Support Raising Overview

Table Discussion #1 Take a few minutes and as a group, come up with your top 2 questions about raising support. What’s your experience with raising support, selling candy bars, or another way you’ve previously experienced fundraising?

What Does “Support Raising” Mean? Yes, it is raising money to cover your paycheck But….. You Are Also Raising: Prayer Support Emotional Support Spiritual Support

Why Raise Support? We Want You to be SENT Support Raising: Fosters Dependence on God Allows Others to Participate in God’s Plan Allows Us to Multiply the Work of God Through Support Raising, We Can Begin to Test God’s Call on Our Lives

Is Support Raising Biblical? Old Testament Examples: Moses (Ex. 35:4-5, 21, 29) One of the 1st examples in Scripture Israelite Priests (Num. 18:8, 21, 23, 24) Did not work outside the Temple Received “rightful dues” from portions of offerings David (I Chron 29:6-9) Raised funds for temple Solomon built Gave of his own resources

Is Support Raising Biblical New Testament Examples: Jesus Instructed disciples to depend on others for needs (Matt. 10:8-10) Paul Gal 6:6, 2 Cor 11:7-9, 2 Cor 9:5-8 John 2 John 5-8

Table Discussion #2 On a scale of 1-10 (1 being I’m really dreading it 10 being I can’t wait) what’s your excitement about raising support and why? What are some of your fears about raising support?

What Does This Mean for Us? We are not faithless when we involve others in the process We make the need known & then we invite others to be part of the mission All of our needs are met by God But, we Cannot limit God We should be willing to support others in their ministries Our staff team does an excellent job of setting this example

Why Not Just “Pray and Wait” We Don’t Do This With Other Needs Food Plumbers, Doctors, etc We Pray, THEN We Act

Rules for Raising Support We Will Maintain Integrity (2 Cor. 8:21) We Will Be Gracious (2 Cor. 8:7, 9, 19) We Will Be Humble (Ps. 127:1) We Will Care for Our Donors (2 Cor. 8:16) We Will View Support Raising as a Service to Our Donors (2 Cor. 8:23)

Let’s Get Practical

How Do We Actually Raise Support? Namestorm Write/Send a letter Follow up with a phone call Send a “thank-you” **Cover each step with a whole lot of prayer**

Think “brainstorm” except with names of people Namestorming Think “brainstorm” except with names of people Parents Aunts Uncles Former Employers Friends Friends’ Parents Bankers Parents’ Friends High School Teachers Dentist Doctor

Write a Letter What to Write? What to Include? Be clear on what you need Give a specific amount you need & suggested range Let them know when you’ll follow up Include pictures if possible What to Include? h2o return envelope (stamped) Giving slip Make it easy for them to give

Follow Up Phone Call You won’t be successful without this step People forget or don’t read the letter You have a short window of time to raise support Puts the ball in your court Actual Call Introduce yourself Reference the letter Ask for a response

Send the “Thank You” When you receive a gift, send a thank-you Keep track of who you’ve thanked & who you haven’t Steps for Writing the Thank You Hand write the note Include something personal

When Can I Start? Once you are accepted as an intern here are the steps to follow: Send me your support letter for approval We’ll set up a fund online and give you a link for people who want to give online We’ll provide h2o addressed envelopes You then receive a paycheck on the 5th of each month (based on what you’ve raised) You are an independent minister & are not employed by h2o You’ll receive a 1099 for taxes (we’ll talk more about this at your intern orientation)

Table Discussion #3 What are the 2 biggest things you are going to take away from our time this afternoon?

405-249-7161 Scott.townley@h2ochurch.com Scott.katy.townley@gmail.com