“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-9)

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. once remarked, “Never think you need to apologize for asking someone to give to a worthy object, any more than as though you were giving him an opportunity to participate in a high-grade investment. The duty of giving is as much his as is the duty of asking yours.” Rockefeller realized the giver and the asker have important functions. He may not have realized it, but each member of the body of Christ also has an important function. How does your spiritual gift enable you to be a more effective fundraiser?

Prophesying
The gift of prophecy is the gift of public speaking. Moses claimed he didn’t have it; that’s why God gave him Aaron (Exod. 4:10-17). If you have the spiritual gift to ask from the podium, ask in accordance with your faith.

Serving
In Acts 6, the apostles asked for help so they could focus on preaching. They chose seven deacons to wait on tables. You may not lead, but you can help by recording donor information, stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, delivering thank you gifts, and many other tasks.

Teaching
The greatest teaching tool is storytelling. Learn your ministry story well and teach others. Share the eternal impact your ministry is making and how your donors can be an integral part.

Encouraging
Barnabas was called “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). One way he encouraged the church was by selling a field and bringing the proceeds to the apostles. Perhaps your gift of encouragement can prompt your donors to be generous.

Giving
Every fundraiser wants to discover donors with the gift of giving! We are all called to give, but thankfully God has blessed some with the supernatural ability to be generous. Pray the Holy Spirit will connect your need to ask with your donor’s need to give.

Leading
If God has called you to lead, how does this spiritual gift empower you to lead your fundraising efforts? The gift of leadership is the ability to organize, motivate, and make something happen. You will bless your ministry if you become the number one fundraiser.

Showing Mercy
The gift of mercy shows compassion to hurting people—those in jail, the hospital, the rescue mission, or on the street. These needs seem obvious, but your donors may be hurting on the inside. How can you show them compassion?

Are you using your spiritual gift for fundraising?

Think About This: Is asking a spiritual gift? Perhaps it’s related to the gift of evangelism. Like evangelism some are uniquely gifted, but we are all called to share the gospel. You might not have the gift of asking, but you still need to ask.

Response: Father, help me apply my spiritual gifts to my fundraising efforts to make the greatest impact for our ministry.

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.

“Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” (Titus 3:13-14)

You don’t typically see an appeal letter pleading with you to help your local attorney. They don’t seem to have the same needs as widows or orphans—but here it is. Paul wrote Titus and the church in Crete to help Zenas the lawyer (and Apollos) who were on a mission from God to accomplish something significant. This passage teaches four important fundraising principles:

People Give to What You Ask
Paul instructed Titus to urge the people to give anything and everything they could to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey; the people responded. Your ministry partners will respond to your specific asks. If you ask for capital needs, they will respond. If you have an urgent budget need, they will respond. Even if you have a debt need, they will respond. Your job is to clearly tell your story, ask for what you need, and allow the Holy Spirit to prompt your donors’ hearts to give generously.

People Give to People
Apollos was a dynamic preacher who was Paul’s co-laborer and friend (Acts 18:24). Zenas was probably a Jewish scholar who had converted to Christianity. Paul had recruited them to help him in an urgent matter. Paul didn’t ask the church to give to a fund; he asked them to give to people. You are not asking your ministry partners to give to a building; you’re asking them to give to the people who serve other people inside and outside the building.

People Give to Urgent Needs.
There is nothing like a sense of urgency to motivate donors to part with their hard-earned cash. Urgency is why people give so generously when a natural disaster occurs. Help your donors understand the consequences of not giving. What key ministry opportunities will be lost if your project isn’t funded right now? Use words like “today” and “now” to convey urgency. Let them know the immediate impact their gift will make.

People Must Learn Generosity.
We are all called to give, but some have the spiritual gift of giving and are divinely wired to give. All of us need to learn how to lay up treasures in heaven and “take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Tim. 6:19). Paul charged Titus to teach his people how to give by giving them a tangible project. Generosity, like every other spiritual discipline, requires intentionality and simple obedience.

Think About This: Generous giving produces at least two outcomes: 1) it meets urgent needs, and 2) it provides an opportunity for the giver to grow in the grace of giving. Paul plainly states those who don’t learn generosity will lead unproductive lives. You have an urgent need to ask and receive, and your ministry partners have an urgent need to give and grow spiritually.

Response: Father, teach me how to be generous. Show me how I can teach others to be generous. Give me boldness to ask them for everything we need.

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.

“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth” (Genesis 8:11).

