0
0
A row of colorful sharpened pencils arranged along the top edge of a bright yellow background, with the text “The Art of the Bold Ask” and “Matthew 20:21” centered below.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

The Art of the Bold Ask

by Ron Haas
April 20, 2026

“What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom” (Matthew 20:21).

Every fundraiser faces the moment: it’s time to make the ask. The mother of James and John shows us how, and teaches us what to avoid.

Talk to the Right Person
Mom got the most important thing right. She went directly to Jesus, the only one who could give the final answer. She didn’t ask Peter to put in a good word, that would have been a conflict of interest, and Peter couldn’t give the final word anyway. Don’t take a no from someone who can’t give you a yes. Are you pitching the daughter when her mom controls the purse strings? In fundraising, we sometimes waste months cultivating the wrong person. Make sure you’re talking with the right donor.

Ask Boldly
Mom was fearlessly bold. Why? She believed in her sons! Jesus had already honored them among the inner circle of Peter, James, and John. In her mind, it was the logical next step. When you believe deeply in your cause, boldness comes naturally. If you question your ministry direction or doubt your project’s impact, you’ll struggle to ask with confidence. But when you know your mission inside and out, when you’ve seen lives transformed, when you believe God is in this, you can ask without apology.

Get to the Point
Mom didn’t list her sons’ credentials or justify her request. She just asked. Ian, a successful investor, learned this lesson after 30 years. Every pitch deck he made was 90% wasted effort. He discovered that family offices make investment decisions in three minutes, not from 47 slides but from one page answering three questions: What you’ve done (track record), what you’ll do (clear plan), and what they’ll make (their return). Ian says, “If you can’t explain your deal on one page, you don’t understand it yourself.”

You’re presenting an eternal investment. Can you answer on one page: What have you accomplished? What will you do with this gift? What eternal return will donors see?

Ask for the Right Things
Here’s where mom missed the mark. Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking.” Her enthusiasm was genuine, but she completely misunderstood what she was requesting. We make the same mistake. We get excited about our project and boldly approach a donor, asking the wrong person, at the wrong time, for the wrong amount, for the wrong project. A college president once asked a local bank for a $50 million lead gift. Shocked, they questioned why he thought they had that capacity or interest.

Before you ask, do your research. Understand the donor’s capacity, passions, and giving history. Learn what truly matters to them. Match your request to their interests and capabilities.

Think About This: “Desire without knowledge is not good, how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” (Proverbs 19:2) This week, research one prospect’s capacity and interests thoroughly. Then answer three questions on one page: what you’ve done, what you’ll do, and what eternal impact their gift will create.

Response: Lord, give me wisdom to know what to ask, from whom, and when.

Blurred silhouettes of a group of people against a light background, with the text “Dear Anonymous” and “Isaiah 43:1” displayed on the right side.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

“Dear Anonymous”

by Ron Haas
March 31, 2026

“I have called you by name” (Isaiah 43:1)

The Creator of the universe knows each of us personally by name. This divine principle has profound implications for fundraising. When we follow God’s example by truly knowing and using people’s names, we’re doing more than just being polite, we’re reflecting God’s heart for personal relationship. We’re acknowledging that each donor is a unique individual with their own story, passions, and reasons for giving.

People Give to People
People don’t give money to causes; they give money to people they trust who happen to represent causes they care about. Treating someone anonymously says, “you’re just a number.” God doesn’t see us as nameless faces in the crowd but knows us individually, so we shouldn’t view our supporters as anonymous check-writers. There’s something deeply personal and powerful about being known, being seen, and being called by your actual name.

Be Specific
When you see your ministry partners at events, instead of generic greetings, try “Maria, thank you for being here tonight.” During phone calls, weave their name naturally throughout your conversation: “John, I remember you mentioning your concern about evangelism and discipleship.” Compare “Thanks to all our donors!” with “Shoutout to Sarah, Mike, and Jennifer for making yesterday’s alumni event possible!” One feels corporate; the other feels like a genuine celebration of real people.

Say Thank You
During donor meetings, use their name when highlighting specific points: “That’s exactly why I thought of you, David, when this opportunity came up.” In thank-you calls, connect their specific gift to outcomes: “Maria, your $500 helped us serve thirty families last month. It’s not manipulation. It’s recognition. It’s saying, “You matter to me more than your checkbook.” Just be careful not to overdo it like direct mail pieces that stuff your name into every other sentence. That feels manipulative and insincere.

Make Connections
Easter morning is perhaps the most incredible example of a name’s power. Mary Magdalene was distraught when she discovered Jesus’s tomb was empty. Two angels appeared asking why she was weeping. Through her tears, she said, “Someone has taken my Lord away, and I have no idea where they put him” (John 20:13).

She turned around and noticed a man nearby. Thinking he was just the gardener, she asked if he knew where they’d moved the body. Jesus could have preached a sermon about the resurrection, offered gentle comfort, or explained the theological significance of what had happened. Instead? He spoke just one word: “Mary.”

That’s all. Simply her name. But something about how he said it, with such familiar love and recognition made her immediately realize who it was. A single word, her own name spoken with intention, transformed her deepest despair into overwhelming joy. The worst day of her life became the most extraordinary moment she’d ever experienced.

