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Two silhouetted figures standing side by side against a muted, abstract background with the title Mission-Fit Donors displayed on the image on the other side of the image 3 John 9,12.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Mission-Fit Donors

by Ron Haas
January 19, 2026

“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us” (3 John 9). “Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone” (3 John 12).

The contrast between Diotrephes and Demetrius in 3 John provides a striking illustration of the difference between toxic and healthy donors. Understanding these patterns can help you avoid destructive donor relationships and focus your efforts on mission-aligned supporters.

Diotrephes – The Toxic Donor
Imagine someone rejecting the Apostle John—”the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:7), the same John who penned “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Incredibly, some people didn’t love John, and unfortunately some people don’t love your ministry. Diotrephes-type donors are self-focused, demand excessive recognition, micromanage organizations, or withdraw support when they don’t get their way. Watch for these warning signs:

Closed doors: Diotrephes pulled back the welcome mat for John. Donors who are not mission-aligned usually aren’t looking for opportunities to “be generous on every occasion” (2 Cor. 9:11). You can knock on their door all day, but they won’t answer.

Divisive influence: Diotrephes spread “malicious nonsense” about John. Occasionally, donors who oppose you will “falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matt. 5:11). Ask God to silence them (see Psalm 31:18).

Self-serving gatekeeping: Diotrephes didn’t just refuse to support traveling missionaries—he actively prevented others from giving or helping. Some donors may work against you to keep you from sharing your message with others (see 2 Thess. 2:16).

Consider Eric, a successful “Christian” real estate developer who gave to a secular university that named a building after him. When a Christian college president attempted to cultivate a relationship with him, Eric questioned whether a college of 2,000 students was worth his attention compared to a university of 40,000. He failed to see the eternal value of Christian higher education. After investing considerable time in cultivation, the president wisely redirected his efforts toward donors who were genuinely mission-aligned.

Demetrius – The Healthy Donor
Thankfully, Diotrephes wasn’t the only voice in the church. Demetrius had a sterling reputation—he was “well spoken of by everyone” and “by the truth itself (3 John 12).” His alignment with John was clear. Everyone recognized his integrity. Healthy donors don’t listen to criticism from others. They understand your commitment to truth and stand with you.

Paul and Linda participated in a feasibility study for a small classical Christian school. When asked what range of gift they might consider, they joyfully responded, “This school has made a tremendous impact in our children’s lives and we plan to give $1 million!” They are a perfect example of “the millionaire next door” – humble, gracious, and ready to make an eternal difference.

Think About This: You can’t say the right thing to the wrong person, or the wrong thing to the right person. Toxic donors will never give up on their agendas, while healthy donors will never give up on you. Rather than trying to appease donors with self-serving motivations, invest your time and energy in relationships with those who genuinely share your mission and values.

Response: Lord, please grant me discernment to navigate challenging donor relationships. Help me cultivate mission-aligned supporters who will truly partner with our ministry for your kingdom’s sake.

quotation marks Nighttime city skyline with glowing lights stretching across the horizon, overlaid with the text Worried About Many Fundraising Things and a scripture reference, conveying busyness and overwhelm in fundraising.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Worried About Many Fundraising Things

by Ron Haas
January 12, 2026

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Martha had a servant’s heart and wanted everything to be perfect for Jesus. No doubt her meal was a lovely Jewish feast with a fish course, soup, a main course of meat or poultry, followed by dessert. Naturally, there were more tasks to complete than time to do them. Luke records, “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (vs. 40).  So, Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her prepare. Jesus gently rebuked her and reminded her to focus on what mattered most—cultivating a relationship with him.

Fundraisers also face the distraction of many competing priorities. Each task seems important, but you must prioritize among many good things to focus on the most important—cultivating relationships with your key donors.

Many things
What are your “many fundraising things”? Fundraisers live in an intense, fast-paced environment juggling multiple tasks simultaneously—coordinating volunteers, managing donor communications, overseeing events, and tracking financial goals. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, respond to donor inquiries, and adapt to unexpected challenges creates a whirlwind of activity that demands your every waking moment.

