Fun with Fund Raising (or, “Ministry Partner Development” and Other Such Equivocal Verbiage or, Adventures in Biblical Bling)

The Levites lived on it. Jesus had it. Paul asked for it. Countless organizations across the world depend on it. “Financial support.” My grandmother called it “panhandling.”

Our particular organization doesn’t like to call it “raising support.” It’s “ministry partner development” or “support discovery.” I have another name for it – “awkward.”

I mean, I know that scripture says, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” but it’s kind of in the “hard-to-swallow” category for most Christ-followers, right there above “love your enemies” and “whoever wants to save his life will lose it.” Sure, it’s biblical, but in a sort of clichéd unrealistic way. Besides, if it’s more blessed to give than to receive, wouldn’t we see more rap artists handing out the bling in the hood and more millionaire CEOs becoming philanthropy partners with Irish rock stars?

And sure, God tells us pretty clearly that “the earth is His, and everything in it,” but surely that’s some sort of Hebrew poetry and it doesn’t necessarily apply to the hard-earned money that people bring in with their own skills and efforts.

Yet the facts remain, as solidly as every other black and white morsel of God’s truth. It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Just ask Bill and Melinda Gates, who’ve handed out billions of dollars in charitable giving over the last 7 years.) And there is nothing in all creation that doesn’t ultimately belong to Him who created all things. (Including every penny that we have ever “earned” in our lives.)

However, as Kristy and I do “ministry partner development” (or whatever the $#££ you want to call it), we find it difficult not to cower in fear of people’s potential lack of understanding and ill-conceived notions about money and non-profit work. Again, the word “awkward” comes to mind. As do the words “offensive” and “charity case” and “get a real job.”

And yet, it all gets balanced out when we look at our financial ministry team and are overwhelmed with the generous partnerships of so many people who believe in what we are doing and who want to be an indispensable part of it. Have you ever been so grateful to someone that you just didn’t feel like there was anything you could do express your gratitude enough? We have a growing team of approximately 70 families and individuals and 7 churches that we feel that way toward. That’s 70 families and 7 churches who have told us explicitly, “We believe in the work that God has called you to in Europe and we want in on some of the action!”

So there’s a little piece of our experience in “raising support” as missionaries over the last several months. It’s a little uncomfortable at times, but it’s also hugely rewarding and faith-building.

Of course, I can’t end without a word about our current $1k shortfall. We’d love to have you join our team. Whether or not you decide to give, please pray that God would raise up the financial partnerships that we need.

Categories: life, devotional