3 Fund Raising Mistakes Church Planters Make

By Bill Dillon

Today's guest blog was written by Bill Dillon, President of The Dillon Consultancy

It’s such a wonderful time when we get a vision to do something for the Lord. So often, the call to plant a church or start a ministry is a season of great inspiration and excitement. However, once we take that first giant step of faith and pursue that vision, the next great challenge before Pastors and Ministry leaders is raising funds required to see the dream come to pass. While helping thousands of pastors, ministry leaders, and missionaries raise funds needed to see their vision come to give, I have found three common mistakes that people who raise funds often make.

Aiming at the wrong target group

When we look for funds, we think that every Christian, every church, and pastor will fall in love with our vision. Assuming this, we get the word out to as many people as possible. Unfortunately, from all my years of experience, I will tell you that approach will lead to disappointment, few gifts, and lower gift amounts.

In determining your target group, you need to understand the following:

• People give to people.
• People give to people they know.
• People give to people they know and trust.
• People give to people they know, trust and care for.

If you are going to raise funds and see your vision come to pass effectively, you must zero in on those people, and you will see a very responsive group to you and your eye. I suggest starting with a list of people who meet these criteria, even stopping to ask the Lord to bring to mind those who would be a good fit. 

Choosing convenience over effectiveness 

We live in an age where we want instant success. It is so easy to turn to social media, email, and blitz all those insights in fundraising. Unfortunately, it simply is not the most effective way. It’s rare indeed to find fundraisers take this approach and find people responding in any significant way.

I have found that the most effective way to raise funds is to meet with key individuals face to face. It is in that setting the following can take place:

• They can pick up on your passion. I had the opportunity to begin an inner-city ministry (Inner City Impact) in Chicago. The ministry grew out of my passion for seeing inner-city kids saved, discipled, and become part of a local church. As I met with prospects and donors, I told the story of a young inner-city child. As I told many stories, people would look into my eyes and see that passion. Sending emails etc., can never replace that one-on-one presentation.
• They can ask questions regarding your ministry. Just answering those questions can make a difference in a gift or no gift or a substantial gift instead of a token gift.
• You can build a bond with your prospect or donor. I call it People Raising, where you build relationships.
• They can become advocates for your ministry. They can introduce you to other people who could be partners in your cause. 

It’s important to take the time for these meetings. It is not easy, but if you prioritize your time to honor these appointments, you will be surprised at what can happen through them. 

Not asking for the gift or not asking for the gift the right way

All too often, a fundraising appointment can so easily turn into merely a social call. The church planter and the prospect have a great time of fellowship. They laugh, encourage each other, and even talk about money, but the church planter never asks for the gift. The common response of the prospect might be, “I am so glad we had this meeting. I can tell you are excited about your ministry, and God bless you.” In this scenario, they never were asked to decide on financially supporting your ministry.

So, there is a right way, and this will take more time to unpack, but here are some key things:

• Ask for a specific amount or a range, for example: “Would you be one of those to support my ministry in the range of $100-$500 a month?” It has been my experience that people want to know where you want them to fit in financially to partner with you.
• Note: Not everyone wants to give monthly so recognize it could be quarterly or annually.
• You need a script to move you through your presentation.

People Raising has a 6-step presentation you develop in our 2-day zoom conferences and practice your presentation through role-playing. The next zoom conference is scheduled for May 2-3, 2022, People Raising Conferences

• You need to practice that script.
• You need to slow down in your presentation, pause, look into their eyes, and ask for the gift.

What I described is mere bullet points, and there is so much more to learn in this vital area. That’s the reason I wrote the book People Raising. I have met people across the world that have a passion for ministry but have had no experience in raising funds. It’s my passion to get every person who has the vision to have the funds they need to see their vision come to pass. 

You can do this! What God has called you to, God will help you raise funds to see come to pass. Often, that happens through developing a plan to raise those funds and having His favor on it. You don’t have to let a lack of funds be a reason not to pursue your vision.

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