Few Things
Martha was worried and upset about many things, but Jesus said only a few things were needed. It’s easy to fall into the fundraising trap of “just one more event.” Before agreeing to the next ice bucket challenge, ask yourself: Does this event deepen my relationships with donors, or is it simply another activity without fundraising focus or return on investment? It’s much better to do a few things well than many things haphazardly. More activities don’t necessarily mean greater productivity.

Better Things
Fundraising is a constant struggle between making things complex or keeping them simple. Sometimes we confuse our donors when we try to do too many things at once—running multiple campaigns and sending mixed messages. If you can’t clearly communicate your campaign story in sixty seconds, it’s too complicated. The best fundraisers keep their message concise by telling one clear story and making it easy for people to understand your mission and how they can partner with you.

One Thing
John 12:2 records the second time Martha hosted Jesus, “Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.” Martha again served but this time she was not distracted with busyness. She had learned to cherish spending time with Jesus. The highest and best use of your fundraising time this week is investing quality time in cultivating relationships with your key donors. Everything else should take second place.

Think About This: If you’re going to conduct an orchestra, you must turn your back on the crowd. Likewise, if you prioritize cultivating donor relationships, you must say no to many good but distracting fundraising activities. Martha finally chose wisely. Will you?

Response: Lord, please remove the clutter from my calendar and schedule some divine appointments. Prompt me with the name of one key donor you want me to contact this week.

Stacked stones arranged in balanced formations on a neutral background, symbolizing stability, restoration, and rebuilding donor trust, with the title Rebuilding Donor Trust displayed above the image
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Rebuilding Donor Trust

by Ron Haas
January 7, 2026

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

Are donors throwing rocks at you? Donors often direct their frustration toward leadership when their favorite programs are cut, or trusted staff members are dismissed. David fled from King Saul and settled in Ziklag. One day while he was out raiding, Amalekites burned Ziklag to the ground and captured all the wives and children. When David and his men returned to find their homes and families gone, his men’s grief turned to rage against David. In their despair, they even talked about stoning him. David’s remarkable recovery reveals five essential strategies for regaining donor confidence.

Find Strength in the Lord
David responded by turning to the Lord for strength and wisdom. Trials are important moments of personal and organizational growth. Paul prayed for the Colossian believers to be, “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Col. 1:11). Do you need great endurance and patience today?

Drain the Pain
David’s men had legitimate reasons for their anger, but David wasn’t a detached leader—he grieved alongside them. Donors who are passionate about your ministry hold strong opinions about ministry direction and may question your strategic decisions, especially when staff cuts affect people they know personally. Allow them to express their feelings fully. Acknowledge their pain before moving toward solutions.

Seek Clear Direction
David inquired of the Lord (1 Sam. 30:8) and asked specific questions: “Should I pursue them? Will I overtake them?” Pray specific prayers and look for specific answers. Don’t simply present your strategic plan to God and ask him to bless it. Begin your planning process with prayer, seeking divine wisdom before charting your course.

Solve Problems
Winston Churchill observed, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” David’s pain drove him to pursue God and address his crisis. God answered David’s prayer spectacularly: “David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken” (1 Sam. 30:18). Pain often precedes a breakthrough.

Share Your Blessings
David glorified the Lord for his protection and victory. When he returned to Ziklag, he shared plunder with the elders of Judah who were his friends. When God provides solutions to your fundraising challenges, be generous with your time and experience. Share your learnings with other ministry leaders so they can succeed as well. Maintain a kingdom mindset and celebrate others’ victories.

Think About This: The winter at Valley Forge was a period of immense suffering for the Continental Army. Soldiers faced starvation, disease, and inadequate clothing. Washington, under criticism and doubts about his leadership, turned to prayer for guidance and strength. The path through crisis requires divine dependence and obedience. David’s experience demonstrates that even when facing overwhelming opposition, leaders who anchor themselves in God’s strength can navigate through seemingly impossible circumstances and emerge stronger.

Response: Lord, please help me find my strength in you. Help me inquire of you to know the next steps for our ministry.

