Raising financial support. Most missionaries have a love/hate relationship with this part of their calling. They love receiving it (thank you, Jesus!), but they hate asking for it (save me, Jesus!). Just the thought of asking someone for finances makes some of us break out into a sweat––fear of rejection and the embarrassment of asking swirling around inside our stomachs like badly digested food.
In a recent podcast episode with Steve Shadrach, author of “The God Ask,” he gives us a way of viewing support raising that can dramatically shift our perspective and fill us with newfound courage and faith.
Understanding the God Ask
The God Ask starts with a profound realization: you’re not alone in this journey. Imagine this: in every support-raising appointment, it’s not just you and the potential donor in the room. There’s a third presence—God Himself. Becoming aware of His presence with us in those potentially stressful moments can dramatically reduce the fear of rejection, shifting our posture from self-reliance to divine partnership.
A quote from A. W. Tozer captures this beautifully: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is one of the most important things about us.” Our perception of who God is directly impacts our ability to raise support.
When we see God as loving, providing, and sovereign, it shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance, from fear to faith. This foundational belief enables us to approach support raising with a sense of purpose and confidence.
The Why Before the How
Many people want to jump straight into the practicalities of support raising—how to make calls, set appointments, and make the ask. These are crucial, but they’re secondary to understanding the “why” behind it. When our motivations and perspectives are grounded in biblical truths, the “how” naturally follows.
The conviction that God is a loving provider who has called us into ministry gives us the courage to face the challenges of support raising.
Jesus Himself modeled reliance on the support of others for His ministry, as seen in Luke 8. Recognizing that God has called us and will provide for us allows us to move forward with confidence, even when fear tries to creep in. This perspective shift is essential, as it forms the foundation that empowers us to persevere in the sometimes really tough journey of raising full support.
The Spiritual Battle of Support Raising
Support raising is more than just a financial task; it’s a spiritual battle. It requires saturating the entire process with prayer.
Before talking to people about God, we must talk to God about people. This means praying for potential supporters, praying for the appointments, and praying for the right words.
It’s an acknowledgment that while we make calls and set appointments, God is the one who ultimately moves hearts.
The enemy seeks to derail our efforts, knowing that stopping us during the support-raising period can have far-reaching consequences. If he can stop us and lack of finances is what pulls us off the field, all the people we are meant to reach for Christ are left untouched. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns, the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour. Understanding support raising as a spiritual battle equips us to engage in it with the right mindset and spiritual armor.
Maintaining Support on the Field
For those already on the field, maintaining and growing support is a top priority. It’s easy to see support raising as a necessary burden, but it’s crucial to view it as an ongoing opportunity to mobilize others for the Kingdom. It’s what enables us to do what we do and what enables others to join us in doing it!
Effective communication is key to maintaining support. Regular, vision-driven updates that focus on the impact of the ministry rather than personal needs keep supporters engaged and motivated.
Leveraging various forms of communication, including personalized texts, emails, and social media updates, helps keep supporters connected to the mission and its progress. Find out how your supporters most enjoy hearing from you and hone in on a few of these channels.
Practical Steps for Success
For missionaries planning a trip back to their home country to raise support, preparation is critical. Make a comprehensive list of potential supporters, including those who have said no in the past or haven’t been approached yet. Engage current supporters and ask for increased contributions or special gifts to boost support levels.
Face-to-face meetings are the most effective way to secure support. While it requires time and resources, the personal connection and opportunity to share the vision firsthand are invaluable.
Consider pairing specific ministry projects with supporters who have a particular interest in those areas, creating a more personalized and impactful ask. People love to give to what moves their heart.
A Call to Determination
Support raising requires deep conviction and determination. It’s about standing before God and taking full responsibility for the calling He has placed on your life. Whether you’re a new missionary or have been on the field for years, the time to commit to full support is now. This commitment honors God and provides the financial stability necessary for effective ministry and family life.
So, what is your next step? Have you taken the time to truly partner with God in this journey? Are you prepared to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide for your needs? It’s time to move beyond fear and embrace the opportunity to invite others into the work of the Kingdom.
How will you take action today to ensure your mission is fully funded and ready to flourish? Dive deep, pray earnestly, and reach out boldly. The world is waiting.
Steve Shadrach is the Global Ambassador for Via (formerly the Center for Mission Mobilization).
To learn more, check out this podcast episode:
Good Ask vs God Ask: Next Level Support Raising with Dr. Steve Shadrach
