Sometimes "no" is the answer to a request to partner with me financially.
During this season of raising support before I begin work 1 January 2019, I am tasked to share my mission with others and to raise my own salary by creating financial partnerships.
This means asking individuals, visiting churches to share in their weekly church meeting or asking local churches to budget some funds for my support.
Sometimes, the answer is "no" or "not now". Personal or church budgets may be experiencing a season of financial strain.
Churches and individuals can still formally partner with me through tangible and real ways with no financial commitment.
Here are some of the best "no, but ..." answers I’ve heard since starting my support raising:
“No, but we'd love to invite you to our next small group to share. I'm sure others would love to hear and might be able to support you in ways our family is unable to right now.”
“No, but we'd love to offer you a "Missions Spot" at one of our upcoming weekly church meetings. Feel free to stick around afterwards and talk to our folks about what you'll be doing next year.”
“No, but we're going to commit to praying for you as a church once a month. Please send us updates on how God is at work and how we can best support you in prayer.”
“No, financially we’re not in a position to do so, but I do have a lot of time. If you ever need someone to volunteer or read the Bible with a student one to one, put me at the top of your list.”
“No, but do ask again in a few months. Our situation may have changed then. We’d really like to give. In the meantime, I have a friend who works at the local Christian radio station that I can put you in touch with. Maybe they can help you get word out about what you’re doing next year.”
“No, we’re already committed to supporting another missionary financially. However, we would love to introduce you to some University students who go to our church but aren’t connected to your ministry yet.”
“No, we’re not able to commit to that level of financial support. But we can do this figure instead.”
Honestly, hearing "no" hurts. And I'm sure saying "no" hurts, too.
But when that "no" is followed by a “but”, my heart soars.
These are people who genuinely believe in God’s mission on campus and love me and want to see God use me to bring about his kingdom.
It's all in God's hands.
If you would like to say "no" BUT would like to join others who are partnering with me in prayer, join Christine and the Support Team or subscribe to my email list.
You'll get behind the scenes access to my work and helpful tips and resources that may benefit your own Christian journey and ministry.
Mikey Lynch, Campus Director of University Fellowship of Christians just released the latest podcast of Gospel Giving Movement on how to respond well when someone requests that you partner with them for the gospel. (I like to think this podcast stemmed from our conversation earlier this week when I was feeling especially devastated by a “no” I’d received.) Listen here.
Next time I’ll share what I do when someone says, “Yes!”