For 40 days and 40 nights, God brought judgment on the earth. Rain poured down from heaven and the waters of the deep were released. When it stopped, Noah opened the window he had built and dispatched a raven for an aerial reconnaissance mission. The raven flew back and forth across the waters and never returned. Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had gone down; it could find no place to perch so it returned. Seven days later, Noah again released the dove to see if the water had receded. This time the dove brought back an olive leaf in its beak—a small symbol of hope. This amazing account can teach us four truths about the major donor doves who support your work.

Donor Doves Test Your Assumptions
How do you know when to move forward with your strategic plan? What indicators do you look for? One important strategy is listening to your key major donors. These people know and love your ministry and your constituency. They listen to the Spirit and they listen to those who are impacted by your ministry. Their feedback about the timing and circumstances for stepping out of the boat is invaluable.

Donor Doves Are Loyal
Some donors and even board members act like the raven Noah released. He got out as quick as he could and never came back. When you’re ready to launch a capital campaign, you will discover who your friends really are. Some leave because they know your new initiative will cost them time and money. John’s observations apply to these donors, “They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end” (1 John 2:9, MSG).

Donor Doves are Honest
Be wary of “yes men” who rubber stamp your every idea. Winston Churchill declared, “If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.” Gather people around you who will speak truth into your situation. The dove returned with nothing. Honest feasibility studies are a gift. If you don’t have the financial support for your idea, it’s critical you know before you start a campaign so you can correct your deficiencies.

Donor Doves Give Hope
The second time Noah released the dove, it returned with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Imagine the joy and hope Noah and his family felt after spending 150 days in the ark! Donor doves give you a little ray of hope when you face the future. Maybe they give seed money to underwrite your feasibility study or pay for your initial architectural drawings. Their early support can give you confidence to move forward.

Think About This: The presence of Holy Spirit is depicted as a dove (Matt. 3:16). Find donors who will encourage you to listen to the Spirit’s voice about the right next step for your ministry.

Response: Father, I praise you for those key donors to our ministry who come alongside and give us hope when we need it.

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 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.

“Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.” (2 Samuel 14:14)

David banished his son Absalom from Jerusalem for killing his stepbrother Amnon who had raped his sister Tamar. Three years passed. Joab, David’s general, knew David wanted to reconcile but couldn’t bring himself to welcome Absalom home. So, Joab sent a wise woman to David who made up a story about her two sons who got into a fight. One son killed the other and her whole family was demanding the living son be stoned. She pleaded with David for mercy. When he granted her request, she turned the story to David’s broken relationship with Absalom and urged David to forgive him. This incredible verse can guide you in repairing broken donor relationships.

Like water spilled on the ground…
We live in a broken world with broken people. There’s lots of banishing going on everywhere. Think of struggles in your own family. It’s no surprise when donors get offended and stop giving because of something you did or did not do. Sometimes it’s a simple misunderstanding which can be easily resolved. Sometimes the rift is severe. This verse paints a vivid picture; you can’t reclaim water that’s been spilled on the ground.

So we must die…
Pride, anger, jealousy, greed, and many other sins sever relationships. Perhaps you’ve tried to reconcile, but your relationship is on life support. To quote Miracle Max from Princess Bride, “Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there’s usually only one thing you can do… Go through his clothes and look for loose change.” As long as your donor is still breathing, there’s hope for reconciliation.

But this is not what God desires…
God loved us while we were still sinners and sent Jesus to reconcile us to himself through his death on the cross. God has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). God desires to revive your donor relationships, but we live in a world where, “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel” (Prov. 18:19).

Rather, he devises ways…
This beautiful promise gives us hope. You may have tried everything you can think of to heal your relationships, but nothing has worked. But God devises ways. He can turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. He applies the balm of Gilead on wounded souls (see Jer. 8:22). God can change your donor’s heart—and he can change yours.

So that the banished are no longer banished.
Commit your broken donor relationships into God’s hands and ask for a miracle. Even when you can’t see it, he’s working. He never stops working! Watching God restore friendships is a gratifying experience. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Think About This: Joab’s wise woman courageously confronted David and encouraged him to reconcile. Is God prompting you to reconcile with a major donor.

Response: Lord, please heal my fractured donor relationships. Please forgive me and devise ways to bring reconciliation.

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 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.

“May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:74)

Perhaps you’ve seen this funny poster, “Everyone brings joy to this office. Some when they enter. Some when they leave.” Major donor work involves face to face visits in people’s homes or offices. We all bring joy to our donors, but is it when we arrive or leave? Are they glad to welcome you, or do they hide behind the curtains hoping you will think they’re not home? What can you do to make sure you bring joy to your donors? This simple verse shares four key insights.

