If you decide to answer a random number on your cell, you may quickly realize it’s an auto-attendant script. Some expert has meticulously input the right trigger words to pique your interest and move you to action before you end the call.
Actors memorize, internalize and personalize their scripts to become the character they are portraying. These steps are helpful as you prepare for your donor calls and visits. You should learn everything possible about your ministry.
Memorize your mission, vision, core values, and key phrases from your strategic plan.
Internalize these concepts so they become part of you, not just rote facts.
Personalize your presentation by sharing impact stories of how your ministry is making a difference.
While we should “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks” (1 Peter 3:15), Jesus told his disciples when they were called before the judge, not to worry about what to say or how to say it because it wouldn’t be them speaking, but the Spirit speaking through them.
It’s important to prepare for your donor call and visits, but sometimes we worry, “what if I don’t say the right thing, or worse, what if I say the wrong thing?” Ultimately, you are not responsible for the outcome. You are God’s spokesperson to present your ministry to the best of your ability and ask for their support. Before your next visit, ask God for “what to say and how to say it.”
Then let the Spirit speak through you.
Ron Haas, Vice President of The Timothy Group, has also 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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
