As you ask people to support your ministry, you will find some that are hesitant to make a decision. Many times they will simply respond by saying, "Let me think about it," or they might use the words, "Let me pray about it."

Before leaving that conversation you need to determine if there are any issues on the table. You might ask, "While I'm here, are there any more questions I can answer for you?"

That simple question might very well surface issues that you can speak to and clear the way for them to make a decision.

Your job is to identify any objections and knock them down as best as possible.

With the name People Raising you have got to know it's all about PEOPLE. Having said that you and I need to be out amongst people. Let me share just one simple example that was passed on to me recently by a missionary raising support.

"As I have been raising support, I try to meet new contacts. I begin building new relationship by trying to have at least a number of casual conversations. Hopefully, by that time we will have had enough relationship building that I can challenge them to be a part of my support team. A significant portion of my monthly donors have come this way. For example, I played basketball with an individual four times and then asked him if he would meet with me. I shared the vision with him and he now supports me at $100/month! This scenario has happened numerous times!"

Take the opportunity to get out with people.

We all look to the Lord for His provision. I take seriously the scriptural principle, "Pray without ceasing", 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I am constantly praying to the Lord throughout the day.

Recently one of our missionaries with Inner City Impact www.InnerCityImpact.org shared this story:

'I was talking to a potential prospect about needing a newer computer and 10 minutes later I receive a phone call from a donor who had some extra funds he would like to give to my ministry. I shared my need for a new computer but then he kept pressing me for any other needs I had. The awesome part about it was that God provided not only enough for a laptop but more funds so I could get my car fixed as well. God is so good'

Keep praying and trusting and watch God at work

I am sure you have heard the phrase "Silence can be golden". There is no doubt that can be true in so many aspects of our life but what about those occasion when silence is not golden? Let me explain myself.

I had the opportunity to meet an individual for the very first time. From my perspective the meeting went fine and I thought I had left making a good impression on my ministry of People Raising. I followed up with an email thanking the individual for their time. I fully expected a quick response on their part with a returned email. I waited and waited and no response.

It is times like this when silence is not golden and I must admit it is times like this my negative thinking kicks on and I imagine the worst. My mind runs wild with so many negative scenarios when silence is not golden.

Now for the good news. The email finally came through and was most complimentary. But it was that period of time when silence was not golden that tested my patience.

Recently I took the opportunity to make contact with an organization that I felt would be a good match with our People Raising ministry. I identified a person that I felt would be my advocate and made the connection with decision-makers within that organization. I had spent sufficient time on follow up by phone and by email providing all the necessary information for this person to be an advocate for me. In the end I found out that the person was not an advocate but a barrier between me and the decision maker.

Be careful that your message gets through to the decision-maker and do not run the risk of a person who you think to be an advocate turning out to be a barrier!

As you work with donors, it's very important to know very specifically when their support will begin or when their gift will come in. In our conversations with our donors we simply can't rely upon ASAP (as soon as possible). No, you need to get a specific date in terms of follow up to avoid the confusion and frustration on your part as to when to follow up a donor. Don't settle for ASAP!

As fund raisers we talk to our prospects and donors about the biblical mandate of giving. We challenge them and encourage them to personally invest in our ministry. But I'm assuming that you as a fund raiser also play another role: the role of a donor.

How does it feel to be a donor?

I think we need to reflect on that from time to time. I love to take the opportunity to give to the Lord's work. There is a real personal satisfaction I have as I give. I am reminded when scripture tells us that it is more blessed to given than to ask. (Acts 20:35)

Now if we have that satisfaction as we personally give, how do you think your donors feel? I would conclude that they have the same feelings we do.

Knowing that, we should never be hesitant to give people an opportunity for people to give to our ministry as we represent the Lord.

People Raising is all about relationships and there are times when donors are unable to give or are in a situation where they have to substantially reduce their contributions. It could be health issues or financial issues or a number of other scenarios. It's at times like these that we can minister to these very same people. In a sense we minister when it doesn't count in terms of us receiving financial support. From a fundraising standpoint it doesn't make much sense but from a relational standpoint it's good to be there for our donors when it doesn't count.