I have put my hope in your word.
No matter what your mission statement is, the reason your ministry exists is to be the hands and feet of Jesus. You are not just providing a quality education; you are instilling principles from God’s word. You are not just feeding the hungry, you are hoping your guests will respond to God’s kindness. You are not just caring for physical needs; you are caring for souls. Your ministry partners love you because you have put your hope in the Word and are attempting to do what it says.

May those who fear you
Your commitment to the Bible limits your potential donor pool. Some secular donors may appreciate the temporal work you do even though they don’t resonate with your eternal work. Should you take money from those who don’t align with your faith? Salvation Army founder William Booth is often quoted as saying, “the problem with tainted money is there t’aint enough.” Yet, recent scandals from high profile donors are prompting some nonprofit organizations to have reconsider their policies.

Rejoice
Generosity stirs emotions of the giver and the receiver. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). You think you’re excited to receive a large gift, but your donors are even more excited to give it. The Macedonians gave a sacrificial gift to Paul so he could share with the poor believers suffering in Jerusalem. Paul was amazed at their generosity, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2).

When they see me
Face to face fundraising is the gold standard strategy for connecting with your ministry partners. Many ministry leaders find it very difficult to visit with their donors. A very successful grandparent was identified in a feasibility study. He loved his grandchildren and had given, but the school’s development director had never visited him. The director even said, “If you lined him up in a crowd, I couldn’t identify him.” Unfortunately, the donor had no idea what the development director looked like either.

Think About This: Follow Paul’s example, “And they praised God because of me” (Galatians 1:24). In your desire to visit your donors, don’t overstay your welcome. A pastor had a reputation for making long hospital calls. He thought spending enormous amounts of time showed how much he cared, but he didn’t understand the law of diminishing returns.

Response: Father, forgive me for not spending quality time with my key donors. Help me make personal visits a primary strategy for engaging our donors.

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 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.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

How do you approach fundraising? Some trust their education, years of experience, great strategies, or even their winning personality. All these rely on human efforts. Fundraising is spiritual work requiring spiritual resources. Jesus taught, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). If your fundraising work implements the latest, greatest strategies and tactics you might succeed from a world perspective but will accomplish nothing for eternity. Instead, yield your plans to the Lord and seek his guidance for your every move.

Notice how Jeremiah describes fruitfulness:

Planted by the Water
As a ministry leader, you must pursue a growing relationship with the Lord. Don’t go through spiritual motions; ground yourself in the word. It’s too easy to get caught up with the tasks you believe God wants you to do and neglect who God wants you to be. Are you closer to the Lord today than when you first started fundraising?

No Fear When Heat Comes
Fundraising is the ministry front line. Have you faced the heat yet? Heat comes from many sources: antagonism from those who oppose your mission, disgruntled constituents who question a decision, board members or staff with different agendas, or miscommunication among your team members. You won’t have all the answers but seek to resolve issues with humble confidence.

Leaves are Always Green
When your root system is firmly connected with the living water, you will always have a fresh perspective of your situation. Much of fundraising relies on optimism. Joy and confidence from the Lord can overflow to your donors and staff.

No Worries in a Year of Drought
Perhaps you are experiencing a fundraising drought. Don’t worry. “The pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matt. 6:32). Work as hard as you can and pray God will open “the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Mal. 3:10).

Never Fails to Bear Fruit
Sure, we all want the fruit of more donors and dollars than last year, but what about the spiritual fruit you bore in the lives of your donors? How did you challenge them grow in the grace of giving? How did you encourage them to lay up treasures in heaven? Seek fruit which will endure for eternity (John 6:27).

Think About This: When you face a God-sized goal, be sure to reflect all the glory to him when he enables you to achieve it! “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8).

Response. Father, forgive me for trying to bear fundraising fruit in my own strength. Prompt me to invest more time in prayer to implement the right strategies which yield eternal fruit. donors to throw us a rope!

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 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.

“Ebed-Melek the Cushite said to Jeremiah, ‘Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.’ Jeremiah did so, and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern.” (Jeremiah 38:12-13)

Nebuchadnezzar was knocking on Jerusalem’s door. Jeremiah warned those who stayed in the city would die; those who escaped would live. Even though he was speaking God’s truth, the city officials accused him of discouraging everyone, “This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin” (Jer. 38:4). The officials complained to King Zedekiah, so he turned Jeremiah over to them and they threw him into a cistern. Imagine how desperate Jeremiah felt as he sank into the mud. We can learn five lessons from his dire situation.

