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A sunrise over four distinct paths—dry cracked ground, a dirt road, a rocky path, and thorny terrain—stretching into the distance, with the text “Four Fundraising Volunteers” and “Matthew 13:8” displayed in the sky.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Four Fundraising Volunteers

by Ron Haas
April 7, 2026

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop, a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:8).

Choosing who serves on your volunteer fundraising team is one of your most important leadership decisions. The right people multiply your impact; the wrong ones drain your energy and stall progress. Jesus’ parable of the four types of soil teaches how people receive the gospel, and it offers surprising insight for recruiting volunteers. Just like the farmer encountered different soil conditions, you’ll discover people respond very differently when asked to help with fundraising.

Hardened-The path
The first type of ground Jesus mentions is the hard-packed path where birds eat the seeds before they can even sink in. In volunteer recruitment, these are people whose hearts are closed to your mission or who want nothing to do with fundraising. Their first response is, “I can’t ask people for money.” Maybe they just don’t see asking for money as ministry. Don’t take it personally. Not everybody is wired for fundraising.

Shallow-The rocky ground
The second type is rocky soil with just a thin layer of dirt. Seeds sprout quickly but die fast when the heat comes because their roots can’t go deep. These volunteers sign up enthusiastically and make big promises, but when the work gets hard or takes longer than expected, they disappear. They lack the deep commitment needed to finish. Experienced leaders learn to look past initial excitement and discern whether someone truly understands what they’re signing up for.

Distracted-The thorny ground
The third type is thorny ground. Seeds grow here, but weeds choke them out. These volunteers genuinely care about your mission and want to help. But their lives are just too crowded. Work pressures, family needs, and a dozen other commitments squeeze out their ability to serve well. They show up to meetings occasionally but can’t really dig in. The problem isn’t their character, it’s their calendar. Leaders need to help these folks make an honest assessment if this is the right time for them to serve. Perhaps you could suggest other ways they can support your work instead.

Fruitful-The good soil
Finally, Jesus describes good soil that produces a huge harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was planted. These volunteers have a “Here am I. Send me” attitude. Their commitment is real, and they have time to serve. They don’t just show up; they go all in. They don’t just complete tasks; they multiply your impact by bringing others along and modeling what generosity looks like. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send these types of workers to you.

Think About This: The farmer’s job isn’t to create good soil; it’s to find it and develop it. Smart leaders invest most heavily in people who show they’re ready rather than spreading energy equally across everyone. This doesn’t mean you’re unkind to those who can’t commit. It means you’re stewarding both your time and theirs well.

Response: Lord, please help me recruit the right people for our fundraising team.Give me wisdom to recognize who is ready to serve and grace to release those who aren’t. Help me build a volunteer team who will cultivate an abundant harvest.

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.

A single boat moving across a wide expanse of deep blue water viewed from above, with the text “Lonely Fundraising” and “1 Kings 19:14” displayed over the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Lonely Fundraising

by Ron Haas
March 9, 2026

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty… I am the only one left and they are trying to kill me” (1 Kings 19:14).

Elijah had just pulled off an incredible win against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He called down fire from heaven that consumed the offering, the altar, and even all the water they’d poured on it. Queen Jezebel was furious and threatened to kill him. Terrified, Elijah ran for his life as fast as he could 150 miles to Beersheba. Eventually he reached the mountain of God, where he poured out his heart to the Lord: “I’m all alone. Nobody’s helping me.” Sound familiar? Have you ever complained that nobody is helping you raise money?

The Ups and Downs
Elijah was not a superhuman somehow protected from fear or discouragement. James reminds us that he was just a human being like us. If you’ve been fundraising for any length of time, you know the emotional swings. A successful event leaves you pumped, but by Monday you crash hard. When a donor says yes, you’re on cloud nine for weeks. But when they say no, you start wondering if God really called you to this work. Ask God for the strength to navigate this emotional roller coaster.

