In truth, each of us journeys through life like a shadow. We busy ourselves accomplishing nothing, piling up assets we can never keep; We can’t even know who will end up with those things. (Psalm 39:6, The Voice)

Scripture describes our lives as a “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14), grass that springs up new in the morning, “but by evening it is dry and withered” (Psalm 90:6), a passing breeze that does not return (Psalm 78:39), a swift weaver’s shuttle that comes to an end without hope (Job 7:6), and a fleeting shadow (Ecclesiastes 6:12).

David observed in Psalm 39 that most people live busy lives but don’t accomplish anything of eternal value. They accumulate assets they can never keep and have no idea who will finally end up with all their things. Who will inherit your possessions? You only have three options: the government, your children, or charity.

The Government
New York Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, died from a heart attack on July 13, 2010, at age 80. Many people think that the Steinbrenner family hit a home run with estate taxes when he passed away. Why? In 2010 there were no estate taxes. In fact, 2010 was the only year with no estate taxes. If he had died in 2009 or 2011, his widow and four children would have paid an estimated $500 million to $600 million in estate taxes.

Your Children
Your ministry partners have no guarantee their children will make wise financial decisions or, like the prodigal son, squander their wealth in wild living (Luke 15:13). Solomon bemoaned leaving his inheritance to those who would follow him, “And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish?” (Ecclesiastes 2:19). Today’s donors also question how much to leave their children—some don’t need the money, others would waste it, and sadly, some have wandered from the faith.

Charity
It makes logical sense that someone who has been generous to your ministry throughout their life, would be generous in their death. Unfortunately, many people don’t even think about including charity in their estate plans. One easy way is to encourage your donors to tithe their estate. Another creative approach is to encourage your donors to adopt a child named, “Charity.” A donor with three children would typically divide their estate in thirds, by adopting “Charity,” each beneficiary would receive 25%.
We shy away from planned giving conversations because we perceive them as complicated. Your job is to keep it simple. Don’t worry about structuring a gift. Instead, focus your efforts on telling your ministry story and asking your donors to make a gift that will last beyond their lifetime. We often rely on literature to present giving opportunities, but the strongest approach is to ask face to face.

Think About This: McDonald’s heiress, Joan Kroc, left more than $200 million to NPR. Her transformative 2003 bequest wasn’t because of a major gift officer’s strategy, it was because she remembered meeting with NPR’s then-president, Kevin Klose, who had hoped Kroc would give at the $25,000 level. Go meet with your planned giving prospects and ask!

Response: Lord, give me boldness to personally ask my donors to remember our ministry in their estate plans.

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:26-29).

Jesus shared this parable of the growing seed to illustrate how God causes the Gospel to flourish in peoples’ hearts. When the seed starts growing it doesn’t stop until it produces a harvest. Some people new to major gift fundraising think they can plant the seed and immediately harvest a $1 million gift but asking and receiving requires patience and faith. Consider these steps:

Scattering Seed
The farmer sows the seed but is not responsible for the outcome. His role in the process is very limited. All he can do is plant the seed and wait. The only human act in the Gospel is telling the story. Evangelists can’t make someone place their faith in Christ, they can only present the Gospel and trust the Holy Spirit to change hearts. As a fundraiser, you can’t make someone give to your ministry, you can only share the story, ask for their partnership, and trust God to prompt their generosity.

Sprouts and Grows
The seed has all the power within it to reproduce itself which is why your ministry story is a critical aspect of fundraising. Your story must convey eternal results. The farmer doesn’t understand how the seed grows. Likewise, you can’t read a donor’s heart to know what might take root, so you need to sow many varieties of seed. Your giving opportunities should include people, property, and programs.

