story Behind the Need
The Macedonians didn’t give to a budget line. They gave to people in Jerusalem who were hungry. Your donors need the same clarity. “Your gift this week means Maria gets her textbooks before midterms” creates urgency because donors see the consequence of delay. Generic deadlines don’t move people. Specific outcomes do. When you connect the timing to a person or result, urgency stops being about your cash flow and starts being about the people you serve.

Create Natural Milestones
Match your deadlines to events that already matter. “Give before summer camp starts so we can cover scholarships for kids already registered” makes sense because the date matters to the mission, not just your budget. The Macedonians understood why their timing mattered. Paul was leaving soon. The Jerusalem church needed help now. Your donors respond when they understand why the calendar matters to the people you serve.

Use Positive Language
Frame urgency as opportunity, not crisis. “Your gift this month doubles through our matching grant” or “Would you give a lead gift we can announce at the banquet to inspire others?” invites participation instead of demanding rescue. The Macedonians saw giving as a privilege. They wanted in on something significant. Give your donors that same sense of opportunity.

The Opposite of Urgency
The opposite of urgency isn’t calm. It’s complacency. If your team isn’t fired up about the work, your donors won’t be either. Sometimes the problem isn’t your messaging. It’s that you’ve lost touch with why this work matters right now. Get out of the office. Visit the people your ministry serves. Reconnect with the mission. When Paul shared what was happening in Jerusalem, the Macedonians caught his urgency because they saw his passion.

Think About This: Your passion for the mission sets the tone for donor response. If you’re going through the motions, they will too.

Response: Lord, forgive me when I forget why this work matters. Fill me with genuine passion for the people we serve, so my excitement becomes contagious to the donors you’ve entrusted to us.

Person balancing on a highline stretched across a rocky mountain peak at sunrise, symbolizing courage and risk, with the text Bold Fundraising and a scripture reference displayed on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Bold Fundraising

by Ron Haas
February 23, 2026

“With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said” (2 Chronicles 32:8).

Hezekiah’s words transformed lambs into lions. Something similar happened at a recent campaign planning meeting with a pretty significant goal. Everyone walked in wondering if we’d completely lost our minds. Could we actually raise this kind of money?

Then Bill showed up and everything changed. When people introduced themselves, most gave a quick “Hi, I’m so-and-so.” Bill took five minutes telling us about his business wins and dropping names of all the big shots he knew personally. At first, it felt a little much. But the longer he talked, the more we realized this guy wasn’t just talk. He actually did know several major donors on a first-name basis. His “we’ve got this” energy was infectious. Suddenly everyone’s “Can we?” turned into “How will we!”

Start with Confidence in the Lord
Bill radiated confidence, but you could also hear his faith underneath it all. He genuinely believed God had prepared him for exactly this moment. Here’s the question: Do you have a positive mindset about fundraising? If you’re just running on your own steam, you’ll burn out fast. But when you draw strength from God, you can accomplish amazing things you never thought possible. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:19).

Then Confidence in Your Mission
Your boldness in asking for money grows directly from how much you believe in what you’re doing. Do you really believe in your cause? Do you understand how important this work is? A good salesperson can sell anything to anyone, but a truly great fundraiser must believe deep down what they’re offering genuinely meets people’s needs. You’ve got to be all in on the fact your campaign will make an eternal difference.

Next: Believe in Your Leadership
Bill joined our campaign because he knew the executive director personally and completely trusted his leadership. The Israelites faced a vast army and were scared out of their minds about their situation. How vast is your campaign? The Israelites trusted King Hezekiah because he trusted God. Does your leadership inspire confidence or raise doubts about whether or not God’s got this?

Finally: Don’t Underestimate your Network
Bill dropped names, but he also showed everyone a text he received that morning from the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Most people won’t volunteer for a campaign team because they think, “I don’t know anybody.” Maybe that feels true. Most of us aren’t hanging out with billionaires at country clubs. But Bill’s enthusiasm got everyone in that room thinking differently. People started remembering, “Wait, I do know someone who…”

Think About This: Your mindset will make or break your fundraising. Henry Ford said it perfectly: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” What do people pick up from your attitude about fundraising?