Think About This: Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Donors who feel personally known don’t just give once, they become invested partners in your mission because they experience the same thing Mary experienced at the tomb: the life-changing power of being truly seen and called by name.

Response: Father, thank You for remembering my name. Help me remember the names of our faithful ministry partners.

Two men seated in a church pew, one placing a supportive hand on the other’s shoulder as he bows his head, with the text “Stewardship is Ministry, Not Marketing” and “Philippians 4:17–19” displayed across the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Stewardship is Ministry, Not Marketing

by Ron Haas
March 23, 2026

“Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:17-18)

When you write a thank-you letter to a donor, what’s going through your mind? Are you checking a box, or are you engaging in genuine ministry? The Apostle Paul provides the clearest biblical model for donor communication in his letter to the Philippian church. Paul isn’t just saying thanks. He’s ministering to these givers in these four ways.

He acknowledges their gift personally and warmly.
Paul names Epaphroditus, the person who brought their gift. He uses specific words like “amply supplied” and “more than enough.” These aren’t generic phrases from a template—they’re genuine and heartfelt. This isn’t merely a stylistic preference, it’s a theological necessity. Your ministry partners aren’t merely funding your organization. They’re investing in God’s Kingdom through your ministry. Your communication must reflect that reality.

He frames their gift in spiritual terms.
Paul describes it as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” He doesn’t talk about their gift as fuel for his ministry machinery. He describes it as worship—something that rises to God like incense from an altar. Your ministry partners need more than receipts and reports. They need a pastor’s heart that helps them see their giving as part of their discipleship journey. This means slowing down, being personal rather than efficient, and thinking theologically about what giving means.

He focuses on their spiritual benefit.
Paul writes, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” He’s more concerned about what’s happening in their hearts than what’s happening in his bank account. Their generosity is building treasure in heaven and shaping them into the image of Christ. In light of eternity, your donors have more to gain from their gift than you do.

He links their obedience with God’s blessing.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19). Paul connects their giving to God’s provision, teaching them that you can’t out-give God. When you treat donor communication as ministry rather than marketing, everything changes. You’re not managing a database; you’re shepherding souls. You’re not crafting appeals; you’re inviting others into the joy of Kingdom partnership.

Think About This: Did your last donor thank-you letter sound more like Paul or more like artificial intelligence? Did it minister to the giver, or did it simply acknowledge a transaction? Paul got this right two thousand years ago. Will you follow his example?

Response: Lord, help me reflect You in every donor communication. Help me genuinely thank our ministry partners for their sacrificial gifts.

Honeycomb pattern with bees on a light background and the text “Honest Fundraising” centered, conveying transparency, integrity, and trust in fundraising efforts.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Honest Fundraising

by Ron Haas
January 26, 2026

“Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative… Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it” (2 Corinthians 8:17, 24).

Have you ever avoided telling a donor you’re coming to ask for money when you set up a meeting? Paul didn’t beat around the bush. He told the Corinthians straight up Titus was coming to collect the money they had promised to give. Whether you’re setting up a meeting to ask for a donation or following up on a pledge, tell your donor exactly why you want to meet. Honesty gets great results:

Builds Respect and Trust
When you’re upfront about what you want, you’re treating people like smart adults who can make their own choices. Honesty becomes your strongest tool—one sneaky conversation can mess up relationships for years, but being straight with people builds trust that lasts. Be clear right from your first phone call: “I’d love to meet with you to share what we’re doing and see if you might want to help support us.”

Lets People Get Ready
When donors know why you’re coming, they can think of good questions, figure out what they might be able to give, and maybe bring their spouse or financial advisor into the conversation. This shows you respect their time and see them as partners, not just people with money. Being clear about what you want keeps the relationship strong no matter what they decide about giving.

Creates Real Partnership
Giving benefits the ministry and the donor. Think long-term friendship, not a one-time deal. You’re not just asking for money—you’re giving people a chance to be part of something eternal while helping them reach their giving goals. Focus on what’s important to them: what they care about, what interests them, and their desire to make a difference. This changes how you think about conversations from “I need something from you” to “I’ve got something exciting to share with you.”

Gets Rid of Stress and Works Better
Being honest makes fundraising way less stressful for everyone. You don’t have to worry about finding the “perfect moment” to bring up money. Donors like knowing what to expect, which means they don’t have their guard up and you can have more natural, helpful conversations. This honest approach often leads to bigger gifts because people feel respected and informed instead of tricked. People are more likely to say yes when they’ve had time to think about your request; even when they can’t give, they appreciate the approach.

Think About This: One fundraiser schedules meetings this way: “The best part of my job is meeting with people who care about what we’re doing. I’d love to share the exciting things God is doing through our work and ask if you’d like to join us through prayer and giving. When would be a good time to get together?” This honest, excited approach sets the right tone from the beginning.

Response: Father, help me always be honest when I talk to people about our work. Give me wisdom as I invite people to pray and give generously.

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.

describe this picture for the purpose of alt text on a website, no quotation marks
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.

1 2 3 4

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

No comments to show.
[email protected]
123-456-7890
Cart Overview