But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do” (Exodus 4:13-15)
Moses offered excuse after excuse for not being the right spokesman to break the bad news to Pharoah, but God rebuffed each one. Exhausted, Moses finally replied, “Please send someone else.” Have you made excuses for not fundraising? Perhaps you’ve proclaimed, “I don’t like it, I don’t want to do it, and I don’t have time for it.” Maybe you’ve washed your hands of your fundraising responsibility by simply hiring someone else. There is another path. The Lord knew Moses needed someone to stand with him, so he cast Aaron to play a supporting role. You should recruit a fundraising tag team partner. Notice these six characteristics of a great team player:
“He can speak well”
Aaron was a good communicator. Many different personality types can be successful at fundraising, but the most effective are those high in extroversion with the courage to ask. In fact, the most important quality to look for is the courage to ask.
“On his way to meet you”
The Lord prompted Aaron to join Moses (Exodus 4:17). You should hire someone who is led by the Spirit to join your ministry. You are not just looking for someone who is qualified, you are looking for someone who is called.
“Glad to see you”
Fundraising is a challenging job; it’s easy to become discouraged. Build your team with joyful people who can encourage each other when times are tough. Enthusiasm is a catalyst that produces great results. Find people who can put the “fun” in fundraising.
“You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth”
The fundraiser’s job is to echo the words of the person in charge. Everyone must play from the same sheet music. A journalist once asked Leonard Bernstein what the most difficult instrument was to play, the maestro responded: “Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who plays second violin with enthusiasm is difficult.”
“I will help both of you speak”
Moses and Aaron were entering uncharted territory and needed to walk humbly before the Lord for the right words to say. Seek the Lord to know the mind of Christ. Make sure you raise money for the right projects at the right time.
“I will teach you what to do”
You can learn fundraising theory by reading books, attending workshops, and taking classes, but most fundraising is learned through on-the-job training. Ask the Spirit to guide you through each donor relationship.
Response: Father, help me recruit tag team members who can compensate for my weaknesses and make us better fundraisers.
Think About This: Aaron held up Moses’ arms as he prayed for Joshua on the battlefield (Exodus 17:12). Moses wasn’t strong enough by himself; he needed Aaron’s help. Are you supporting your team in prayer?
Friend, have a Spirit-led fundraising week!
Ron
rhaas@timothygroup.com