What perspective should I take towards raising prayer and financial support?
Is there any way other than begging for support?
How do I raise prayer and financial support?
» more related questionsQ: Can teams going overseas together raise support collectively with each family drawing from the main pot?
A: Certainly.
This is a method used by a number of organizations. However, there are issues that need to be clarified and clarified again before you go to the field. Note that some missionaries are better getting people to invest in God's work than others. If all can agree that all efforts contribute to the pool, and each dips into that pool according to their NEED, it will work. However, the needs, wants, and wishes of every person differ. There is much to be resolved before going to the field. Look at the Biblical example of a church that tried this method. It worked until Ananias & Sapphira came along (Acts 5). Things deteriorated from there to the Grecian women (Acts 6).
A: With all the charity in the world,
I cannot think of a MORE certain way to have INSTANT conflict.
I personally enjoy immensely the "freedom" I, and my co workers, have by maintaining EVERYTHING separate.
That way, there are a minimum of things to disagree about. (Yes, even then, there are disagreements, but it's tremendously "freeing" NOT to have very many things about which to disagree.
I personally enjoy immensely the "freedom" I, and my co workers, have by maintaining EVERYTHING separate.
That way, there are a minimum of things to disagree about. (Yes, even then, there are disagreements, but it's tremendously "freeing" NOT to have very many things about which to disagree.
A: It is up to you and the others in the team
It can be an excellent way for the team to get into function prior to heading out to the field. Nothing shows one about his or her maturity like money issues - from raising it to spending it.
Each team member has his or her gifting, one might be to ask for support, another to ask for practical help, and another to send the thank you notes, cards and letters along the way. One might maintain the donor database and another manage the banking. Let each member serve according to the grace and gifting they've received from God. Challenging, sure! But what's wrong with challenges? Well, that's what this 'ole missionary thinks anyway.
Each team member has his or her gifting, one might be to ask for support, another to ask for practical help, and another to send the thank you notes, cards and letters along the way. One might maintain the donor database and another manage the banking. Let each member serve according to the grace and gifting they've received from God. Challenging, sure! But what's wrong with challenges? Well, that's what this 'ole missionary thinks anyway.
A: Unity is Powerful IN Christ
It depends on the size and depth of the team(s) and the area you desire to serve. Prayer is key to everything - after prayer make a plan and stick to it. Team trips often help unify the local church body and community to fulfill a call that everyone will benefit from, if not during this life-time then in the world to come. Jesus taught the body, as did Paul to be in unity and this has been a theme throughout the Bible. Division, strife and "not doing anything" does not come from God. Search His word, pray and make a plan - God will see the rest to completion.