Prayer: Father, help me trust you for how this campaign turns out. Lead us to the right team members and the right donors.

Man in a suit walking forward with a flowing red superhero cape against a dark, dramatic background, with the text Making Your Donor The Hero and a scripture reference displayed on the left.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Make Your Donor The Hero

by Ron Haas
February 16, 2026

“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get’” (Luke 18:11-12).

The contrast between the Pharisee’s prayer and the tax collector’s is stark. The tax collector could only pray, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The Pharisee’s prayer was all about him: all the bad things he didn’t do and all the great things he did. He almost broke his arm patting himself on the back. Unfortunately, many nonprofits make the same mistake. Their emails and letters focus on their accomplishments instead of humbly expressing thanks to their donors who give generously to fuel their mission.

Positioning your donors as the hero (rather than your organization) is powerful because it emphasizes their partnership and impact. Here are some suggestions:

Stewardship & Kingdom Work
Peter reminds us we are stewards. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Try phrases like: “God is using your generosity to…” “Through your faithful giving…” “You’re stewarding God’s resources to…” “Your kingdom investment is…” “You’re being the hands and feet of Christ when you…”

Biblical Partnership Language
Paul considered the Philippian believers to be partners. “I thank my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3,5). Here are some ways to begin your sentences: “You’re partnering with us in God’s mission to…” “Together in Christ, we…” “You’re joining God’s work of…” “As you sow into this ministry…” “Your obedience to God’s call is…”

Impact Rooted in Faith
Jesus reminded us of our ultimate motivation: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Express your heart like this: “Your gift allowed us to share Christ’s love by…” “You brought hope in Jesus’ name to…” “You’re answering God’s call to care for the least of these…” “Your sacrifice is reflecting the heart of the Gospel…” “You’re living out Matthew 25 when you…”

Blessing & Calling Language
Solomon taught, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). Share these thoughts: “God is multiplying your seed to…” “You’re blessed to be a blessing…” “You’re responding to God’s calling by…” “Your faithfulness is bearing fruit in…”

Direct Attribution
James reminds us about true worship. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). Use these phrases: “Your $50 provided meals and shared the Gospel with…” “You gave a widow dignity and demonstrated Christ’s compassion.” “You sent a child to Christian school where they’ll hear about Jesus.”

Think About This: Frame giving as faithful response to God and participation in His work, not just charity. Donors are heroes because they’re being obedient and allowing God to work through them.

Response: Lord, forgive us for taking the credit for what you are doing through the generosity of our ministry partners.

Wide banner image of a sunlit vineyard with rows of grapevines heavy with dark purple grapes, green leaves filling the foreground, and the text “A Fundraising Pruning Guide” and “John 15:1–2” overlaid on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

A Fundraising Pruning Guide

by Ron Haas
February 9, 2026

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2).

Pruning your apple tree makes everything better. More air and sunlight get into the tree, which means the apples end up sweeter, prettier, and actually ripen properly instead of staying small and sour. It’s like the tree gets to focus its energy on making fewer but way better apples. Jesus used this same principle when talking about spiritual growth, and it applies perfectly to fundraising. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your organization is not to add more programs or events, it’s to cut away what’s not working.

When Events Become Energy Drains
That annual silent auction your board started five years ago? The one that now requires six months of planning, exhausts your volunteers, and barely breaks even after expenses? It might be time for some pruning. Just because something worked once doesn’t mean it deserves to live forever. Good fundraising events should energize your mission, not drain it. If an event isn’t pulling its weight financially or building meaningful relationships with donors, it’s stealing resources from activities that could actually bear fruit.

The SYBUNT Problem
Every nonprofit has donors who gave “Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year.” They clutter your database like dead branches on a tree, and you keep sending them expensive mailings hoping they’ll give again. But here’s the tough truth: if someone hasn’t given in three years, they’re probably not coming back through your regular appeals. Instead of letting these dormant donors drain your mailing budget, try one targeted re-engagement campaign. If that doesn’t work, move them to an inactive list. Your active donors deserve your full attention and resources.

