In our culture, it is gut-wrenching to put one’s self out there and make the “ask” for financial partnership to support our gospel work, no matter how big or small.
The Gospel Giving Movement podcast has a great episode helping those who give to gospel work know how to respond to these nail-biting requests. If your prayerful and considered answer is “no”, put the poor gospel worker out of their misery and let them know as soon as possible without it dangling in the air. And find a way to communicate that “No” by shifting it into a “No, but …”
Statistically, if I invite 200 people to become financial partners in my ministry, less than 50 will say “yes”. That’s 150 people saying No, Nein, Niet, Nup, Nah and Nope.
So … just for a moment … put yourself in my shoes and imagine the ELATION I feel when that 1 in 4 says
“Yup, sure. I’d love to partner with you. I can’t give much now but I’d love to contribute what I can.”
Whether the monthly pledge is $10 or $150, it takes so much self-control to not run into the girls’ bedroom and wake them up and swing them around squealing in thankfulness.
So I harness that excitement and (when possible) within moments of receiving the notification from head-office that a pledge has been lodged, I whip out my phone and turn on the camera and send off a personal video thanking my new partner in the gospel.
I extend my enthusiastic thankfulness to them and God for their commitment to … OUR … work on the campus of the University of Tasmania. I share a personal insight or behind the scenes glimps of where things are at and what I am currently doing to prepare for the work next year (beyond raising support).
I promise to include them in this work as much as possible within the Facebook group for my supporters and through regular blog posts and monthly newsletters, so they know their investment in gospel work is being used well.
Would you like a personalised Thank You video?
Would YOU like to say “Yes”?
Give Now (please? … *nail-biting*)