Top-down view of a diverse group of professionals in business attire stacking their hands together, with text reading Fundraising Takes a Team Effort.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fundraising Takes a Team Effort

by Ron Haas
December 15, 2025

“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work” (Nehemiah 2:18).

One of the fastest paths to fundraising burnout is the dangerous assumption that you must shoulder every responsibility alone. Perhaps you’re a one-person shop with seemingly no available help. Maybe you believe that delegating means compromising quality or speed. This mindset undermines your personal well-being and organizational effectiveness.

We credit Nehemiah for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, yet success required the entire community working together. Nehemiah 3 lists every family, their specific responsibilities, and the exact sections they rebuilt. Successful fundraising happens when everyone in your ministry identifies, cultivates, and solicits donors.

Everyone Has a Role
From priests and temple gatekeepers to goldsmiths and perfume-makers, from government officials to ordinary merchants, everyone got involved. No role was insignificant. Fundraising is not just the executive director or development professionals’ job. Every team member can and should share your organization’s story. Similarly, every donor matters regardless of giving capacity. Whether someone contributes $100 or $100,000, each gift represents personal sacrifice and builds momentum toward your fundraising goals.

Work Where You Are
Families specifically “repaired the section opposite his house” or adjacent to their neighborhoods (Neh. 3:10,23,28,29,30). They assumed responsibility for areas closest to them. Focus your personal fundraising efforts within your sphere of influence. Coaches should prioritize relationships with dedicated fans and alumni athletes. Professors should cultivate connections with scholarship donors who support their specific programs. Youth workers should engage families whose children have benefited from their ministry. Genuine relationships always outperform generic, impersonal fundraising appeals.

Lead by Example
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow leaders demonstrated servant leadership by getting their hands dirty to build their section rather than merely telling others what to do. Leaders must be committed to fundraising, not just delegating tasks to staff members. When leaders demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for sharing your ministry’s story and personally asking for gifts, others are inspired and confident to get involved.

The Cost of Non-Participation
Nehemiah included an uncomfortable detail: certain nobles “would not put their shoulders to the work” (Neh. 3:5). Are there people in your ministry who sit and watch you do all the work? Pride, apathy, or fear often prevents people from engaging in fundraising. Unfortunately, their lack of participation forces others to pick up the slack.

Complete the Task
Nehemiah’s builders understood that leaving any gaps in their defensive wall would compromise the entire city. Your ministry also needs to fill in all the gaps on your donor giving pyramid: major donors, recurring donors, mid-level donors, first-time donors, foundations, churches, and legacy donors. Employ strategies to reach each segment.

Think About This: “So the wall was completed… in fifty-two days” (Neh. 6:15). The wall wasn’t built by one person working alone for years—it was completed by everyone working together for weeks. Imagine the transformative impact if every person in your organization committed to personally introducing just ten people to your ministry this year.

Response: Lord, forgive me for attempting to accomplish our mission by myself. Give me wisdom to effectively engage others in this significant work.

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Fundraising Verse of the Week

Shrewd Donors

by Ron Haas
December 15, 2025

“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home” (Luke 16:9 NLT).

In the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, a rich man informs his manager that he will be fired for mismanaging his master’s resources (see Luke 16:1-15). The steward makes a bold move to provide for himself once he’s unemployed. He cuts some incredible quid pro quo deals with the top debtors. If they helped him, he would immediately reduce their debt. When the master learns what his clever servant has done, you would think he would be in hot water for cheating his master. Instead, the master commends him for his shrewdness. Jesus does not want us to emulate the servant’s unscrupulous business dealings, but his wise use of worldly wealth to provide for his future.

Worldly Resources
John Wesley approached money with three principles, “Having first, gained all you can, and secondly saved all you can, then give all you can.” As a fundraiser you can influence believers to make good stewardship decisions. Your donors are in various stages of their Christian walk. Some view their resources in light of eternity, but many struggle with “the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19). Having money is not a sin. Using it selfishly is.

Make Friends
Jesus challenges believers to, “use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends” (Luke 16:9 NLT). Whom are these friends? Matthew 25:35-36 explains, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Introduce your donors to these friends—the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, strangers, and prisoners. Their gifts will introduce these friends to the true Friend.