Take a Nap
Elijah’s ultra marathon was so exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually that he collapsed in deep sleep. An angel woke him with the smell of freshly baked bread. He ate it, slept some more, and awoke the second time with the energy to keep going. This is a great lesson for fundraising workaholics who push themselves from morning to night, and even through weekends. Get some rest. Take a day off. Jesus told his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31). Take time to come apart before you fall apart.

Gain Perspective
Helen Keller said, “Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.” Elijah complained that he felt all alone. But God reassured him there were still 7,000 people who hadn’t bowed to Baal. You might think you’re the only one who cares about your ministry, but you’re wrong. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people who care about the people you serve. You just need to find them.

Find a Partner
God gave Elijah a practical solution: his new partner, Elisha. You need a fundraising friend. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Ask God for a colleague who can work alongside you. Maybe you need to hire staff, find a volunteer, or recruit a board member who’ll help you connect with donors.

Think About This: If even a prophet got discouraged, none of us are immune. Elijah was also powerful in prayer—and you can be too. When you’re down, spend some intense time in prayer. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Response: Lord, forgive me for thinking I’m in this alone. Please bring me a fundraising partner who can help carry this load with me.

Two open hands lifted upward in a gesture of offering or prayer against a warm, softly blurred outdoor background, with the text “Urgent Generosity” and 2 Corinthians 8:4 displayed on the left side.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Urgent Generosity

by Ron Haas
March 2, 2026

“They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people” (2 Corinthians 8:4).

The believers in Macedonia are a stunning example of generous giving. Paul was collecting funds to support the Jerusalem church, which was struggling with persecution and poverty. When the Macedonians learned about the situation, they begged Paul to let them give. Think about that. These people were broke and going through their own crisis, yet they pleaded for the chance to help someone else.

Paul was stunned by their response (see 2 Corinthians 8:5). What made them so eager? They saw a real need connected to real people at a specific moment. That combination creates urgent generosity. Here’s how to inspire the same response in your donors.

Shouting “Fire”
If you don’t have a fire, don’t yell fire. Artificial urgency trains donors to ignore you. “We need your gift right now” without context is just noise. And desperation messaging backfires. Donors who care will worry. Donors who don’t will leave. If you face a genuine crisis, say so. But choose carefully. You get one, maybe two, emergency appeals before people stop believing you.

Tell the Story Behind the Need
The Macedonians didn’t give to a budget line. They gave to people in Jerusalem who were hungry. Your donors need the same clarity. “Your gift this week means Maria gets her textbooks before midterms” creates urgency because donors see the consequence of delay. Generic deadlines don’t move people. Specific outcomes do. When you connect the timing to a person or result, urgency stops being about your cash flow and starts being about the people you serve.

Create Natural Milestones
Match your deadlines to events that already matter. “Give before summer camp starts so we can cover scholarships for kids already registered” makes sense because the date matters to the mission, not just your budget. The Macedonians understood why their timing mattered. Paul was leaving soon. The Jerusalem church needed help now. Your donors respond when they understand why the calendar matters to the people you serve.

Use Positive Language
Frame urgency as opportunity, not crisis. “Your gift this month doubles through our matching grant” or “Would you give a lead gift we can announce at the banquet to inspire others?” invites participation instead of demanding rescue. The Macedonians saw giving as a privilege. They wanted in on something significant. Give your donors that same sense of opportunity.

The Opposite of Urgency
The opposite of urgency isn’t calm. It’s complacency. If your team isn’t fired up about the work, your donors won’t be either. Sometimes the problem isn’t your messaging. It’s that you’ve lost touch with why this work matters right now. Get out of the office. Visit the people your ministry serves. Reconnect with the mission. When Paul shared what was happening in Jerusalem, the Macedonians caught his urgency because they saw his passion.

Think About This: Your passion for the mission sets the tone for donor response. If you’re going through the motions, they will too.

Response: Lord, forgive me when I forget why this work matters. Fill me with genuine passion for the people we serve, so my excitement becomes contagious to the donors you’ve entrusted to us.

