You have created a new resource, pouring your heart and soul into it with the support of your hardworking team. This resource could be a book, study guide, devotional, disc series, digital download, or even a free offer to acquire and cultivate relationships with potential ministry partners.
The question is: what is your plan, along with your creative team, to amplify God’s message through your work and reach the people who will encounter your ministry?
Creating Connections
There are various ways to connect with people, whether through an 800 number or a letter, which, interestingly enough, Millennials and early Gen Z’s are growing to appreciate as they perceive it to be more personal and unique. Alternatively, you could reach out through email and text or collect people’s contact information digitally via your website or specialized landing page for a product they purchased or an event they attended.
How do you approach each of these different “streams” of people that come into contact with you and your ministry? While you may communicate with them in distinct ways, your language should align with your branding.
One approach I’ve used for pastors is to utilize their sermon notes or transcripts as a “ministry-wide blueprint” for all communication channels to ensure a unified voice. More recently, I’ve successfully utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve the same goal. (Just remember that AI isn’t grammatically perfect, and you’ll need to double-check the Bible translations.)
Fundraising embodies a concerted, team-wide endeavor to ask those whom God has connected with your ministry to provide financial and spiritual support as you fulfill your God-given vision and deliver His message.
Whether it’s a new name, first-time donor, multiple-time donor, partner, large donor, or product buyer, each individual contributes to advancing your ministry’s mission and vision. Every supporter is essential in helping propel your ministry’s mission forward, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the purpose that God has bestowed upon you.
Here are some questions to ponder:
- Do you express gratitude to your donors through both email and letters?
- Within your database, do you tailor your messages to address your partners distinctly compared to others?
- Have you established a special recognition system for “large donors” who have the potential to assist you with significant ministry needs?
- Have you considered blessing your partners at specific times throughout the year as an additional way of demonstrating appreciation?
Content Is King in Fundraising
In this current era, the “ministry friends” that God has brought to you play a critical role in promoting (via social media) and advancing your impact to achieve the highest potential for your ministry’s purpose.
Your voice matters. Your brand matters, but your content is king. Its distribution plays a vital role in determining your success, effectively making content the emperor.
Are you and your team working together strategically to convey a unified message that informs, educates, and cultivates your audience in your ministry’s vision?
Craft a clear and concise vision, and then pursue it with passion and commitment! Money is a necessary component of ministry, and when your vision is aligned with God’s purpose, financial support will follow. Money still follows ministry!
Allow us to guide and support you through mentorship! Our experience and wisdom can provide valuable insights to assist you in your journey. As Proverbs 4:7 states, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (NIV).