Eternal Home
Heaven will be a welcome home party for your donors. Ray Boltz captures this theme in his song Thank You, “A missionary came to your church—And his pictures made you cry—You didn’t have much money—But you gave it anyway—Jesus took the gift you gave—And that’s why I’m here today—Thank you for giving to the Lord—I am a life that was changed.” You must help your donors understand the eternal impact of their generosity.

Love Money
The Pharisees who heard this parable sneered at Jesus because they loved money (see Luke 16:14-15). Jesus emphasized this truth, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). Unfortunately, some of your donors are serving the wrong master. You can help them.

Think About This: One day your donors will receive rewards for laying up their treasures in Heaven. Some might thank you for asking them to support your ministry. Some may even ask you, “Why didn’t you ask me for more?”

Response: Father, help me encourage my donors to become shrewd donors who give generously.

Nighttime nativity silhouette with a bright star shining over a manger and three wise men on camels, set against a star-filled sky, with text reading The Indescribable Gift.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

The Indescribable Gift

by Ron Haas
December 15, 2025

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

We take great care when selecting the perfect gift for that special person, but nothing compares with our Heavenly Father’s gift of his only Son to be “an atoning sacrifice for our sin” (1 John 4:10). Praise God for his generous, sacrificial gift of salvation! Without God’s generosity to us, we would be eternally lost and without hope. Paul responded to God’s gift with this doxology of praise. How should you respond to the generosity of your donors? Gifts from your ministry partners accomplish four results.

Practical
Henry Ford said, “Nothing happens until someone sells something.” In ministry, nothing happens until someone gives something. Generosity starts a chain reaction of blessing. “This service that you perform is… supplying the needs of the Lord’s people” (2 Cor. 9:12). Gifts solve real problems and enable you to serve others. With a balanced budget you can educate more students, feed more hungry people, and reach more people with the Gospel. More money means more ministry.

Personal
Your ministry benefits when donors give, their generosity also demonstrates the genuineness of their faith. “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves” (2 Cor. 9:13). Giving is an expression of “the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ” (vs. 13). James warns us that faith without works is dead. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:14-16). Giving transforms mere talk into action.

Praise
Generous giving prompts “many expressions of thanks to God” (vs. 12). Great news about a generous gift spreads like wildfire. “Others will praise God for… your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:13). Share with your donors how their gift is making an eternal difference and how your whole team is thanking God because of their generosity. Tell an impact story that would not have happened without their gift. Thank them for sharing with you and the other ministries they support.

Prayer
We are encouraged to pray for missionaries who are sharing the gospel throughout the world. Many donors don’t realize that those who benefit from their generosity are also praying for them. “And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you” (vs. 14). The greatest way to thank your donors is to pray for them. Ask for their prayer requests, spend time praying for them, and follow up to hear how God has answered.

Think About This: So many great things happen when donors give generously. You have the privilege of asking your donors to partner with you to accomplish eternal work. This week thank your donors for their generous, sacrificial gifts to your ministry.

Response: Father, I am so thankful to you for our donors. Please help me express my gratefulness to my donors in ways that give you all the glory.

a row of five light bulbs on a golden background with one bright compact fluorescent bulb glowing in the center, accompanied by the title fundraising know how and a small scripture reference in the lower right corner.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fundraising Know How

by Ron Haas
December 8, 2025

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:2-3).

God gave Moses the intricate plans for the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the covenant, and all its furnishings. He also assigned Bezalel to create all these holy items. In today’s vernacular we would call him a “maker.” Bezalel knew everything about everything—a jack of all trades. He was a master metalsmith, stonecutter, woodworker, seamster, leatherworker, and a perfumer (see Exo. 31:4-11). Bezalel became this gifted artisan because the Holy Spirit filled him with supernatural wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill. The Spirit can also fill you with fundraising know-how.

Wisdom
God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom. If you were answering for your ministry, how would you respond? Would you ask for a balanced budget? New buildings? More staff? More people to serve? Most ministry leaders would ask for a huge endowment. Instead, you should seek God’s wisdom to fundraise well.

