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Perspectives on Fundraising

What does “Fundraising” mean?

The term “fundraising” probably has many connotations when you first see it. Of course it clearly implies that STIM students will be asked to raise money to cover the cost of the training weekends, the summer project costs, and travel costs. But when we use the term, we are referring to much more than financial support. STIM students are “raising” prayer support, emotional support, and spiritual support along with financial support.

Why do STIMmers Fundraise?

There are several reasons that we ask students participating in STIM to fundraise as they prepare for the summer experience:

We want STIM students to be SENT by their families, their friends, their churches and their InterVarsity chapters. Asking for support (both prayer and financial) helps get people involved in the student’s experience. It gives the STIM student encouragement along the way and gives affirmation from the body of Christ.

Fundraising fosters dependence on God. It is absolutely necessary for the STIM student to depend on God as he or she prepares for, transitions into and participates in ministry in a cross-cultural setting! (Not to mention when they return home to the United States .) Fundraising (and the cultivation of prayer support) helps students to grow in faith and dependence on God. It is a constant reminder that we must depend on God and his people, not ourselves. Fundraising is often one of the more life-changing aspects of the STIM experience.

Fundraising allows others to participate in God’s plan and heart for the nations . Not everyone can participate in an overseas cross-cultural experience by actually going overseas. But everyone can participate in missions through giving and praying for those who do go overseas and for the people they are with. Donors are often able to learn about what God is doing around the world through STIM students. Fundraising allows those who donate their money and their prayers to participate in that activity of God. We believe fundraising blesses both the student and the donor.

Through fundraising, STIMmers share a little in the experience of “full-time missionaries”. One of the goals of STIM is to introduce students to missions and to what it is like to be a missionary. Fundraising helps students understand (on a small scale) what it is like for missionaries who are raising at least five to six times what is expected of the STIM student.

Is It Biblical to Fundraise for Ministry? A Look At Some Fundraisers in the Bible

Old Testament

Moses is one of the first fundraisers we see in Scripture. (Exodus 35:4-5, 21,29)

“Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel , ‘This is the thing which the LORD has commanded. Take from among you an offering to the Lord; whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s offering.”

“And they came every one whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s offering to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.”

“All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work which the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done, brought it as their free-will offering to the Lord.”

The Israelite Priests can also be considered fundraisers in that they were to receive no monetary or material gain as other Israelites were entitled to. By implication, they were not to work outside the Temple to earn a living since their “job” was to serve in the Temple. Rather, they were to receive their “rightful dues” from portions of offerings given to God by God’s people.

“To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve . . .” (Num. 18:8, 21, 23, 24)

 David raised funds for the temple that Solomon would later build. (I Chronicles 29 6-9) David gives of his personal resources to help fund the building of the temple. The leaders and people of the tribe of Israel do the same. The result is great rejoicing that they are able to give.

New Testament

 Jesus gave specific directions to His disciples that forced them to depend on others for their needs. Yet he made it clear that they were not to charge anyone for their services. In other words, no fee system for services rendered, rather they relied on the hospitality of those they ministered to and among. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You receive without pay, give without pay.” “Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your purses, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staff; for the laborer deserves his food.” Matthew 10:8-10

There are many places in Scripture where we see Paul as a fundraiser -- encouraging others to give to those in ministry.

In 1 Corinthians 9: 3-12 Paul is dealing mostly with his rights as an apostle. He recognizes these rights but says he is not taking advantage of them

This situation cross-references with 2 Corinthians 11:7-9. It appears there that Paul was admonishing them for not giving but then holds the Macedonians up as a good example because they came through in a time of need.

Paul refers to the Old Testament practices and their application to the present:

“Do you know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

Paul reinforces the same principle in different words to the Galatians: “Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.” Gal. 6:6

In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9,Paul does more than present a need. He exhorts the Corinthians to participate using biblical principles. Referring to the relief offering for the saints in Jerusalem, Paul writes (after explaining the generosity of the Macedonian churches 2 Cor 9:5-8)

“Accordingly we have urged Titus that as he had already made a beginning he should also complete among you this gracious work. Now as you excel in everything . . . see that you excel in this gracious work also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.” 2 Corinthians 8:6-7

Paul is exhorting it to them to give generously

Notice that Paul sent someone ahead to prepare them (Good basis for a cover letter from your pastor or someone else to show support of you.)
Paul uses the words “gracious work” to describe this ministry of giving rather than humdrum, mundane, activity.
He encourages the church to “excel” in his work, don’t just do it, but excel in graciousness.