Stalk, Head, Full Kernel
Donors rarely give a seven-figure first-time gift, in fact many initial gifts are $100 or less. Stretch your donors by presenting them with greater opportunities. As your donors’ confidence in you grows, their gifts will increase. An eager major gift officer boldly asked for a $5 million dollar gift from someone who had the ability but no relationship to the ministry. The donor responded, “You need to give me more of an onramp. Ask me for a project that can start our relationship.”

The Harvest
Farming and fundraising are hard work. Both require knowledge of what, when, where, and how to plant, and both require reliance on God’s favor. The fundraising harvest comes after you’ve invested the hard work of relationship building and asking. The hardworking farmer does what he does so that he can enjoy the harvest. If you faithfully tell your story and ask, God will bring a bountiful harvest. He is ultimately responsible for providing for your ministry.

Response: Father, please help me faithfully tell our ministry story, ask for support, and trust you for the outcome.

Think About This: Mark 4:28 says, “All by itself the soil produces grain.” This phrase uses the Greek word automatē, from which we get the English word “automatically.” It’s divinely automatic. Fundraising is a divine-human cooperative, but mostly divine. Tell your ministry story well, ask boldly, and leave your results to God.

Friend, have a Spirit-led fundraising week!

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy” (2 Kings 5:11).

As commander of the army of the King of Aram, Naaman was a proud man and by human standards he had every reason to be. “He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly-regarded” (2 Kings 5:1). He was rich and famous and accustomed to telling people what to do. Only one thing held him back, he had leprosy. A servant girl he had captured told his wife that Elisha would heal him. So, he made a pilgrimage to see the prophet.

When Naaman’s entourage arrived. Elisha didn’t even come to the door but sent his servant to instruct Naaman to go wash in the Jordan seven times and be healed. Naaman stomped off in a huff and told his servant that Elisha should have at least come out to meet him, pray to his God, wave his hands over the leprosy, and cure him. He was convinced that he knew more than Elisha about how to heal his leprosy.

Major Opinion
Naaman’s attitude toward Elisha’s instructions is like some major donors who think that you are doing ministry all wrong. No doubt you’ve listened patiently to someone who doesn’t understand why you did or did not do something a certain way. You should be eager to listen, learn, and respond, but don’t change something just because a wealthy donor says you should.

Major Change
A courageous servant spoke truth and changed Naaman’s mind. He went to the Jordon, washed seven times, and was healed physically and spiritually. It may not happen often but occasionally a major donor who has opposed you, may come to their senses, see things differently, and apologize. (see 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Major Gift
Naaman rushed back to Elisha and offered him extravagant gifts of gold, silver, and clothing. But Elisha did something that most ministry leaders would never consider—he refused his gifts. In contrast to false teachers who use religion for financial gain, Elisha wanted to reinforce that salvation is free. Are you more concerned about a gift or your prospective donor’s spiritual health?

Major Lesson
Naaman asked permission to take some dirt home so he could sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord. Then he asked if God would forgive him for accompanying his king to the pagan temple as part of his job. Elisha granted both requests told him to go in peace. Elisha showed grace and kindness to this new believer because he knew that spiritual growth takes time.

Response: Father, please help me care more about my donor’s relationship to you than anything else. Please give me discernment to know when I should refuse a gift.

Think About This: Some donors may be tempted to influence your decisions by wielding their checkbooks. It’s easier to refuse a gift when it comes with strings that might pull you off mission. Don’t sacrifice your core values for a short-term gain. Stand for biblical truth. God will bring you like-minded partners who will appreciate your courage.

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them” (Luke 7:37-38).

Simon, one of the Pharisees, invited Jesus to his home for dinner. A sinful woman learned that Jesus was there and came to worship him. Overwhelmed by his presence, she began to cry as she poured an expensive bottle of perfume on his feet and wiped them with her hair. Simon was appalled at her display of love for Jesus, and that Jesus would allow her to touch him. Jesus knew Simon’s thoughts and taught a parable about two people who owed money they couldn’t repay. One owed a lot, the second owed a little, but the moneylender graciously forgave both debts.