Understanding
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). You make decisions every day, how many of those decisions do you pray about? How often do you inquire of the Lord about your right next fundraising step? The tribe of Issachar were “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32). Some nonprofits understand their financial needs but don’t seem to understand that they must cultivate relationships with donors who could help meet those needs.

Knowledge
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data that you acquire through study, research, investigation, observation, or experience. How have you increased in your general fundraising knowledge? More importantly, how have you increased your knowledge about your key donors? Fundraising is about relationships. Who do you know? How are you connected? What are your donors’ giving interests? When is the best time to ask? What projects get them excited? Get to know your major donors.

Skill
Solomon hired Huram to work on the Temple. He also was a skilled craftsman who “was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work” (1 Kings 7:14). It takes practice to become a skilled craftsman. Likewise, it takes practice to become a skillful fundraiser. The best learning is not in a classroom but in the field talking with major donors. Asking is the most important skill a fundraiser must develop. Refine your asking skills by asking more.

Think About This: Fundraising wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill starts with being filled with the Spirit. God gives you the same opportunity he gave Solomon. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Response: Father, when it comes to my fundraising efforts, please “fill me with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col. 1:9).

Close-up of two people wearing sandals walking on a dry, dusty path with the title Shake the Dust Off Your Feet displayed at the bottom.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Shake the Dust Off Your Feet

by Ron Haas
December 1, 2025

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (Matt. 10:14).

Jesus commissioned the Twelve as the first missionaries to proclaim the message of the Kingdom to the lost sheep of Israel. Their assignment was to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons” (Matt. 10:8). We don’t have the apostolic power to physically raise the dead, but your ministry is changing lives for eternity because the power of the Gospel breaks chains setting people free from their sin. We can learn four important fundraising principles from Jesus’ instructions to his disciples as we identify, cultivate, and solicit donors to partner with us.

Search
How were his disciples supposed to find these generous patrons? Jesus commanded his disciples not to take any money with them for their journey but to seek out “some worthy person” in whatever town or village they entered. They were learning to trust God to meet their every need. God provides through his people because “the worker is worth his keep” (Matt. 10:10). Jesus told them not to go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans. As you search for major donors, focus first on people of faith whose worldview aligns with yours.

Stay
When the disciples found a worthy person, they were to stay in their house until they left the town (see Matt. 10:11). Some fundraisers apply this literally and stay with their major donors. When your donor offers hospitality, it’s a wonderful relationship-building opportunity. The fundraising principle is this: the best way to cultivate major donors is face to face in their homes. It takes time to build trust and develop lasting friendships.

Share
The disciples preached the redemption message to everyone who would listen. As they entered their host’s home, they shared a greeting and peace (see Matt. 10:11-12). Jesus had taught them many things, so they had many lessons to share and many stories of the wonderful works he had done. “Freely as you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). You have many transformational stories to share with your prospective donors. Tell them of the all the wonderful things God is doing in the lives of those you are serving.

Shake
If someone wouldn’t welcome a disciple or listen to their words, Jesus instructed them to “leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (Matt. 10:14). We hate to give up on a donor, but if they haven’t responded after you’ve made repeated efforts to share your story, perhaps it’s time to move them to the inactive file and focus on those who are interested. It’s not your job to convince someone to give to your ministry, it’s only your job to share the message and ask for a gift. The Holy Spirit will prompt those he wants to supply your needs.

Think About This: Jesus sent out his disciples with nothing, but he provided everything they needed through people he had prepared to receive their message. God will provide everything your ministry needs to accomplish his purposes.

Response: Lord, please give me faith to trust you for donors who will meet our needs.

Two workers building a stone wall, each holding large concrete blocks, with the title Managing Donor Expectations overlaid on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Managing Donor Expectations

by Hannah Davis
November 24, 2025

“I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:11-12).

