Q. We're glad to work overseas but we don't want to first go from church to church here begging for support. What other options are there?
My reply:
For example, Rocco's answer has been added to "What perspective should I take towards support-raising?" Kyle's answer has been added to "How do I handle my debts and still go into missions?"
For lists of books, articles, and tapes on support-raising see http://globalmission.org/infobase/public/ask/askres.cgi?sr=topic&tid=1
For an article about "Financing an Education" browse http://www.globalopps.org/GO%20Papers/students.htm
Friend Raising
Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts
By Betty Barnett
At the beginning of the book Betty writes, "having lived without a predictable paycheck for more than 15 years, I personally would need a special directive from God to change it. In spite of the challenges, I am convinced that it is a privileged lifestyle. God has faithfully met my needs while revealing to me his principles for support raising." $10 per copy. Paperback. (FRR-B). Companion Video (FRR-V) for $15 per copy.
People Raising
A Practical Guide to Support Raising
By William Dillon
One of the classics in the field of fundraising/support raising. Concen trates first on "cultivating a positive attitude toward support raising" and then moves to "cultivating the necessary skills for support raising." Comprehensively covers all areas of support raising. A wealth of information on raising support for short-term missions, as well as career missions. $18/copy. Quality Paperback. 253 pages.
Funding Your Ministry: Whether You're Gifted or Not
An In-depth, Biblical Guide for Successfully Raising Support
By Scott Morton
Addresses the obstacles for those who raise personal support. Answers your questions, and puts you on the Biblical path for recruiting and maintaining donor support. Also written for pastors, church leaders and mission committee members. $18/copy. 218 pages.
Getting Sent
A Relational Approach to Support Raising
By Pete Sommer
A powerful book on building the right base - relational, prayer, financial - for the individual involved in mission. The book is built around four main sections: Building the Foundation; Preparing; Asking; and, Developing Your Team. There are a total of 18 chapters that cover all aspects of the support raising process. $13 per copy. $11/copy for orders of 10+. Quality Paperback. (GETS)
Many mission organisations turn to the popular Moody Press book People Raising - A Practical Guide To Raising Support to provide a Biblically based, step-by-step guide to finding and securing financial support for missionaries. Now Moody is pleased to announce that a 6-hour video and audio series based on the book is available. Author William Dillon shares practical insights from over thirty years of fund raising experience. The combination of video, PowerPoint, study guide, textbook, audio, and role-playing addresses all learning styles and provides all you will ever need in one neat package. The People Raising Premier video edition is now available to mission organisations and individuals. You can order this exciting series on the web (see above) or by sending an email message to< bill@peopleraising.com >.
Here are two support-raising book recommendations that came from Brigada Today. The first is "Getting Sent", by Pete Sommers (IVP, 1999), and the other is "Funding Your Ministry (Whether You're Gifted or Not)" by Scott Morton (Dawson Media, NavPress), 1999. According to the Brigada Today reviewer, "Both are superb, each one having good illustrations and Bible studies for readers to work through. Sommers has a multi-ethnic, North American ministry orientation with two chapters dedicated to the unique challenges for women raising ministry funding." They both cover very important, highly practical issues and both have excellent charts, exercises, and forms useful to readers who are willing to act on what they learn from the authors. "Getting Sent" can be purchased from http://www.amazon.com for USD $12.99 (00/12). See Dawson Media for "Funding Your Ministry."
Getting Sent : A Relational Approach to Support Raising
by Pete Sommer
204 pages
(October 1999)
Intervarsity Press
sold by Intervarsity Press, Amazon, and www.bn.com.
Getting Sent is a clearly written, practical guide to raising financial support for ministry. It demystifies the deputation process, debunks myths about why people give and presents a step-by-step plan for building and maintaining a long-term support team. The book includes nine Bible studies that focus on the scriptural principles undergirding Sommer's approach. While Getting Sent is obviously a valuable resource for anyone preparing for missions, it is also worthwhile reading for veteran missionaries who need to sharpen their donor communication skills. Pastors, too, will gain insight from the book, allowing them to be more helpful to would-be missionaries in their congregations. Raising support--asking for money--is the missionary's bread and butter. For most, it's also one of the most difficult aspects of missions work, standing between calling and sending. Sommer, campus ministries associate director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, eases the burden--and the knee-knocking--for long- and short-term missionaries, support personnel, and prospects. The book is culturally aware and loaded with practical advice, real-life examples, and bits of wit and wisdom.
You and your team want to build good relationships with prayer supporters and advocates. So how do you do it? There is an article on newWway.org that will help your team get a perspective on ways to plan for and realize good relationships with your advocates. Also, learn how to reach more people using proven strategic communication principles. You can also link up with tons of Christian resources there too. http://www.newWway.org
A popular fundraising book that is sold by YWAM
http://www.ywam.org/books/friend.html
Friend Raising
by Barnett, Betty Barnett
(September 1996)
Y W A M Pub
Betty Barnett has performed a siginficant service for all "faith missions". This is a valuable tool for every-one preparing to build a missionary support team"....Bernie May Director, U.S. Division, Wycliffe Bible Translators. If you are raising support or are getting ready to. This book is a must have. My wife and I have recently got this book and it is revolutionaling the way we view support raising. It not only goes into the biblical and theological purposes for raising support but also gives practical how to dos on raising support. This book has changed how me and my wife do it and I know it will change yours. Spend the 8 bucks and make a very worth while investment that will benifit you the rest of your life! God Bless and go reach the world!
Visits since January 31st, 2001