Person balancing on a highline stretched across a rocky mountain peak at sunrise, symbolizing courage and risk, with the text Bold Fundraising and a scripture reference displayed on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Bold Fundraising

by Ron Haas
February 23, 2026

“With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said” (2 Chronicles 32:8).

Hezekiah’s words transformed lambs into lions. Something similar happened at a recent campaign planning meeting with a pretty significant goal. Everyone walked in wondering if we’d completely lost our minds. Could we actually raise this kind of money?

Then Bill showed up and everything changed. When people introduced themselves, most gave a quick “Hi, I’m so-and-so.” Bill took five minutes telling us about his business wins and dropping names of all the big shots he knew personally. At first, it felt a little much. But the longer he talked, the more we realized this guy wasn’t just talk. He actually did know several major donors on a first-name basis. His “we’ve got this” energy was infectious. Suddenly everyone’s “Can we?” turned into “How will we!”

Start with Confidence in the Lord
Bill radiated confidence, but you could also hear his faith underneath it all. He genuinely believed God had prepared him for exactly this moment. Here’s the question: Do you have a positive mindset about fundraising? If you’re just running on your own steam, you’ll burn out fast. But when you draw strength from God, you can accomplish amazing things you never thought possible. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:19).

Then Confidence in Your Mission
Your boldness in asking for money grows directly from how much you believe in what you’re doing. Do you really believe in your cause? Do you understand how important this work is? A good salesperson can sell anything to anyone, but a truly great fundraiser must believe deep down what they’re offering genuinely meets people’s needs. You’ve got to be all in on the fact your campaign will make an eternal difference.

Next: Believe in Your Leadership
Bill joined our campaign because he knew the executive director personally and completely trusted his leadership. The Israelites faced a vast army and were scared out of their minds about their situation. How vast is your campaign? The Israelites trusted King Hezekiah because he trusted God. Does your leadership inspire confidence or raise doubts about whether or not God’s got this?

Finally: Don’t Underestimate your Network
Bill dropped names, but he also showed everyone a text he received that morning from the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Most people won’t volunteer for a campaign team because they think, “I don’t know anybody.” Maybe that feels true. Most of us aren’t hanging out with billionaires at country clubs. But Bill’s enthusiasm got everyone in that room thinking differently. People started remembering, “Wait, I do know someone who…”

Think About This: Your mindset will make or break your fundraising. Henry Ford said it perfectly: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” What do people pick up from your attitude about fundraising?

Prayer: Father, help me trust you for how this campaign turns out. Lead us to the right team members and the right donors.

Wide banner image of a sunlit vineyard with rows of grapevines heavy with dark purple grapes, green leaves filling the foreground, and the text “A Fundraising Pruning Guide” and “John 15:1–2” overlaid on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

A Fundraising Pruning Guide

by Ron Haas
February 9, 2026

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2).

Pruning your apple tree makes everything better. More air and sunlight get into the tree, which means the apples end up sweeter, prettier, and actually ripen properly instead of staying small and sour. It’s like the tree gets to focus its energy on making fewer but way better apples. Jesus used this same principle when talking about spiritual growth, and it applies perfectly to fundraising. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your organization is not to add more programs or events, it’s to cut away what’s not working.

When Events Become Energy Drains
That annual silent auction your board started five years ago? The one that now requires six months of planning, exhausts your volunteers, and barely breaks even after expenses? It might be time for some pruning. Just because something worked once doesn’t mean it deserves to live forever. Good fundraising events should energize your mission, not drain it. If an event isn’t pulling its weight financially or building meaningful relationships with donors, it’s stealing resources from activities that could actually bear fruit.

The SYBUNT Problem
Every nonprofit has donors who gave “Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year.” They clutter your database like dead branches on a tree, and you keep sending them expensive mailings hoping they’ll give again. But here’s the tough truth: if someone hasn’t given in three years, they’re probably not coming back through your regular appeals. Instead of letting these dormant donors drain your mailing budget, try one targeted re-engagement campaign. If that doesn’t work, move them to an inactive list. Your active donors deserve your full attention and resources.