Nehemiah was on a mission from God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He asked King Artaxerxes for help and the king miraculously gave him time off, safe passage, and timber to make beams for the gates. He even sent along army officers and cavalry (see Neh. 2:7-9). Nehemiah could have marched into Jerusalem with pomp and circumstance; instead, he arrived unassumingly. We can learn much from Nehemiah about communicating vision and creating buy-in.

Listen
Leaders have many voices vying for their attention, especially when it comes to fundraising. Everybody has an agenda and wants to fund their pet project. It’s easy for leaders to become people-pleasers and attempt to make everyone happy, but the most important voice to hear is God’s. Nehemiah was keenly aware of what God called him to do and he wasn’t going to let anything, or anyone stand in his way. What is God telling you to accomplish for his glory?

Learn
After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah decided to inspect the walls for himself. He didn’t tell “the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work” (Neh. 2:16). Instead, he took a few confidants on a night vision tour around the wall. Nehemiah was careful not to raise expectations before he had a clear understanding of what needed to be accomplished. Don’t cast a vision before you have a solid plan to carry it out.

Lead
When Nehemiah finished his due diligence, he preached a three-point sermon: (1) We have a serious problem, (2) God has already provided our answer, (3) Now is our time to respond (see Neh. 2:17). Share this same appeal with your donors—the problem, your solution, God’s provision, and a call to action. Perhaps Nehemiah sounded something like William Wallace’s rousing speech in Braveheart, “they’ll never take our freedom!” His pep talk worked because all the people replied, “Let’s start rebuilding” (Neh. 2:18).

Look Out
When you take a stand for the Lord, your enemies will spring into action. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were quick to mock and ridicule Nehemiah and the people. As an anonymous WWII bomber pilot said, “The flak only gets heavy when you’re over the target.” Nehemiah didn’t let criticism paralyze him. “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it” (Neh. 2:20).

Think About This: Creating buy-in is ultimately about influencing others, not making demands on them. Nehemiah invited the people to join him in the work, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (Neh. 2:17). Don’t demand a gift from your donors, invite them to partner with you in the great work God has called you to accomplish.

Response: Lord, help me listen to your voice so I can inspire our donors to accomplish the tasks you’ve marked out for us (see Heb. 12:1).

A row of colorful, watercolor-style silhouettes of people raising their hands in celebration. The text on the image reads, “Major Donor Line Up.”
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Major Donor Line Up

by Ron Haas
November 17, 2025

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:10-11).

King Saul disqualified himself, so the Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to select the next king. Jesse’s seven sons passed by Samuel, but the Lord rejected each one. At the end of the parade, Samuel asked if there was another. David was taking care of the sheep, so Jesse quickly summoned him. When David arrived, Samuel immediately anointed him as the next king of Israel.

Identifying major donors can take a similar path. We look for external indications of wealth—what they do for a living, where they live, what they drive, etc. However, these clues don’t uncover a donor’s heart. Samuel was impressed with Jesse’s good-looking sons, but the Lord warned him, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). What qualities should you identify in a major donor?

Heart
God gave David an amazing descriptor, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). Listen carefully to your major donors to discover their passion. Some might have great resources, but they might also have a high appetite for the pleasures of the world. Look for people interested in doing what God wants them to do.

Servant
David was not ashamed to get his hands dirty. Thomas Stanley’s book, The Millionaire Next Door identifies seven common traits of those who accumulate wealth. Most millionaires aren’t flashy but tend to be business owners who work hard, save money, and live middle-class lifestyles like you and me. When searching for your next major donor, look for the guy who has owned your local hardware store for the last 50 years.

Hand
Major donors are skilled at their work. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psa. 78:72). Unbelievers are certainly successful. True success is a gift from the Lord and is connected to generosity. “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to” (Deut. 15:10).

Spirit
 “From that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David” (1 Sam. 16:13). David had an impressive resume, “He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” (1 Sam. 16:18). David’s dependence upon the Spirit set him apart from all the others.

Think About This: David was Israel’s largest major donor. Solomon built the Temple, but David gave generously from his own resources and rallied the Israelites to join him (see 1 Chron. 29:2-9).

Response: Lord, help me look at the hearts of my potential major donors, not their appearance.

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