“So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift. The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.” 2 Cor 9: 5-8

The Apostle John reinforces the importance of supporting the needs of Christian workers, for in doing so we become “fellow workers in truth” or “partners” as we so often refer to them: “Beloved, it is a loyal thing you do when you render any service to the brethren, especially to strangers, who have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey as befits God’s service. For they have set out for His sake and have accepted nothing from the heathen. So we ought to support such men that we may be fellow workers in the fight.” 2 John 5-8

Conclusions and Principles to be drawn from our look at these fundraisers in the Bible:

After observing these fundraisers, it seems clear that men and women in ministry are to look to God to supply their needs and to the Scriptures for God’s response. God meets the needs of those in ministry through the body of Christ. God has revealed in his word that believers are to support the ministry of the Gospel.

It then becomes a legitimate question: “Who in particular should support this work?” God can and does move in people’s hearts to give. Scriptural examples reveal that people are presented with a need and then given the opportunity to decide.

Moses was commanded to “take the offering”, the people responded to the call for an offering and gave.

Israelite priests lived on the offerings of the people.

The disciples could only depend on the gifts of the people they ministered to as they went from town to town.

Paul continually encourages the church to give to ministers of the gospel generously and with a glad heart.

Throughout Scripture, believers are admonished and encouraged to support those in ministry – it is not optional. Therefore, people in Christian ministry should be funded by God’s people, especially by those who are directly served by the workers needing support.

What does this mean for the fundraiser?

We must trust that ultimately, all of our needs are met by God, directly or indirectly.
We must not limit God to meeting needs certain ways.
The role of the fundraiser is to make the need known to God’s people, praying for wisdom about whom to approach and giving them opportunity to respond as their heart moves them.
We must remember that as we fundraise we invite others to be a part of the specific mission God has given us.
We should also be willing to support others in ministry who are fundraising.

Assuming We Know God Wants To Use the Body of Christ To Meet Our Financial Needs, Isn’t it More Spiritual Just To Pray That God Will Prompt Others To Give To Us Without Actually Asking Them?

Certainly, God knows our needs and is concerned about our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). He tells us that we should not be as concerned about our earthly needs as we are about seeking His Kingdom. He tells us that he will meet our earthly needs.

God also makes it clear that he wants us to talk with Him about our needs. If we are familiar with Jesus’ teaching on prayer we know the importance of continually “asking,” “seeking,” and “knocking” (Luke 11: 5-13). Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to make our requests to God through prayer.

God often meets needs in different ways. Of course, God meets needs that were known only to Him. But there are also numerous places in Scripture where we see God meeting needs through other people. All of the Scripture we looked at above indicates God’s plan to use other people to meet various financial needs. If believers are commanded to support ministry then financial support becomes more of an assumed part of the framework of the church that is a shared responsibility of the entire Body of Christ. It is not faithless or disobedient to make others aware of our need.

Furthermore, the principle of “prayer alone” is not consistently practiced with other needs. When we need food we don’t pray and wait for someone to bring it to us. Why? Paul relates working with eating in 2 Thessalonians 3. The implication is that you have the means to buy food via working not prayer. We make all kinds of needs known others (for example, plumbers or carpenters, when we have problems in our homes) who come to “meet those needs.” We may pray about it, usually for wisdom in choosing the right course of action, then we act.

So when participating in STIM, students will be asked to make their financial needs known to their families, friends, churches, and campus fellowships. We will provide help in how to communicate those needs to others.

Attitudes We Want To Cultivate As We Fundraise

Expectancy and hopefulness:
When we pray in faith
When we act in faith
Based on the teaching of the Scripture
God’s people will support God’s work.
He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it

Thanksgiving for:
God’s provision of funds
God’s people
God’s enabling
God’s commitment to never forsake us.

Humility:
This is God’s work – without Him nothing would happen Ps 127:1
There are many organizations and individuals worthy of support
God delights in using the least likely people to accomplish His purposes, both in the person of the fundraiser and the potential donor.

Openness, Honesty:
With respect to our intent in each contact in writing, in person, or on the phone.
With respect to our need in each contact
Excellently – no shame in our working or asking

Principles That Will Govern How We Fundraise

We will not violate the potential donor’s integrity. Therefore we will not manipulate, coerce, or produce guilt in order to secure a financial commitment. (2 Cor. 9:7)

Whatever we do, we must allow the individual to decide of his or her own will (2 Cor 9:7)
We will be gracious as we fundraise (2 Cor 8:7, 9,19)
We will be honorable in the sight of men and of God as we fundraise. (2 Cor 8:21)
We will earnestly care for our donors. (2 Cor. 8:16)
We will view our fundraising as service to donors (2 Cor 8:23)
We will plan our fundraising activity and be faithful to follow through. (2 Cor8:6, 18,19; 9:3,5)

What We Believe We Offer Donors As We Fundraise

An opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in the STIM student and through the STIM student.
A chance to learn more about God’s work around the world and the opportunity to participate in that work.
An opportunity to bless both the STIM student and those he or she will be with throughout the summer.
An opportunity to be blessed BY the STIM student and those he or she will be with throughout the summer.
A reminder of God’s provision to the generous and the relationship of their giving to thanksgiving and worship. As we give, somehow there is more of a possibility to give!

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