When You’re Stuck in the Mud…
Do you feel like Jeremiah? He spoke truth, but no one wanted to listen. Perhaps your ministry has taken an unpopular stand. Maybe the media has caught wind of the story and amplified the situation. No matter how much you try to explain your side of the story, public opinion says, “you are not seeking good, but ruin.” Consequently, you’re stuck with few options.

You Need a Friend…
Thankfully, Jeremiah had a friend who cared. Ebed-Melek was also a city official, but he was convinced Jeremiah was speaking the truth. He pleaded to King Zedekiah, “he will starve to death” (Jer. 38:9). You need people to speak on your behalf when you don’t have a voice. Stand your ground. Be faithful to your mission. Your donors will notice and respond.

To Recruit His Friends…
King Zed gave Ebed-Melek permission to round up thirty-one friends and rescue Jeremiah. Here’s an interesting fundraising application. You might be so deep in the mud just one donor can’t solve your problem. Fundraising is a team sport. Motivated donors ask their friends to partner with them on projects close to their hearts.

To Pull You Out…
Ebed-Melek and his friends grabbed some ropes and old rags, went to the cistern, and pulled Jeremiah up out of the mud. As Chase and Michelle raised missionary support, they challenged individuals to “hold the rope as we go over the cliff!” You need some key donors on the other end of the rope pulling for you.

And Restore Your Voice.
Jeremiah’s cistern experience didn’t silence him. Interestingly, the first person to seek his counsel was King Zedekiah himself. Jeremiah was skeptical the king would listen, but he spoke truth anyway. If the king obeyed God, things would go well for him; if he disobeyed, he would be the one sinking in mud. (Jer. 38:20-23). Learn from Jeremiah’s courage. Always speak God’s truth—no matter the cost.

Think About This: When the Babylonians breeched the wall, they seized the city officials who had thrown Jeremiah in the cistern, but God enabled Ebed-Melek to escape (Jer. 39:18). You never forget those who helped you when the chips were down. Neither does God (Heb. 6:10)!

Response: Father, I’m discouraged about our current situation. Please give me courage to speak truth and faith to trust your plan. Please prompt some generous donors to throw us a rope!

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 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.

Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him (Othniel) in marriage.

One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. (Joshua 15:17-19)

Aksah was Caleb’s only daughter whom he gave in marriage to Othniel as a reward for conquering the city of Kiriath Sepher. Her dowry was a tract of land in the Negev, but she wanted more. So, she urged her husband to ask her dad for water to irrigate her land. Scripture doesn’t record Othniel’s response. Perhaps he felt it would seem ungracious or presumptuous to ask for another gift, but that didn’t stop Aksah. She went to Caleb and boldly asked for more! Aksah teaches us four lessons about asking!

Overcome Reluctance
Othniel was a brave warrior, but when it came to asking, His wife Aksah felt he needed a little push. Sometimes we struggle asking major donors for additional gifts. We question if we should ask again or whether the donor would even consider a second gift. Here’s an important fundraising rule: Don’t decide for your donors, let them make up their own minds about giving to your project.

Ask Personally
This request was so important to Aksah she was determined to ask for herself. She didn’t wait for Othniel or task a servant to deliver the message. She saddled up her donkey and made a donor visit. Modern technology is wonderful, but don’t rely on mail, email, texts, or even Zoom. When asking for a big gift, demonstrate how serious you are by making every effort to visit your donor face to face.

Be Proactive
When Caleb asked, “What can I do for you?”, Aksah was prepared with an answer. She thanked him for giving her land and then asked for a special favor, “Give me also springs of water.” You must have clear outcomes in mind for your major donor calls. What do you hope to accomplish in your meeting? Not every meeting is an ask, but when it’s time to ask, be clear about what you want your donor to do.

Understand Relationships
Aksah certainly had an advantage in this solicitation: she was Caleb’s only daughter, her husband was a respected leader who would become Israel’s first judge, Caleb had already given a generous first gift, and then there’s the granddad factor. She was the right person to make the ask. In your major donor relationships, you must earn the right to ask. Big requests shouldn’t be a surprise. How have you strengthened your key donor relationships, so they are ready to give?

Think About This: When you make solicitation assignments for your team, always choose the person who has the strongest relationship with the donor. Make it easy for your donor to say “Yes,” and difficult for them to say, “No.”

