Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising

by Pete Sommer

Overview

Most of us would rather have a root canal than ask for money.Raising support is one of the most difficult challenges facing Christians in ministry. Fears of rejection, concerns about biblical validity, feelings of not being deserving, anxiety about limited resources can all block us from obtaining the means to fulfill our calling.This book both affirms that God uses the Christian community to send us into ministry and demystifies the process. This down-to-earth handbook

• offers a clear, biblical perspective
• gives step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the tools unique to each person's support-raising task
• helps you know what range of gift to ask of a potential donor
• outlines the how-tos of holding a home promotional event
• tells the four predictors of church support
• is aware of the diverse ethnic contexts of today's new mission candidates
• includes a chapter by a woman for women on their unique challenges in support raising
• shows how to build a base in a strong church when you don't have one
• explains exactly why people do and don't give

The relational strategy in this book has proven valuable for those who serve Christ on campus, in the city or in other special ministries at home or abroad. It is not necessarily the quickest approach to raising money, but it is the most lasting and fulfilling for those who give and receive.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830822188
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	09/03/1999
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	(w) x (h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Sommer is director of teaching and adult discipleship at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (California). Formerly he was associate director of campus ministries for development with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and he has traveled throughout the United States conducting support-raising seminars and training for Christian workers in many organizations. Sommer also served as board chair of Bayshore Christian Ministries and the Foundation for Advanced Christian Training (FACT).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One: Building the Foundation
1. God's Word Is Final
2. The Fear Factor
3. Why People Give

Part Two: Preparing
4. Step One: Prepare the Case
5. Step Two: Find the People Who Care
6. Step Three: Approach Your Church
7. Step Four: Prioritize
8. Step Five: Organize

Part Three: Asking
9. Send Your First Letter
10. Phone Your People
11. Meet People
12. Ask for Church Support
13. Recruit a Core Team
14. When Women Raise Support (Donna Wilson)

Part Four: Developing Your Team
15. Build Partnership
16. Send Mail
17. Ask Again
18. Get Sent for Good

Appendix One: Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix Two: Getting Sent on Short-Term Missions

Notes

Editorial Reviews

"Getting Sent is a clearly written, practical guide to raising financial support for ministry. It demystifies the deputation process, debunks myths about why people give and presents a step-by-step plan for building and maintaining a long- term support team. The book includes nine Bible studies that focus on the scriptural principles undergirding Sommer's approach. While Getting Sent is obviously a valuable resource for anyone preparing for missions, it is also worthwhile reading for veteran missionaries who need to sharpen their donor communication skills. Pastors, too, will gain insight from the book, allowing them to be more helpful to would-be missionaries in their congregations."

World Christian

"Raising support—asking for money—is the missionary's bread and butter. For most, it's also one of the most difficult aspects of missions work, standing between calling and sending. Sommer, campus ministries associate director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, eases the burden—and the knee-knocking—for long- and short-term missionaries, support personnel, and prospects. The book isculturally aware and loaded with practical advice, real-life examples, and bits of wit and wisdom. Sommer offers a detailed, step-by-step approach, adjusting for varying situations. Dispelling myths and fears, he outlines the scriptural basis for raising support. It's all here: ethics, people's motivations for giving, do's and don'ts, team building, how to maintain support, even usable forms. Recommend this valuable resource to all missions-minded Christians."

CBA Marketplace

"Raising support--asking for money--is the missionary's bread and butter. For most, it's also one of the most difficult aspects of missions work, standing between calling and sending. Sommer, campus ministries associate director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, eases the burden--and the knee-knocking--for long- and short-term missionaries, support personnel, and prospects. The book is

culturally aware and loaded with practical advice, real-life examples, and bits of wit and wisdom.

Sommer offers a detailed, step-by-step approach, adjusting for varying situations. Dispelling myths and fears, he outlines the scriptural basis for raising support. It's all here: ethics, people's motivations for giving, do's and don'ts, team building, how to maintain support, even usable forms. Recommend this valuable resource to all missions-minded Christians."

CBA Marketplace, October 1999

"Getting Sent is a clearly written, practical guide to raising financial support for ministry. It demystifies the deputation process, debunks myths about why people give and presents a step-by-step plan for building and maintaining a long- term support team. The book includes nine Bible studies that focus on the scriptural principles undergirding Sommer's approach.

While Getting Sent is obviously a valuable resource for anyone preparing for missions, it is also worthwhile reading for veteran missionaries who need to sharpen their donor communication skills.

Pastors, too, will gain insight from the book, allowing them to be more helpful to would-be missionaries in their congregations."

World Christian, March 2000

From the Publisher