Jesus turned the question toward Simon, “Who loved the moneylender more?” Simon got the point. Those who have been forgiven much, love much; those who have been forgiven little, love little. Simon had not offered to wash his feet, but the woman washed his feet with her tears. Donors who have been greatly impacted by your ministry tend to respond generously. How do you recognize how much your donors love your mission? Let’s apply Gary Chapman’s five love languages to donor relationships.

Words of Affirmation

Kevin, the executive director, was under fire for a biblical stand his ministry took. When the controversy hit the media, Jeff, his key major donor immediately texted to encourage Kevin. Texts turned to phone calls and then to meetings. Jeff ultimately backed up his words with a substantial gift.

Quality Time

We strive to spend quality time with our donors. One indicator that your donors value your friendship is when they offer to spend quality time with you.

Acts of Service

The contrast between Simon and this woman was stark. She loved Jesus and wanted to serve him in humility. When donors volunteer to serve in meaningful ways, they love your ministry.

Receiving Gifts

This woman poured out an expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus’ feet. Some would see it as a waste, she saw it as worship. Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there is where your heart is also” (Matthew 6:21). When people love your ministry, they give liberally. The opposite is also true.

Physical Touch

Simon didn’t offer a servant to wash Jesus’ feet, but this woman cried on them, wiped his feet with her hair, and kissed them. It’s the glaring difference between a donor handshake and a hug. We desire our major donors to embrace our vision and mission, but some just want to hold us at arm’s length.

Response: Father, please help me love my major donors with sincerity. Help me discern when they are ready for a significant ask.

Think About This: Everyone’s love language is different. If you give gifts to a donor whose love language is words of affirmation, you are not connecting to their heart. Know your major donors intimately so that you can speak his or her love language.

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? (2 Kings 5:26).

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, had a big leprosy problem. A servant girl shared good news with his wife that Elisha would heal him. So, Naaman searched for the prophet and took along 750 pounds of silver (worth approximately $230,000), 150 pounds of gold (worth approximately $4.2 million), and ten new outfits. Elisha didn’t even come to the door but sent him to wash seven times in the Jordan. Naaman was offended but his servant finally convinced him to obey the prophet and he was miraculously healed. Naaman was so grateful, he rushed back to thank Elisha with silver and gold, but Elisha refused his gifts and sent him home.

Gehazi believed that Elisha had let Naaman off too easy, so he chased after this major donor to ask for a gift for himself. Gehazi shared a cover story about needing seventy-five pounds of silver and some new clothes for two young prophets. Naaman joyfully gave him twice as much as he asked. Gehazi hurried back, stashed the loot in his tent, then went to work like nothing had happened. Elisha caught him red-handed. Unfortunately, all too often, someone in Christian ministry gets caught embezzling funds. How can you protect your heart against greed? Consider these three safeguards:

Contentment
“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Like many in ministry, Gehazi felt underpaid and undervalued, so he took matters into his own hands. You’ll never get paid what you’re worth—or so you think. The defense against covetousness is contentment. Paul “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12). Have you learned the secret of contentment?

Others-Focused
It’s not wrong to be compensated fairly for your work. “The worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). Paul instructed, “the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor” (Galatians 6:6). Elisha could have taken a gift, but he was more concerned about Naaman’s spiritual growth than his own financial needs. He didn’t want Naaman to be confused by thinking he could pay for God’s grace.

Accountability
Financial audits usually catch embezzlers, but Gehazi’s sin was asking for his own benefit and taking advantage of the donor’s generosity. This greed is much harder to detect. As a fundraiser, you have the privilege of befriending many wealthy people. One can easily become envious of their lifestyle. Always put the interests of your ministry above your own. Don’t ask for yourself.

Response: Father, please forgive me for being discontent with my wages (Luke 3:14).

Think About This: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). The results of greed are not worth the price. Gehazi was struck down with Naaman’s leprosy. Guard your heart!