Pruning Your Team
Not every development staff member is going to thrive in fundraising. You can measure activity all day long: phone calls made, emails sent, events attended, but at the end of the year, the question is simple: did they raise money? Great fundraisers don’t just maintain existing donors; they bring in new ones. If someone consistently struggles to build relationships and secure gifts, they might be better suited for a different role. It’s not mean – it’s honest stewardship.

Your Most Precious Resource: Time
As a leader, your calendar is like a garden plot. Every plant competes for the same limited space. That weekly report that takes three hours to compile? The committee meeting that goes in circles? The administrative tasks that keep you from actually talking to donors? Prune ruthlessly. Your highest and best use of time is identifying, cultivating, and asking major donors. Everything else should be delegated, streamlined, or eliminated.

Think About This: Remember, pruning isn’t punishment – it’s preparation for growth. When you cut away what’s not working, you create space for what could flourish. Your remaining programs become stronger. Your staff becomes more focused. Your donors receive better attention. Sometimes the most loving thing a gardener can do is make the hard cuts that allow for new growth.

Response: Lord, please give me wisdom to prune everything (and everyone) that’s not working to make us more effective.

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.

Stacked stones arranged in balanced formations on a neutral background, symbolizing stability, restoration, and rebuilding donor trust, with the title Rebuilding Donor Trust displayed above the image
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Rebuilding Donor Trust

by Ron Haas
January 7, 2026

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

Are donors throwing rocks at you? Donors often direct their frustration toward leadership when their favorite programs are cut, or trusted staff members are dismissed. David fled from King Saul and settled in Ziklag. One day while he was out raiding, Amalekites burned Ziklag to the ground and captured all the wives and children. When David and his men returned to find their homes and families gone, his men’s grief turned to rage against David. In their despair, they even talked about stoning him. David’s remarkable recovery reveals five essential strategies for regaining donor confidence.

Find Strength in the Lord
David responded by turning to the Lord for strength and wisdom. Trials are important moments of personal and organizational growth. Paul prayed for the Colossian believers to be, “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Col. 1:11). Do you need great endurance and patience today?

Drain the Pain
David’s men had legitimate reasons for their anger, but David wasn’t a detached leader—he grieved alongside them. Donors who are passionate about your ministry hold strong opinions about ministry direction and may question your strategic decisions, especially when staff cuts affect people they know personally. Allow them to express their feelings fully. Acknowledge their pain before moving toward solutions.

Seek Clear Direction
David inquired of the Lord (1 Sam. 30:8) and asked specific questions: “Should I pursue them? Will I overtake them?” Pray specific prayers and look for specific answers. Don’t simply present your strategic plan to God and ask him to bless it. Begin your planning process with prayer, seeking divine wisdom before charting your course.

Solve Problems
Winston Churchill observed, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” David’s pain drove him to pursue God and address his crisis. God answered David’s prayer spectacularly: “David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken” (1 Sam. 30:18). Pain often precedes a breakthrough.

Share Your Blessings
David glorified the Lord for his protection and victory. When he returned to Ziklag, he shared plunder with the elders of Judah who were his friends. When God provides solutions to your fundraising challenges, be generous with your time and experience. Share your learnings with other ministry leaders so they can succeed as well. Maintain a kingdom mindset and celebrate others’ victories.

Think About This: The winter at Valley Forge was a period of immense suffering for the Continental Army. Soldiers faced starvation, disease, and inadequate clothing. Washington, under criticism and doubts about his leadership, turned to prayer for guidance and strength. The path through crisis requires divine dependence and obedience. David’s experience demonstrates that even when facing overwhelming opposition, leaders who anchor themselves in God’s strength can navigate through seemingly impossible circumstances and emerge stronger.

Response: Lord, please help me find my strength in you. Help me inquire of you to know the next steps for our ministry.

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.

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