“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19-20).

We should “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15). It’s also important to prepare for donor visits. Sometimes we worry, “what if I don’t say the right thing,” or worse, “what if I say something wrong?” Jesus instructed his disciples when they were called before the judge, not to worry about what to say or how to say it because it wouldn’t be them speaking, but the Spirit speaking through them. Here are five actions to prepare well for your next donor conversation.

Memorize
Donor visits should be conversations not presentations, but having a scripted donor pitch can help. Just like a preacher memorizes key phrases for an extemporaneous sermon, you should memorize essential information about your mission, vision, and project. Anticipate questions and write out your responses. This will help you speak with confidence and handle tough questions like a pro.

Internalize
Memorize some key phrases but use your own words. Rehearse your ask out loud with a friend to improve your delivery. Your conversations should be natural, not robotic. Showing you genuinely believe in your mission and programs boosts your credibility. Donors can sense if you have a passion and conviction for what your ministry does or if it’s just words.

Personalize
Tailor your approach to your donors’ interests and past giving patterns. The closer you align your appeal to your donors’ heart the more likely they will give generously. When it comes to effective solicitation, “one size doesn’t fit all.” Ask the right person for the right project for the right amount.

Prioritize
When planning donor visits, have specific outcomes in mind. Don’t just visit to visit. Identify the purpose for your conversation. Is it a discovery call to learn their interests? A follow-up call to answer their questions? A thank-you call to express appreciation? One important goal is to attentively listen to their giving heart. Another is to share your proposal and confidently ask for a specific gift.

Crystalize
Your donors will never forget a great story. A Gideon missionary was distributing New Testaments on a busy street corner. One person shouted they would take a bible if they could use the paper to roll their cigarettes. The missionary responded, “That’s fine, but promise to read the page first before you tear it out and smoke it.” A few months later, the same person approached the missionary on the same corner and shared, “I smoked my way through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and when I got to John, I trusted in Jesus!”

Think About This: Ultimately, you are not responsible for the outcome, you are God’s spokesperson to present your ministry to the best of your ability and ask for your donors’ support. Before your next visit, ask God for “what to say and how to say it.” Then let the Spirt speak through you.

Response: Lord, please help me prepare well and pray fervently.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“You are those who have stood by me in my trials” (Luke 22:28).

One of the scenes during the Last Supper includes the disciples arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. In response, Jesus taught them one last time about what it means to be a servant. Then he commended them for standing by him through all his trials. Some early followers had turned back because his teaching was too difficult to accept (see John 6:66), but these eleven had faithfully walked with him. Jesus’ words of affirmation seem ironic on the night all of them would scatter. Nevertheless, Jesus shared genuine appreciation for his remaining followers. Consider these ways to honor your donors.

Express Gratitude.

Jesus thanked his disciples for their loyalty. No doubt you have several donors who have supported your organization through challenging times. Have you thanked them recently? By expressing gratitude for their steadfastness, you will strengthen the relationship between your donors and your ministry. Some honor longtime supporters with trophies but receiving gifts is not everyone’s love language. One individual was given a custom-engraved crystal award but didn’t want to fly home with it because it took up too much room in her suitcase.

Challenge Them with a Big Ask.

Jim is a development director who genuinely cares for his donors who aren’t just names on his portfolio, but close friends. Bill and Mary had supported Jim’s ministry faithfully over the years. For one capital campaign, Jim challenged them to consider a $1 million gift. Even though Bill had the financial capacity, he resisted and told Jim, “I hope the fact that we can’t give this gift won’t harm our friendship.” Jim responded, “Bill, nothing could come between us. I am just grateful for the privilege of asking you for a gift of this size. Not everyone has this ability.”

Bill and Mary prayed about the gift. Two weeks later Bill called Jim and said, “Mary and I have been thinking and talking. God has been so good to us and we want to give that gift.” Jim expressed his incredible thankfulness for Bill and Mary’s generosity.

Offer Mutual Support.

Just as your donors have stood by you in difficult times you should encourage them when they’re going through rough waters. Perhaps you can visit them in the hospital, pray with them over a prodigal child, encourage them through a financial crisis, or mourn with them at the graveside of a loved one. As a donor representative you have the unique privilege of accompanying your ministry partners as they walk through dark valleys. By offering a listening ear and demonstrating care, you can build stronger bonds and show you value them beyond their financial contributions.

Several years later, Bill passed away. Jim was the first person Mary called. She sent her private jet to pick up Jim so he could fly to Florida and accompany her as they brought Bill’s body home. She did not ask her sons to accompany her—she asked Jim.

Think About This: When you care for donors experiencing difficult times, they will remember you when you experience difficult times. Whom are you standing by in their time of trial?

Response: Lord, help me honor my donors in genuine ways.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” (Song of Songs 2:15).