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Esther was reluctant about approaching Ahasuerus to plead her people’s cause. As king of the world, he had a nasty habit of executing uninvited guests. Showing up unannounced risked a 50/50 chance for survival. If he extended his golden scepter toward you, you were good to go. If not, it was a big thumbs down. Esther experienced Spirit-filled courage when she decided to approach the king. Some executive directors, presidents, heads of school, and ministry leaders are fearful of approaching major donors and asking for a gift. Esther’s four steps can transform you from cowardice to confidence.

Purpose
Haman devised a plot to exterminate the Jews. Mordecai learned of his evil plans and sent a message to his niece, Esther, pleading with her to get involved. Their situation had every component of a compelling case for fundraising—a problem, a solution, and incredible urgency. Your first fundraising question is, “What’s our purpose for raising money?” The answer must be stronger than, “We just need it.” You must solve urgent problems.

Prompting
Esther’s first response was to pretend that everything would be alright. Mordecai sat in sackcloth and ashes mourning their death sentence. She sent new robes; he refused. Mordecai’s prodding touched her heart, “If you won’t help, God will use someone else.” If your organization doesn’t raise the needed funds to serve the people God has called you to serve, perhaps God will use another ministry.

Position
Mordecai’s final argument was, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). God placed Esther in the Persian palace at just the right time for this purpose. God has placed you in your position for this moment in your organization’s history. If you’re the leader, he has called you to lead your fundraising efforts “for such a time as this.”

Prayer
Esther is a wonderful example of humble reliance on prayer. She called all the Jews living in Susa to fast and pray for her audience with the king. Fundraising is spiritual work. If you attempt it in human effort, you will fail. You must pray fervently. “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him” (Proverbs 21:1).

Response: Father, please forgive me for my reluctance to ask major donors to partner with us. Prompt me to ask others to pray for our fundraising success.

Think About This: “Once we are prayerfully committed to placing our whole trust in God, and have become clear that we are concerned only for the Kingdom; once we have learned to love the rich for who they are rather than what they have; and once we believe that we have something of great value to give them, then we will have no trouble at all in asking someone for a large sum of money.” Henry Nouwen

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” (2 Kings 7:19).

Ben-Hadad king of Aram laid siege to Samaria causing starvation so severe that people were eating donkey’s heads, pigeon droppings, and even cannibalizing their children (2 Kings 6:26-30). The king of Israel blamed Elisha and vowed to kill him. Elisha prophesied that the Lord would open the floodgates of heaven and rescue them the very next day, but the king’s first officer scoffed. There’s always a skeptic who questions your fundraising plans proclaiming, “It will never happen!”

Is your ministry facing a difficult financial situation? Do people question your sanity when you tell them that fundraising is the answer to your problems? Keep taking these four donor development steps:

Discover
Many ministries respond to crises like the people of Samaria. They hunker down and don’t ask others for help. In a last-ditch effort, four lepers decided to approach the Aramean’s camp and beg for bread. They discovered an incredible sight. During the night, the soldiers heard voices from the Lord and ran for their lives leaving all their food and possessions. The four lepers went from tent to tent gobbling and grabbing as much as they could.

Sometimes, we assume major donors aren’t interested in giving to our ministry. We don’t ask them, we just assume. Remember this fundraising rule, “Don’t decide for your donors. Let them decide for themselves.” Schedule discovery visits with your key prospects and ask questions.

Qualify
The lepers gorged themselves and then felt remorse for the people in the city. So, they went to the city walls and shouted the good news. The king was skeptical but sent soldiers to check out the lepers’ story. You should qualify potential major donors. What is their link to your organization? Does their giving interest align with your mission? Do they have the financial ability to give a significant gift?

Cultivate
Many times, we are tempted to push the relationship faster than the donor is ready. A donor downloaded a free resource from a radio ministry. The ministry followed up immediately with an email appeal, even before the donor had a chance to read the document. The Israelites could skip the donor cultivation step because their “donors” were long gone. However, you cannot jump to the ask before you earn the right to ask.

