Biblical Attitudes for Fundraising
Here are some attitudes to keep in mind as you seek God for the funds necessary to facilitate your short-term mission trip.
God is the source, not your donors. Any donation is ultimately an offering to the Lord, not to you.
Prayer demonstrates our dependence on God as the source. Just like Nehemiah, we should pray “to the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 2:4) instead of depending on people or our church. God is more interested in our spiritual growth than just meeting a need for funding.
The Bible is the standard for fundraising methods—not ad gimmicks. Just because a method works doesn’t make it right. Be cautious to state your needs, your trust for God's provision and the ministry opportunity clearly and succinctly. Avoid overly-emotional appeals that may distract from the God-centered purpose for the mission.
Biblical fundraising is a spiritual ministry, not a worldly effort to be reluctantly or apologetically endured. We often look at fundraising as secular, having not studied the Bible to find clear examples of supporting one another in ministry. If what we are doing is done in obedience to God, raising funds for it is a spiritual activity.
Receiving support for Kingdom work is biblically sound, but does not entitle you to be pushy or demanding. Don’t expect someone to give just because you have ministered to them in the past. They need to be obedient to God as much as you do.
Expect to raise 100% of the amount you need for the trip. There are enough resources in God’s world to fully supply your need if God has called you to go on a mission trip.
Poor talk dishonors God. Emphasize the greatness of the opportunity, not the greatness of the need. People give because of God’s work in your life and the opportunity, not because they feel sorry for you. Fundraising is not begging!
Focus on the giver, not the money. Paul said in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.” Paul was not preoccupied with the Philippians’ money, but with their spiritual progress. You are looking for partners in God’s ministry in your life.
Take a few moments and ask God to show you if your attitudes are consistent with the Bible before starting the process of raising funds for your mission trip.
> Mission Fundraising Introduction
