Support Raising Training

Biblical Foundation for Support Raising –Numbers 18:21 –Deuteronomy 14:27 –Luke 8:1-3 –Luke 10:5-7 –Romans 15:23-24 –2 Corinthians 1:15-16 –1 Corinthians 9:7- 10 –1 Corinthians 9:13-14 God’s Provision for His Workers

Biblical Foundation for Support Raising –Philippians 4: –Proverbs 3:9-10 –Proverbs 11:24-25 –Malachi 3:10 –Matthew 10:42 –2 Corinthians 9:6- 8 –2 Corinthians 9:12-14 God’s Promises for Their Supporters

Biblical Foundation for Support Raising –Luke 22:35 –1 Thessalonians 5:24 –Deuteronomy 2:7 –Exodus 34:6 –Psalm 86:15 –Psalm 100:5 –Lamentations 3:22-23 God’s Faithfulness

Barriers to Support Raising Lack of Prayer –Nehemiah 1:4-11, 2:4, Matthew 6:11 –Spiritual Warfare Eph 6:12 — For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Barriers to Support Raising Pride –Do I think I am so indispensible that the ministry will stop functioning if I am away on a support trip? –Is God really so incapable that He can’t continue the work without me? James 4:6 — But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.“ 2 Corinthians 12:9 — And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Barriers to Support Raising Fear –Proverbs 29:25 — Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. –1 Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Lack of Tools/Skills – –TnTMPD –GFA Support Raising Materials –Lack of Knowledge – Hosea 4:6

Barriers to Support Raising Bad Theology –God is the source, not our donors, plans, or hard work (Num 18:24) –See section II – Biblical Foundation for Support Raising

Barriers to Support Raising Lack of Accountability –Ineffective or Inconsistent Efforts –Lack of Diligence –Poor Time Management

Barriers to Support Raising Lack of Accountability –Not having a personal budget – a Get by Mentality Luke 16: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?”

Barriers to Support Raising Lack of Accountability –Lack of Personal Giving Malachi 1: And you say, 'What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously," says the LORD Almighty. "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the LORD. 14 "Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king," says the LORD Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.

Barriers to Support Raising Lack of Accountability –Sin or Wrong Motives Psalm 133:1 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! James 4:3 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 1 Peter 3:7 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Gal 3:10 10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."

Barriers to Support Raising Lack of Passion – Fuzzy on Your Calling –If your not sure of your calling or no longer believe fervently in the importance of what God has you doing, you will hesitate to invite others to support you.

Working Your Current Network of Relationships Make a list –Relatives –Friends –Church Directory –Facebook/Twitter Contacts

Working Your Current Network of Relationships Pray for Favor! –Psalm 5:12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. –Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. –Pray through your list of potential sponsors every day for several weeks before making your first contact

Working Your Current Network of Relationships Make a “Two-Touch” plan for each person on your list –Example: “letter/phone call” or “phone call/personal meeting” Give Them a Call –Practice on a friend first –It shouldn’t sound like you are reading a script – like natural conversation Send Them a Letter –Response Devices

–Response Device Examples Working Your Current Network of Relationships

Expand Your Network –Referrals Presentations –See the GFA Support Raising Materials sheet for ideas

Working Your Current Network of Relationships Advocates –Someone very committed to you and the ministry, and would be willing to go on my behalf to their sphere of influence –Someone in your home church who will make sure your needs are made known

Working Your Current Network of Relationships Closing –Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration –Ask if you can put them on your newsletter mailing list –Ask them if you can get back to them in the future –Ask them if they know of anyone that might be interested in what you are doing

Working Your Current Network of Relationships Follow up! –Always leave the door open for checking back with them to answer questions –When you call, let them know you are sending a letter with more information –In you letter, let them know you will be calling to answer any questions –Be diligent and faithful to make those follow-up calls or send that additional letter or material