Solicit
Some fundraisers love making discovery, qualifying, and cultivating visits but fall short when it comes to soliciting. You can’t hint or hope, you must go ask for a gift. Once the word got out that the enemy was gone, the people rushed to Aramean’s camp and picked up their “gifts.” Elisha’s prophecy came true. God supplied a miracle, and the skeptical officer was trampled.

Response: Father, give me courage to keep asking even when skeptics stand in my way.

Think About This: There are three types of fundraisers. The Wills, the Won’ts, and the Can’ts. The Wills will accomplish everything. The Won’ts will oppose everything, and the Can’ts won’t do anything. Which fundraiser are you?

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Nahash answered, “Sure, I’ll sign a treaty! But not before I insult Israel by poking out the right eye of every man who lives in Jabesh” (1 Samuel 11:2, CEV).

King Nahash of Ammon laid siege to the town of Jabesh in Gilead. City officials tried negotiating, however, his brutal peace terms demanded poking out the right eye of every man in the city—not a preferred outcome. So, the people of Jabesh turned to their neighbors in Gibeah for help. Everyone was lamenting the desperate situation when Saul arrived from working in the fields. As they shared the bad news, the Spirit of God filled Saul with righteous anger, and he rallied all Israel to defend their kinsmen from this enemy. This troubling Old Testament account gives us four essential components of every successful fundraising effort.

Problem
Israel’s situation is very similar to the needs of those you serve. Their enemy wanted to destroy their vision. Your enemy has “blinded the eyes of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel” (2 Cor. 4:4). Everything you do helps people see Jesus more clearly, whether you lift the homeless, comfort the hurting, come alongside single moms, or educate the next generation. You want people to see God’s plan for their lives. Fundraising provides the resources to solve eye problems.

Power
The Holy Spirit used this crisis to spur Saul into action and “The Spirit of God came powerfully upon him” (1 Sam. 11:6). Secular nonprofit organizations rely on human ability to solve human needs. Your ministry should be different, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). It’s so easy to list all the reasons why your problems can’t be solved. Instead, look with the eyes of faith and trust God to give you power to accomplish the impossible.

Passion
Saul didn’t wait around for someone else to solve the problem. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent messengers throughout Israel saying, “This is what will be done to the oxen of everyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel” (1 Sam. 11:7). Threatening people is not a fundraising best practice, but helping people understand the urgency of the situation is. People need to know why their involvement is critical right now.

People
Saul’s motivational message worked, “Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out as one” (1 Sam 11:7). The fear of the Lord is a great motivator. Saul mustered 330,000 soldiers overnight. You can’t solve your problems by yourself, you need to motivate others. Your challenge is to clearly communicate why the need is so great, in what ways your solution meets those needs, and how your donors can make a difference.

Response: Father, may your Spirit help us bring sight to those who are spiritually blind.

Think About This: When the people in Jabesh heard that Saul was on his way to rescue them, they were overjoyed (see 1 Sam. 11:9). Don’t avoid fundraising like a poke in the eye. Approach it with enthusiasm! Look at it through the eyes of those you serve and rejoice that your ministry has changed lives for eternity.

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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

Peter and John were walking to the Temple to pray when a lame man cried out asking for alms. Peter responded, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). Immediately, the man jumped to his feet and began to walk. This amazing miracle presented a preaching opportunity for Peter who proclaimed salvation by faith in the resurrected Christ and many people believed. This displeased the Jewish rulers, so they tossed the disciples into prison.

The next day all the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law questioned Peter and John. The rulers were in a tough spot; it was hard to deny the miracle when the formerly lame man was standing before them. They ordered Peter and John to quit speaking and teaching about Jesus. To which they replied, we can’t stop talking about what we have seen and heard!