Little things can drive wedges between you and your donors. The Bridegroom warned his Bride to catch the little foxes that would spoil their vine. In a marriage, the little differences which attracted you and your spouse can become huge annoyances if you don’t apply love in liberal doses. Fundraising is similar. How many former donors are on your “Do Not Contact” list because of an offence? Watch out for these five little foxes:

Poor Communication

Every failed donor relationship can be traced back to a fundamental issue—lack of communication.

The true root problem is really the absence of attentive listening. Stephen Covey observed, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” We focus more on what we plan to say next instead of what the donor is saying. Foster successful donor relationships by listening more than speaking. Dedicate at least half of your donor conversations to active listening to glean vital insights into their core values and motivations.

Unmet Expectations

Donors believe you will use their gift for what you say you will. Unfortunately, when budgets get tight ministry leaders are tempted to find ways to apply designated gifts to undesignated budget items. These bookkeeping gymnastics may cover short-term budget needs but will often create long-term donor issues. When a donor’s gift is used for another purpose without their consent, they may feel betrayed, misled, frustrated, and distrustful towards your organization.

Lack of Empathy

Sometimes we focus so much on our programs and our financial needs we forget to show love and compassion. A donor shared the sad story of one trusted employee who had just embezzled $150,000. The donor representative was prepared to ask for $150,000 gift. Wisely, he kept the proposal in his folder for another day and focused on encouraging the donor in his loss. Be sensitive to the Spirit and “mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15).

Taking Donors for Granted

If every conversation you have with your donors is asking for money, you will quickly burn your relationships. Avoid treating your donors as mere ATM machines, expecting money to effortlessly flow out by pushing a few buttons. Treasure donors’ support, value their contributions, show gratitude, build relationships, and never underestimate their impact on your mission. Donors sense when you only appreciate them for what they have and what they can give, instead of who they are.

Thanklessness

One of the signs of the last days is people will be “ungrateful” (see 2 Tim. 3:1-3). Failing to express gratitude and appreciation for donors’ contributions cuts their motivation to continue supporting your cause. Acknowledging their generosity, providing heartfelt thanks, and demonstrating the impact of their donations are crucial in fostering long-lasting and meaningful donor relationships.

Think About This: The best way to keep these little foxes in check is with two little words: time and love. Spend time with your donors and genuinely love them. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Response: Lord, please help me cultivate deep relationships with our donors.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:6-10).

NASA uses the Go/No-Go decision making process to determine everything is cleared for launch. Critical details are checked and double-checked before mission control declares, “All systems are go!” Discerning God’s will can be confusing at times. We map out our strategic plans but sometimes things don’t progress as we hope. Paul’s experience at Troas is a perfect example of handling uncertainty in ministry.

No
In Paul’s first attempted to preach the gospel in Asia, the Holy Spirit prevented him. What happened? Could they not get passports? Did someone physically stand in their way? Ultimately, the Lord holds the key to the door, “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (Rev. 3:7). When your first idea doesn’t work, keep trying.

No Again
Paul pivoted toward Bithynia, “but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Can you imagine the conversations among his traveling companions? Perhaps they questioned God’s leading; perhaps they questioned Paul’s leadership. Solomon counseled, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Prov. 24:16). Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”

Go
That evening, the Holy Spirit gave Paul the vision of a man of Macedonia calling for help. A church hired an architect to design new facilities. The congregation gave positive feedback but wondered if the sanctuary plans were too large for the available parking spaces. To discern the Lord’s will, the elders proposed two Go/No-Go data points: (1) conduct a traffic study, and (2) move forward only if the elders had one hundred percent unity. God answered their prayers, but not like they thought. The study revealed the site did not have adequate parking spaces, and the elders voted unanimously to ask the architect to significantly rework the plans. God brought clarity. Yet, it took courageous leadership to pull back and start over.

Go Now
Once Paul had clarity, they “got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:10). Clare DeGraaf wrote in his book, The 10 Second Rule, “Just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do and do it quickly before you change your mind.”

Think About This: How will you know which path to take? “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isa. 30:21).

Response: Father, please guide us on your path. Help us listen for the Spirit’s voice to know the right next step.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you” (Leviticus 26:8).

You know the adage, “It takes money to make money.” The Pierce Family Foundation in Chicago surveyed ninety nonprofit organizations to learn the number of fundraisers they employ per dollar raised. They discovered it takes one full-time staff person to raise $500,000. How many fundraising staff do you need to be successful? God promised if Israel followed his commands, he would help them accomplish much more than they could in their own strength. When they were obedient, the math was 5 to 100 and 100 to 10,000.

