Leaders, Are You Overlooking Donors Under Your Nose?

(for regional, national and city leaders)

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“Alphonse,” and I were sitting at a tiny table with papers strewn all around. We were trying to find giving partners for the National Office (General Fund).

After being named National Director, Alphonse quickly realized that he needed unrestricted cash to help his staff with emergencies and to seize ministry opportunities. The General Fund was crucial for ministry health.

So, we reviewed the list of general fund donors name by name for the past five years. Didn’t take long!  Was staff leader “Bob” on the list? No. How about Board Member “Sally?” No. Office manager, “Bill?” No. 

And so on. Alphonse was surprised that his co-workers, his colleagues, even Board Members were not on the list. “Why aren’t they giving?” he puzzled. 

“Have they been invited to give?” I asked.

Alphonse’s countenance dropped. He said, “Since they lead our ministry, I assumed they would support the general fund.” Sternly he added, “They should be giving—now!” I cautioned him not to issue a leadership “edict,” but to invite each one face-to-face.

In Galatians 6:6, Paul exhorted the believers to “share all good things with the one who teaches him.” Local leadership in this case. 

How about you? Are you overlooking your colleagues as giving partners for your city fund, regional fund or national fund?

 Leadership Questions:

• Do you expect your staff, volunteers and Board Members to support the general fund faithfully and regularly? Why not? 

• Are they aware the General Fund is in need?

• Do they know how to give to the fund?

• How will you invite them to begin monthly or annual support? 

How did it turn out for Alphonse? Within three months their Office Fund income grew by 80%! 

Similarly, in other countries, ministry leaders were not giving to their own ministry. One board member said that he “didn't know it was possible to give to the admin.”

But when “support your local ministry” from Galatians 6 was taught, these dedicated laborers joyfully become giving partners.

Finally, Alphonse and I reviewed 1 Chronicles 29:1-9 describing how King David was the first to give toward building the new tabernacle! David modeled what he wanted others to do.

Alphonse nodded his head and smiled!