How can you, as a fundraiser, make such an impression on your donors that they can’t stop talking about your ministry? Consider these four strategies.

Time
The rulers were perplexed by these “unschooled and ordinary” disciples noting that Peter and John “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Donors notice when they sense you have spent time with Jesus. Donors are also attracted to your ministry when you spend time with them. In fundraising, absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder, you must invest time with your ministry partners.

Testimonies
The people believed Peter’s message because the lame man was leaping and praising God right before their eyes. Donors talk about you when they see changed lives. Recently, a development director shared a capital campaign opportunity with a grandparent. The man was pleasant but noncommittal. Then the development director took him on a tour to visit his grandson’s class. His demeanor immediately changed, and he volunteered for the campaign committee.

Truth
The rulers commanded Peter and John to stop speaking about Jesus, but they responded, “We can’t, and we won’t.” When your ministry faces opposition, donors watch for your response to see if you will stand firm or water down your convictions. Don’t be afraid to stand for the truth. Donors who also stand for the truth will stand with you.

Together
When Peter and John were released, they met with the other believers to pray and praise God together for delivering them (Acts 2:24). Be transparent with your ministry partners about the difficulties you face. Treat them as insiders so they can rejoice with you when God answers prayer. Satan brings opposition to cause division, but God uses trials to pull your constituency together. “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31). Ask God to shake up your ministry and your donors.

Response: Father, please give us strength to act courageously in the face of opposition. Help us fear you, not what men can do to us.

Think About This: Others are watching how your ministry handles pressure. Your obedience gives them boldness to stand firm for Christ.

“Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. ‘Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over” (2 Kings 2:13-14).

Elijah was an ordinary man who through the power of fervent prayer accomplished extraordinary things for God (see James 5:17,18). Through Elijah’s prayer, God brought drought on Israel and then rain, provided food for a widow and her son, and raised her son from the dead. Perhaps Elijah’s greatest answered prayer occurred on Mount Carmel when he called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18). Who could ever fill Elijah’s sandals?

Sometimes ministries struggle when the executive or even the top fundraiser leaves. Board members panic with reactions like, “Who could ever lead this ministry like the founder?” or “Who can raise money like he or she could?” Consider these three succession planning thoughts.

A Successor
After Elijah’s incredible victory on Mount Carmel, he fell into deep depression claiming he was the only person left in Israel who feared God. The Lord responded in a gentle whisper and led him to Elisha who became his protégé. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s a blessing when nonprofits plan a smooth leadership transition. Develop a mentoring mindset. Identify someone on your team who could fill your position someday. Include your protégé in every fundraising strategy—especially introducing them to your major donors.

Side By Side
On his way to Elijah’s chariot of fire appointment, he told Elisha three times to stay while he kept walking. Three times Elisha responded, “I will not leave you” (2 Kings 2:1-6). Elisha learned how to be a prophet by walking side by side with Elijah. Fundraising is mostly on the job training learned by spending time with another fundraiser. You can read a book, watch a video, or attend a seminar, but you learn best by doing. Take your apprentice on a donor visit and show them how to ask for a gift.

A Double Portion
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9). That was a bold ask but Elijah responded that God would grant his request if Elisha saw Elijah when he was taken up. As the fiery chariot whisked Elijah to heaven, his cloak fell to the ground. Elisha picked it up, struck the Jordan River, and walked across dry ground into his new prophetic ministry. Elijah performed sixteen miracles throughout his life; Elisha performed thirty-two. Elisha’s miracles not only doubled Elijah’s but seemed to multiply them.

Your ministry doesn’t have to suffer just because your leader retires or your top fundraiser leaves. God has prepared a new leader who could potentially take your ministry to heights far beyond what your previous leadership could have ever imagined.

Response: Lord, help me pour into my team so that when you move me on, this ministry continues to thrive.

Think About This: Elijah was known for fervent prayer, for what will you be remembered?