Five
“Five will chase a hundred.” Which five will you hire? As executive director, you are the number one fundraiser. Your first hire should be an administrative assistant to help you manage your donor portfolio. Secondly, hire a development director who spends most of his or her time outside the office visiting donors. For every subsequent hire you should ask, “Are they adding overhead or gift income?” One rule of thumb is a gift officer should raise their salary in the first year, double it in the second, and triple it in the third.

One Hundred
If “one hundred of you will chase ten thousand,” should you hire one hundred fundraisers? Universities have an army of major gift officers, grant writers, researchers, a marketing team, event planners, plus all the latest software to track every gift and every gift officer’s next move. Whether your organization has dozens of fundraisers or just you—fundraising is still identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors.

Two
Moses’ math was, “How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had surrendered them?” (Deut. 32:10). Moses warned if Israel disobeyed, only two enemies could defeat them. The opposite is also true. Two will put ten thousand enemies on the run. The same principle works for you. Two can accomplish much. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:19).

One
Joshua encouraged Israel with this promise. “One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (Josh. 23:10-11). Don’t be discouraged if you’re all alone. God can multiply your efforts. Helen Keller said, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Think About This: God promised an abundant harvest for obedience, “You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new” (Lev. 26:10). God can bless you with so much abundance you will have to make room for all the new money!

Response: Father, we don’t have one hundred fundraisers. Please guide us with the Spirit’s power and direction to multiply our efforts.

“Fundraising Staffing Survey.” n.d. Pierce Family Foundation. https://www.piercefamilyfoundation.org/resource/fundraising-staffing-survey/

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

As a Christian ministry, should you fundraise like the world fundraises? Jerry Panas (1928-2018) was the premier fundraiser of modern times. He wrote 20 books including such classics as ASKING, Mega Gifts, and Born to Raise. Soak in three of his quotes, “Little of consequence would ever have been accomplished in this world without someone having had the courage to ask,” “The true art of asking lies in listening,” and “Only three ingredients are needed to be a successful fundraiser: Hard work, hard work, and hard work.” Read everything can from Panas because all truth is God’s truth.

As Christian fundraisers, our methods go beyond what the world has to offer because they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Overcoming the love of money and the deceitfulness of riches are fundraising strongholds. We have an advantage over the world because when a donor gives to our ministries, they reap eternal rewards. Consider these four perspectives.

Faith
Ultimately, generosity is not a financial decision, it’s a faith decision. Both the asker and the giver must have faith God will provide for their needs. Secular fundraising professionals can only appeal to their donors based on how a potential gift might alleviate human problems. We can appeal to our donors with the truth that their gifts will make a physical and eternal difference in the lives of those we serve.

Hope
Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.” We have the privilege of challenging our donors to place their hope in God by laying up “treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Tim. 6:19).

Love
Consider this scene from Mark 10:21 about the rich young ruler, “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” This young man’s riches prevented him from laying up treasure in heaven. Jesus loved him by challenging him to generosity which can only come from a heart changed by love.

Prayer
It goes without saying that fundraisers should be prayer warriors. “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray” (James 5:13). Seriously, when it comes to your fundraising efforts you should “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18). The strongholds of greed and selfishness will not be demolished without prayer.

Think About This: Jerry had a sign on his desk, “If you can read this… you are not out calling on prospects.” That’s great advice for everyone who raises money!

Response: Father, help me learn as much as I can from successful fundraisers then remind me you are the final authority. “I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes” (Psa. 119:99).

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“He called together the priests and Levites and said to them, ‘Go to the towns of Judah and collect the money due annually from all Israel, to repair the temple of your God. Do it now.’ But the Levites did not act at once” (2 Chronicles 24:5).

Joash became king at age seven and ruled for forty years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. During his reign, the Temple developed some serious deferred maintenance issues, so he ordered the priests and Levites to collect gifts and make the repairs. His instructions were crystal clear, “Do it now!” Unfortunately, the Levites procrastinated and never started the work. Do you have a project you’ve never finished? How do you recover from a stalled capital campaign? King Joash offers four answers.

Transparency
After sixteen years, King Joash called Jehoiada the chief priest to give an account of the project. His investigation uncovered negligence, misappropriation of funds, and even theft. “Now the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah had broken into the temple of God and had used even its sacred objects for the Baals” (2 Chron. 24:7). Sadly, many Christian organizations have been rocked by poor financial management or even fraud and embezzlement. Make sure you have internal controls and accurate accounting. Donor trust is built on reliable financial information.

Accountability
The best way to regain donor confidence is to acknowledge what went wrong and explain why it happened. Ben Franklin said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” King Joash wasn’t happy about the delays and excuses, so he appointed his royal secretary to collect the gifts, purchase supplies, and hire masons and carpenters to start the work. To rebuild trust, your ministry may need to replace some irresponsible employees with responsible ones.

