Set Your Fundraising Mindset to Faith
One of the biggest barriers to raising funds for your ministry is your own mindset. Let's take a mindset quiz. Which of these negative mindsets do you identify with?
"I'm afraid I won't get all the funds"
"I'm not a sales kind of person."
"I hate to beg for money."
"I don't know enough people"
"I don't want to put people on the spot or make them feel uncomfortable."
Maybe one, two or all of them? The biggest barrier for most missionaries is what's in their head. In order to adjust your mindset from fear to faith, you'll need to look at scripture. The first chapter in Philippians reveals Paul's mindset about ministry partnership. Take a look and see what you can discover about his mindset that you can apply to yourself.
1:3 "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now."
4:10 "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
14 "Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God."
What stood out to your about Paul's mindset? Was it full of fear, or faith?
What was he putting his confidence in?
How did he view financial partnership? What was his overall attitude?
What negative mindset would you like to leave behind today, and what new, Biblical mindset will you replace it with?
"Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it." Steve Maraboli
Susie Berner, Fundraising Coach