Getting Sent
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*affiliate partner
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
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.
"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."
"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."
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