“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked” (Acts 6:1).
The early church had a problem. They were growing faster than their capacity to care for the people God had already given them. The first church complaint went public. People felt neglected, like no one really cared.
Donors can feel the same way.
John and Mary were faithful $5,000 annual donors, which qualified them for the President’s Circle. That giving level came with some perks. The most notable was a weekend retreat with other members. But the ministry hosted it inconsistently, because the return on investment looked questionable. The fellowship was rich but the dollars raised couldn’t justify the cost. And the members missed it when it quietly went away.
President’s Circle donors also received special attention from the VP and the other major gift officers. Then came turnover and restructuring, which meant fewer events and fewer personal visits. John and Mary noticed. John and Mary complained. Most ministries hit this wall eventually, with more donors to love than people to love them.
The apostles hit it first.
Acknowledge the Problem
The apostles didn’t sweep the complaint under the rug or grow defensive. They said it plainly, in front of the whole church, and then went to work on it. Silence is the one response guaranteed to make an overlooked donor feel more overlooked. Start by listening.
Assess Your Priorities
The Twelve weighed the highest and best use of their time and concluded, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables” (Acts 6:2). They weren’t dodging the work. They were being honest about who could do it. Decide which relationships only you can steward, then trust others to carry the rest.
Recruit a Care Team
Their solution was to expand the team rather than pile more on the leaders. What might that look like on a limited budget? Recruit volunteers to help with donor care. They send handwritten notes, make thank-you calls, and tell donors what their gifts actually paid for last year. These fundraising deacons can be students, alumni, board members, or grateful donors themselves.
Expand Your Impact
As the church cared for its widows, “the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7). Caring well for the donors you already have usually turns out to be how you find the next ones.
Remember John and Mary? A student intern called to thank them for their faithful support. She told them what their scholarship gift meant to her, and they talked for twenty minutes. That one call did what a stretched staff couldn’t. You can offer a donor that same gift this week.
Think About This: They didn’t hand this task to just anyone. They chose those “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Your volunteers are the face of your ministry. Choose people who will represent it well.
Response: Lord, forgive us when we neglect our faithful donors because we have too much to do. Raise up fundraising deacons who serve with joy and multiply our care. Amen.