Response: Father, forgive me for my reluctance to ask for a second gift. Help me cultivate strong donor relationships. Give me boldness to ask. Prompt my donors to be generous!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 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.

Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.” (2 Kings 4:3)

Many ministries face great financial needs, but have few donor leads. Whom can you turn to find the resources you need? A widow approached Elisha with a great need. Her husband, who was enrolled in the school of prophets, passed away leaving her with a sizable debt. It was so insurmountable her creditors threatened to take her two sons as slaves. Grief-stricken, she cried out to Elisha for help. His answer can help you solve your desperate need.

Assess Your Situation
Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil” (vs. 2). Many times, we view ourselves as having absolutely nothing to work with. Look closely at your database. Namestorm with your board members. Can you identify anyone who could give $100,000 to your ministry? How about $50,000… $25,000… $10,000… $5,000? Work down your list until you find a lead. Everyone knows someone who could give $1,000.

Ask Your Friends
Elisha helped her realize she had more resources beyond what she had in her house—she had a network of neighbors and friends. You have relationships with those you serve and those who love those your serve. Our minds always jump to millionaires and billionaires we’ve never met and will probably never meet. Instead, focus your efforts on those in your immediate circle.

Ask for a Gift they can Give
Elisha gave her curious instructions. “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few” (vs. 3). Can you imagine the scene? “Mary, could I borrow as many empty jars as you can spare?” She gathered jars of all sizes. Sometimes, we look for one mega donor who can give a mega gift to solve all our problems. It’s easy for a donor to say no to a large request. Ask them for a gift they can say yes to!

Exercise faith
The woman filled her house with empty jars, went inside, and shut the door. Then she and her sons witnessed God’s miracle of provision. One by one she filled each jar from her little jar of oil. When the last jar was filled, the oil stopped. She must have wished she had asked a few more neighbors for a few more jars. Don’t stop reaching out. Don’t stop telling your ministry story. Don’t stop asking for gifts no matter how small. The minute you stop asking, the gifts stop coming.

Think About This: A master bonsai gardener took an overgrown, partially dead juniper tree and transformed it into a work of art. He commented about his finished product, “You have to use what you’ve got to get what you want.” Use what you have and let God transform it into something beautiful for his glory.

Response: Father, I feel like this desperate widow. Open my eyes to relationships I have and give me the courage to ask for help. Give me faith to trust you for your provision.

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 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.

The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”

“Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.

After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. (Genesis 24:17-20)

Abraham gave his servant detailed instructions about finding a bride for Isaac. He was not to look among the daughters of the Canaanites but travel back to his homeland and search among his relatives (see Gen. 24:1-4). Abraham’s servant prayed God would reveal the right young woman by prompting her to give him a drink and water his camels. God answered immediately in an incredible way.

Rebekah’s over and above response teaches us four important truths about donor endurance. Sometimes we are reluctant to ask a major donor repeatedly for support for fear they will tire of us and stop giving altogether. Donor fatigue seems real, but is it?

Start Small
Abraham’s servant prayed specifically the woman would give him a drink and then offer to water his camels (Gen. 24:14). He didn’t overwhelm her with a big ask, but wisely started small, “Please give me a little drink from your jar.” Most million-dollar gifts start with a small entry gift. Don’t shock your key prospects with a huge first gift. Ask for a gift which makes it easy for them to say “yes.”

Notice Enthusiasm
Watering camels is a huge job. A thirsty camel can drink more than 30 gallons of water in 15 minutes. If Abraham’s servant had an entourage with ten camels, we can understand why Rebekah ran so quickly back and forth from the well. Rebekah’s eager response wasn’t just because she had a good work ethic. Her generosity was a sign of God’s answer. God can bring special donors to you who have the gift of giving enthusiastically.

Deepen Your Relationship
When Rebekah finished her task, Abraham’s servant gave her a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets. It wasn’t just a generous tip for doing a great job, it was a proposal for marriage to Isaac. Develop a lifelong relationship with your key ministry partners. As your friendship deepens over the years, so will their financial commitment to your success. God rewards those who are generous by giving them more opportunities. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Cor. 9:11).

Think About This: Jesus promised “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). This doesn’t sound like donor fatigue. Don’t view generous donors as a well that could run dry. See them as rivers of living water God abundantly supplies to refresh others (see John 7:38).

Response: Father, lead me to donors you have selected to partner with our ministry. Grant them the energy and resources to give generously until the job is finished.

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 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.