“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?

“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away…” (Joshua 3:15-16).

The children of Israel wandered 40 years in the wilderness longing for the land flowing with milk and honey. They arrived at the Jordan River during flood season to face one final test before entering the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb were the only adults who had crossed through the Red Sea. To everyone else, leaving Egypt was a distant memory; this was their Red Sea moment. The Lord instructed the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the river. Immediately, the water from upstream stopped flowing and stood up in a heap (Joshua 3:16). This amazing miracle teaches four fundraising principles.

Follow God’s Lead
The Lord led Israel through the desert with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. At the Jordan, the Lord reassured Joshua that he would guide their next steps, “since you have never been this way before” (Joshua 3:4). Israel’s experiences illustrate our Christian walk as the Holy Spirit guides our every step. The same goes for your nonprofit organization. Did you seek God’s wisdom when you wrote your strategic plan or are you leaning on your own human understanding?

Follow the Leaders
God instructed the priests to step into the water by faith. Every capital campaign requires leaders to take the first step. Mike, a board member, made his $250,000 pledge with this stipulation, “I will only give if this project moves forward.” While Mike’s potential gift was appreciated, he was unwilling to get his feet wet. Board members and key donors must lead by example and give generously to your vision. Some projects never start because: (1) no one is willing to make the lead gift and/or, (2) no one is willing to lead the fundraising effort.

Follow Through
The priests stood in the middle of the river on dry ground waiting until everyone had crossed over. Your job as a fundraiser is to motivate everyone in your constituency to join your effort. You must tell convincing stories of why your promised land is so desirable. Donors need a reason to follow you into uncharted territory. Share your compelling story with passion and be patient while people respond. The priests waited for everyone—the early adopters, the early majority, the late majority, and the laggards.

Follow Up
This miracle was only the beginning. God planned to drive out the “Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites” (Joshua 3:10). Your campaign is hopefully the first of many to come. Successful campaigns build your donor base and your confidence for next time. Listen to your major donors for what they want to accomplish next.

Response: Father, thank you for the leaders in our ministry who are willing to step up and make a difference.

Think About This: Sometimes, it seems that everyone is waiting for someone else to make the first move. Encourage your major donors to step out in faith and become “wet feet” leaders.

“In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built” (1 Kings 6:7).

Building projects are active, noisy places with foremen shouting orders, laborers cutting timber and hammering nails, and skilled masons chiseling stones to perfection. However, God required quietness for the Temple construction site. All the stonework was done off-site. Workers on-site carefully positioned each stone without using any hammers, chisels, or iron tools. This amazing construction process teaches five fundraising truths.

Peace
Some fundraisers create “hoopla” because they believe donors need excitement to motivate them to give. A compelling project does inspire donors, but they should be excited by your ministry story and the lives you impact for eternity, not just an auctioneer’s gavel, a fancy location, or a gimmicky activity. Donors should be quietly transformed by their giving. If their gift is merely an emotional transaction, their support will fade.

Place
Work for the Temple started in the quarry. Fundraising happens outside your office in the donor’s home or office through quiet conversations. This is where you listen to your donor’s heart for your organization and what motivates them to give. Secure the lead gifts well in advance of your fundraising event. Don’t wait until the night of your banquet to ask for “big rock” gifts.

Precision
The accuracy of these craftsman was incredible. Some of the cornerstones in the Temple Mount weighed 50 tons or more. Stone masons quarried, squared, carved, and honed these massive stones for an exact fit. Josephus says that “the smallest interstices were not perceptible between the stones.” Effective major donor work requires precision. Listen carefully to your donor’s passion so you can ask for the right gift amount for the right project—especially from your cornerstone partners.

Power
When the work was complete, Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant and dedicated the Temple. A cloud filled the Temple so that “the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple” (1 Kings 8:11). Always remember that your building project is not the outcome. Your key results are what God accomplishes in your new facilities as the Holy Spirit changes lives.

People
Solomon employed 3,300 foremen to supervise 80,000 stonecutters in the hills, 70,000 stone carriers, and 30,000 men to cut timber in Lebanon in shifts of 10,000 a month (see 1 Kings 5:13-17). Your project requires people to ask and people to give. Asking is spiritual work. Both the asker and the giver are accomplishing kingdom work, and both can be transformed by the quiet work of fundraising.

Response: Lord, forgive us for using hype to motivate people to give. Help us reach our donors’ hearts one conversation at a time.

Think About This: Your faith-based donors “like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). God has selected the donors he wants to build your ministry through their acceptable sacrifices. It’s your job to find them, inspire them, show them how they fit, and ask them to partner with you.