Most people I was on staff with saw support raising as a unwanted burden to ministry. I chose to view it as an opportunity to grow my faith in a loving Father who wants to provide for His children. Some people that were very close to me chose not to support me, while others who I did not know gave more than I could fathom. The two largest gifts I receive one staff were from people I never met.

God is not going to encourage everyone to resource His calling in your life. He is a God that is able to do exceedingly more abundantly than we can even ask or imagine. If everyone was supposed to give to you, than there would be no fear to overcome, no risk to endure, no faith to step out into.

God is frequently unpredictable, but He is always kind and loving. If you are sure of the calling He has for you and sure that solicitations is the means to resource it, then support raising is as much a part of the ministry as what we normally think of as ministry.

With regards to the other questions, if someone says that they will pray about it and let you know, thank them. I would much rather someone follow God’s leading than to feel obligated to give. God will bless their obedience more than their obligation. But, than I would let them know I would give them a call in about a week to see what they have decided. This is not add any shame to them, but it is easy for them to forget about it. This is just a friendly reminder and allows you to have closure.

If someone does say no, always ask if they are willing to pray for your ministry. The work of ministry needs to be bathed in prayer more than gathering financial resources. Also, ask them if they know of others who may be interested. I had some great supporters who were referred by people who did not support me.

Be encouraged about support raising. God will form in you character useful for ministry if you let Him.

Blessings,
Kevin

If someone chooses not to read a book, that doesn’t effect someone else. If a person chooses not to be in a relationship, that has a direct effect on another person.

A relationship is dependent on two people, not just one. However, I’m not advocating staying in a bad relationship. I’m simply saying it is a variable that needs to be considered.

In the future, I will consider this input before finishing that book or movie though.

It’s a good point. I am glad to know there are people like you out there with rational, logical and compassionate thoughts. I wish it was a world where your definition of the word was common place but it’s the semantics that effectively cause the uproar.

You made me think about semantics so if I might get up on my soapbox and throw out a few more thoughts…

If one group has so much identity and ownership tied to the word, like marriage in this instance, then it seems they do alot to “keep” others from having it. Because of this ownership if someone else also uses the word it somehow means they have to give up some power. I think this is the inherent argument that if marriage rights are given to all then it will undermine the institution in its current form.

I don’t know if this is an instant where the word should just be left to religion, or to tear it down the meaning until it has no value at all to anyone or continue to try to share ownership of the word in legal and religious arenas both.

I don’t know, it’s never been my fight. I’ve never held much stock in marriage. I am a child of the 70’s and 80’s when divorce rates doubled. When I, and most of my friends, had two homes, multiple parents and crappy models for healthy relationships. Marriage is so derivative to me. Marriage certainly never gave me the sense that it made a relationship any better than any couple who was not married. For me the commitment between two people can not be measured by any external validations.

But now, I have a godson whose moms don’t have to same protections like you, Jenni, and sweet Connor. Not that they need it but it causes me worry for them. The steps they had to take to protect just their parental rights were time consuming, expensive and in no way guaranteed. Then, I think about health care, benefits, retirement and all other protections guaranteed by marriage and it’s hard not to think about what is really being denied. Despite my person belief about marriage, a denial of rights is not equal protection.

[[ahem...stepping down]]

You get it and I am glad you do.