Integrity
If a project is delayed because of poor planning, leadership changes, plan revisions, or any other reason, donors begin to question the ministry’s credibility. When you raise money for a project, you raise donor expectations their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. Fundraising demands integrity. Did you use the funds how you said you would, or did you divert them to another project? “The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it” (2 Chron. 24:13).

Participation
King Joash addressed the internal problems then called the people to bring their gifts to the temple and deposit them in a chest he had made. “All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly, dropping them into the chest until it was full” (vs. 10). They collected “a great amount of money” and hired workmen to restore the temple. Generosity grows when donor confidence grows. The people were so generous the priests made more articles for the temple with the additional funds.

Think About This: People will rally to your cause when you take responsibility for your mistakes, communicate a clear vision, and outline a clear path to accomplish your vision.

Response: Father, help us always “be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17).

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action” (2 Corinthians 9:2).

When Paul raised relief funds for the Jerusalem church, the Corinthian believers were the first to respond and promised to give more. Paul shared their eagerness with all the other churches in Achaia and their generosity encouraged most of them to get involved. There is no stronger endorsement of your project than committed donors sharing your story with their friends. Hebrews 10:24 teaches, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” How can you encourage your board members to encourage their friends to give?

Eagerness
Many times, major donors seem reluctant, not eager, to ask their friends to support your ministry. Perhaps they don’t want their friends to return the favor. Perhaps they think encouraging generosity will harm their friendship. Perhaps deep down they are people-pleasers. Paul warns, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10).

Ready to Give
Strike while the iron is hot. The time to ask the networking question is when your donor gives. If your ministry is worthy of your donor’s support, it’s worthy of their friends’ support. The problem with the Corinthians was their initial fire for the project cooled off a little. Paul rekindled their passion by explaining how others got involved because of their generosity. It’s kind of a reverse matching gift challenge. The Corinthians gave first prompting others to give. The generosity of others prompted the Corinthians to follow through with their pledges.

Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm begets more enthusiasm. Tell your ministry impact stories with zeal. Then when God blesses you with a major gift, celebrate your donor’s generosity testimony. Encourage your donors to spur on their friends to join them in supporting your compelling case. Many people need a gentle nudge to part with their resources; a sacrificial gift inspires others toward generosity. The most effective fundraisers on your team might not be those with professional skills, they might simply be those with passion.

Stirred to Action
Peter served as a board member of a youth ministry launching a capital campaign. The ministry leaders asked him to chair the major gifts committee. Peter responded, “I’m not good at fundraising.” Instead, he committed to match every gift dollar for dollar. Then Peter contacted his friends and asked them to join him. His first friend gave $200,000; the second gave $300,000. Soon they reached their $3 million goal. Peter’s ministry friends teased him, “You’re a pretty good fundraiser after all. In fact, you’re better than all of us combined.”

Think About This: Mark Twain observed, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Generous giving from your board members makes a powerful statement.

Response: Lord, please ignite our board members with contagious enthusiasm for our ministry. Give them courage to be our champions!

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exodus 17:10-13).

The lesson from Joshua’s battle against the Amalekites is crystal clear: when you pray, you win; if you stop praying, you lose. Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of the ridge for a strategic view of the battlefield. Moses stood with his arms raised holding the staff of God to intercede for Joshua and the Children of Israel. When Moses prayed, Joshua won; when Moses’ arms fell, so did Israel’s army. This story has direct fundraising applications.

Pray

Fundraising is spiritual warfare. At what point do you think they realized the position of Moses’ arms impacted the outcome of the battle? Recruit a team to fervently pray for open doors, great donor conversations, and God’s favor. Paul asked the Colossian believers, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message” (Col. 4:3).

Help

Just like the disciples, Moses’ spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak. As much as he wanted to hold his arms high in prayer, it was too difficult for him to continue. So, they pulled up a stone for Moses to sit on while Aaron and Hur stood on each side holding up his arms. Ask for help from some trusted confidants. Send out regular prayer emails. You don’t need to share details about your donor visits, just ask for prayer.

Fight

Your organization needs soldiers on the field telling your story. You recruit an executive director, development director, or fundraising staff with the expectation they can raise money. But even the most talented team members will fail if they attempt to fundraise in their own human efforts. Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with his sword, but the Lord was his banner (Exo. 17:15).

Tell

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it’” (Exo 17:14). Joshua would face many battles and needed this reminder of God’s faithfulness. We are quick to ask for prayer, but sometimes we forget God’s amazing answers. Paul invited his prayer partners to join him in the battle so they could enjoy the victory, “many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Cor. 1:11).

Think About This: Who was the MVP of this battle? Would you vote for Joshua wielding a sword, Moses lifting his staff in prayer, or Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms? The correct answer is everyone. Fundraising is a team sport. The people on the front lines won’t succeed without a prayer chain supporting them.

Response: Lord, give us perseverance to pray fervently for our fundraising needs.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.