Pruning Your Team
Not every development staff member is going to thrive in fundraising. You can measure activity all day long: phone calls made, emails sent, events attended, but at the end of the year, the question is simple: did they raise money? Great fundraisers don’t just maintain existing donors; they bring in new ones. If someone consistently struggles to build relationships and secure gifts, they might be better suited for a different role. It’s not mean – it’s honest stewardship.

Your Most Precious Resource: Time
As a leader, your calendar is like a garden plot. Every plant competes for the same limited space. That weekly report that takes three hours to compile? The committee meeting that goes in circles? The administrative tasks that keep you from actually talking to donors? Prune ruthlessly. Your highest and best use of time is identifying, cultivating, and asking major donors. Everything else should be delegated, streamlined, or eliminated.

Think About This: Remember, pruning isn’t punishment – it’s preparation for growth. When you cut away what’s not working, you create space for what could flourish. Your remaining programs become stronger. Your staff becomes more focused. Your donors receive better attention. Sometimes the most loving thing a gardener can do is make the hard cuts that allow for new growth.

Response: Lord, please give me wisdom to prune everything (and everyone) that’s not working to make us more effective.

Pile of U.S. dollar bills forming a mound under the headline “When the World Offers Easy Money,” set against a dark background, symbolizing temptation and financial allure.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

When the World Offers Easy Money

by Ron Haas
February 2, 2026

“Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me” (2 Kings 18:31).

King Hezekiah was in big trouble. Sennacherib had bulldozed through 46 cities of Judah and surrounded Jerusalem. He boasted, “As for him (Hezekiah), I confined him inside the city Jerusalem, his royal city, like a bird in a cage. I set up blockades against him and made him dread exiting his city gate.”1 Sennacherib’s envoys stood before Jerusalem’s walls to negotiate Israel’s surrender. Their five tempting arguments still speak to ministry leaders considering debt to solve their financial problems.

Your Friends Won’t Help You
“Egypt is a splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it” (2 Kings 18:21). Sennacherib dismissed Egypt as unreliable. We’re afraid our donors won’t be there when we need their support. Sometimes the “unreliable allies” excuse masks our own reluctance to make the ask.

We Have What You Need
“Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses” (2 Kings 18:23). Sennacherib offered immediate resources to solve immediate problems. Today’s equivalent might be bridge loans, lines of credit, or bond financing promising quick solutions to your cash flow challenges. Consider all your options carefully before “making a bargain” with your lending master.

God Told Me
Note Sennacherib’s arrogance, “The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it” (2 Kings 18:25). Perhaps you have a well-meaning advisor suggesting, “God brought us this great deal.” One Christian institution seriously considered bond funding which would have restricted spiritual programming to only 40% of their new facility. Somehow, that doesn’t seem like an answer to prayer.

Take the Easy Way Out
“Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own” (2 Kings 18:31-32). Sennacherib’s offer sounded appealing: maintain your lifestyle, avoid the struggle, accept our terms. Borrowed money can build buildings and fund programs, but it often comes with hidden costs, not just financial, but organizational and spiritual.

Everybody Else is Doing It
“Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?” (2 Kings 19:12). Sennacherib argued that every other kingdom had fallen to his superior resources. Ministry leaders often hear “all successful organizations leverage debt” or that fundraising simply “isn’t realistic” in today’s economy. Financing isn’t necessarily wrong, but it may not be God’s intended path for your organization’s current challenge.

Think About This: Hezekiah took Sennacherib’s letter and “went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord” (2 Kings 19:14). “That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp.” (2 Kings 19:35). The same God who delivered Jerusalem from overwhelming odds can provide for your ministry’s needs.

Response: Lord, give us wisdom to discern between human solutions and divine provision. Help us trust you to meet our financial needs according to your perfect timing and methods.

Resource: 1Inscription on Sennacherib’s Prism is housed at the Oriental Institute Museum, University of Chicago

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