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A man in a suit pointing directly at the camera with a serious expression, set against a soft beige background; bold text on the right reads “SAY YOU, NOT ME! 2 Thessalonians 1:11.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Say You, Not Me!

“We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Thessalonica was a short, but productive stop on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-8). The unbelieving Jews were so jealous of the gospel’s success, they ran Paul and Silas out of town. Though he left abruptly, he kept thinking about and praying for these friends and sent Timothy back to check on them (1 Thess. 3:1-2). We can learn much about our donor relationships from Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians.

Donor-Focused
We can hear Paul’s heart for these believers in the language he used. In 2 Thessalonians 1, he emphasized “you” and “your” seventeen times to express his love. He thanked God for them (vs. 3), boasted about their faith (vs. 4), gave them hope in God’s justice (vs. 5-10), and “constantly prayed for them” (vs. 11). Paul’s writing style should prompt us to incorporate more “you” phrases in our writing and conversations. Consider these phrases, “Your help is needed now more than ever,” or “You can fan the flames of revival,” or “We know you want to make a difference,” or “Your gift will last beyond your lifetime.” As you design marketing materials, focus on your donor—not you.

God-Focused
The Thessalonian believers were suffering under great persecution. Twice Paul asked God to make them “worthy of his calling” (vs. 5, 11). What an incredible encouragement it must have been to know that the Apostle Paul was constantly praying for them. Your donors are also experiencing trials of many kinds and you have the privilege of praying for them. Point them to the cross. Pray that God will bring relief and glorify himself (vs. 6, 12).

Donor Success
Paul prayed for God’s favor for his friends. Your donors desire to be good stewards of the resources God has given them. Paul prayed that their every good desire and every deed prompted by faith would become a reality. Know your donors well enough so you can pray effectively for their concerns. Pray for their businesses to thrive, their investments to yield amazing returns, and God’s blessing for a bountiful harvest. As they succeed, they will have more capacity to be generous.

Your Success
When Paul collected money for the poor in Jerusalem, he was reluctant to ask the Thessalonians because they were experiencing extreme persecution and poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). They surprised him and insisted that he receive their gifts so they could join him in serving others (2 Cor. 8:1-4). Generosity is not connected to a person’s net worth, but their heart. Cheerful givers want to make an eternal difference with their gifts (2 Cor. 9:7).

Think About This: Henry Blackaby wrote in Experiencing God, “Find out where God is at work and join him there.” When your donors see God working in your ministry, they will want to join you. Invite them to give, even if they are going through tough times.

Response: Lord, please teach me how to use more “you” language in our materials. May our donors experience the joy of giving through our ministry.

A modern, minimalist desk setup with a potted plant, books, a coffee mug, and office supplies neatly arranged. At the center is an open laptop displaying the words "1 Peter 3:15". Above the desk, large text on the wall reads "Donor Preparedness".
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Donor Preparedness

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

If you live in tornado country, you are used to the monthly siren test of the emergency alert system. This one-minute signal encourages everyone to stay aware and respond accordingly if an actual emergency occurs. Occasionally, a major donor will surprise you with, “What are your plans and how can I help?” Will you be prepared with an answer, or will you be caught off guard? Peter gives us five thoughts to consider.

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord
Your organization’s plans should not just be what your ministry leader, board, or key donors want to do. Instead, your strategic plan should emerge from a prayerful consideration of what you believe the Lord wants you to accomplish. Solomon reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Compare how much time you spend planning with how much time you spend praying.

Always be prepared to give an answer
Your strategic plan should outline your vision for the future and the resources it will take to turn your dreams into reality. Define the gray boxes on your master site plan by focusing on programming. Renowned architect Louis H. Sullivan, coined the phrase “form follows function.” Programs should drive your building needs. Your next new building won’t inspire donors, but what happens in the building to impact lives.

To everyone who asks
Sometimes leaders don’t like to face hard questions, so they avoid them. It’s easier to push ahead with your plan than to pause and consider other options. Don’t see questioners as your enemies, but your friends. People ask questions because they care. You may question their motives, but their questions will force you to clarify your arguments and strengthen your case.

Give the reason for the hope that you have
Your strategic plan must address your “Why.” Simon Sinek in his book, Start with Why encourages leaders to first communicate their Why—motivations and purpose. Then focus on How—the specific actions to realize the Why, and finally turn to What—the results which prove your Why. Don’t tell your donor what you want to build, but why this new facility will support and fulfill your mission.

Do this with gentleness and respect
Some leaders announce their plan as written in stone brought down from the mountain with no opportunity for feedback. Peter gives us important advice about the way we share our story. Perhaps your major donor has a better idea and is willing to fund a different direction. Approach that person with an open heart.

Think About This: One Christian school asked a major donor to support their remodeling plans. He declined to give anything toward the existing facility, but was interested in a major gift toward a new building on a new campus. His lead gift launched their campaign and rallied other key donors to partner with him.

