Support raising. Most who hear these words often run in the other direction. Support raising has gotten a bad rap. It’s often viewed negatively as a burden, drudgery, and a form of “Christian welfare”.
Support raising is far more than raising money and reaching deadlines.
It’s about inviting people into a partnership of support and kingdom building.
Lately, God has been showing me the beauty of this partnership and how important it is to have supporters who realize that their partnership is more than just a check in the mail. Supporters have the opportunity to wear many hats. They can be financial donors, prayer warriors, ministry promoters, family, and friends.
I have been support raising for about 2 and a half years now. I have an amazing group of supporters who I am so grateful for. However, these last few weeks I have become increasingly aware of how God-given my supporters are and truly how blessed and thankful I am for each and every one of them. God has partnered me with so many people who love, support, and pray for me continually.
I know these relationships are orchestrated by God.
He knew who I would need to walk alongside me throughout this season of my life.
The past few weeks have been very difficult for me, and I dealt with a lot of spiritual warfare. It was during that time I started receiving an increased number of messages, texts, and emails from people sending me encouragement, asking me how I was doing, and sharing verses and thoughts that God prompted them to share with me. Some were from people I hadn’t spoken with in months!
As the messages poured in, all I could think about amid the tears and smiles was how beautiful this partnership was that God has given me. It’s so obvious that I can’t do this alone, so He has surrounded me with relationships and people who have chosen to say yes to the great commission by supporting me no matter where God calls me.
A year ago I found this quote by Betty Barnett about supporters, and I’ve never forgotten it.
“I am carried on the shoulders of those who cannot see the landscape I describe.
I owe them far more than my weight.”
To my fellow support-raisers, don’t take your supporters for granted. They are God-given. Keep in touch with them. Pray for them. They are just as much a part of building God’s Kingdom as you are on the field. I want to encourage you to not look at support-raising as a dreaded thing you have to do, but rather an opportunity to invite people into a partnership with you and God…and your business is Kingdom building.
To all the amazing ministry supporters, you have such an important role! You have the ability to be prayer warriors, financial donors, exhorters, and friends. The time you spend on your knees in intercession can move mountains and open doors on another continent. Taking the time (even 1 minute!) to send a note of encouragement or verse to someone can mean more than you will ever know. You have an incredible opportunity and role!
All of this is to say, whether you are a supporter or a support-raiser each role is equally important and vital in building God’s Kingdom, and it is a truly beautiful partnership that only God can create.
*This blog was written by CGA graduate Sabrina Lengacher. Thank you for allowing me to share words that are sometimes difficult to express!