Response: Lord, help me hold my plans loosely and listen to my major donors to hear their passion for our ministry.

Young girl with long blonde hair wearing a striped yellow and black shirt shrugs her shoulders with a confused expression. The text reads, “Joshua 3:3-4” and “That Feeling of Vujà De” on a solid blue background.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

That Feeling of Vujà De

“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” (Joshua 3:3-4)

Déjà vu is a French term for the intuitive feeling you have when you see or experience something familiar—like you’ve already seen or experienced it before. Organizational guru, Karl Weick describes Vujà De as the opposite feeling, “I’ve never been here before, I have no idea where I am, and I have no idea who can help me.” Feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing is one of the most frustrating feelings in the world. Joshua must have felt this as he prepared to enter the Promised Land. His mentor, Moses, was gone and the Lord chose him to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Perhaps God is calling you to a new ministry or to lead your current ministry into uncharted territory. Learn these three lessons from Joshua.

I’ve Never Been Here Before
You may be a rookie with no prior experience to draw on for your new assignment, or you may be a veteran with years of battle scars. Either way you must view your opportunity with fresh eyes. Some people boast of their fundraising experiences saying, “I have twenty years in development.” While this may be true, consider your new opportunity a chance to walk by faith, not to replay the greatest hits of the past. Determine to learn and grow personally and professionally through each new challenge.

I Have No Idea Where I Am
In the dark ages before GPS, we used to print off donor trip itineraries. These pre-phone maps would show your destination, but not where you were. Now, the little blue dot pinpoints your location. The same is true when it comes to your fundraising strategies. We know what the final goal is, but we are not sure where we are or what next steps to take. Consider conducting a development audit to assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges to get an accurate understanding of where you are currently.

I Have No Idea Who Can Help Me
Joshua didn’t have Karl Weick’s problem of not knowing who could help. The Lord had promised to help him, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5). The Lord also promises to be with you as you start your new ministry. Solomon taught, “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance” (Prov. 20:18). As you begin your new assignment, seek the counsel of a trusted friend, another ministry colleague, or a fundraising professional. You’ll be glad you did.

Think About This: Are you trusting in my fundraising experience to bring you success, or are you trusting in God? Who will receive glory if you succeed?

Response: Father, I’m facing something I’ve never faced before. I praise you for being in complete control. Please help me trust you and not my own understanding.

A shiny golden egg rests in a nest made of straw and twigs, symbolizing transformation and value. The text reads "Spinning Straw Into Gold" with "Gold" highlighted in glowing letters, and "1 Corinthians 3:12-13" displayed below, emphasizing a biblical theme of creating lasting value.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Spinning Straw into Gold

“Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NLT)

One day each believer will stand before the Lord to give an account of what they accomplished in this life for him. Jeremiah reminds us God’s examination will be thorough, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve” (Jer. 17:10). This reminder of final accountability should motivate each of us to “make the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:16).
Fundraisers make choices every day how to invest their time. Some busy themselves with wood, hay, and straw activities, others focus on gold, silver, and jewels. How can you know the difference?

Wood, Hay, & Straw
The list of fundraising activities is endless: 5k fun runs, galas, golf outings, concerts, auctions, etc. While these events can be fun and create great public awareness, they may not be the highest and best use of your staff and volunteer time. Events can reach many donors at one time but have at least three limitations: (1) an ask from the podium is much less personal, (2) the donor doesn’t have an opportunity to ask questions, and (3) your donor can simply ignore the response envelope.

Gold, Silver & Jewels
The gold standard for fundraising is face to face solicitation. Why do so few ministry leaders ask? Donor solicitation is friends talking with friends about how your ministry is making an eternal impact. Personal asking has at least three advantages over all other fundraising methods: (1) you can tailor the ask to the donor’s giving interest, (2) you can challenge the donor with a stretch ask amount, and (3) you can follow up with your donor about their gift decision.

Fire
Some don’t ask for fear their donor will be offended and stop giving. Asking tests a donor’s priorities. Will they give to the Lord’s work or spend it on themselves? Will they focus on temporary things or eternal? God may use the refining fire of asking to purge the dross and reveal your donor’s true heart. “He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness” (Mal. 3:3). Ultimately, asking benefits your donor.

Value
Face to face asking has the highest return on investment of your fundraising time. Take an inventory of your development calendar. Any activity not directly helping you prepare for a personal donor meeting, schedule a personal donor meeting, actually have a personal donor meeting, or follow up to your donor meeting is a wood, hay, and straw activity.

Think About This: It’s great when your boss gives you an Attaboy! for going above and beyond. How much more rewarding to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21).

Response: Father, please help me make personal donor visits a high priority of my week. Help me say no to good things, so I can focus on the best things.

*|FNAME|*, Have a Spirit-led Fundraising Week!

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