God has placed the desire in your heart to reach the nations with the gospel. You have the drive and the willingness to go, but one thing is holding you back: support raising.
If that term makes your stomach drop, you’re not alone. Many would-be missionaries wrestle with fear, insecurity, and even doubt that God will come through financially. Raising your full salary can seem overwhelming, but the truth is that support raising is less about fundraising and more about faith.
Before any fears talk you out of a life in ministry, check out these helpful resources to make raising support easier and more fulfilling.
Scripture About Support Raising
Raising support is not only a common practice among missionaries today; it has a biblical basis. The Bible is full of examples of God’s people being financially supported by others.
Before sitting down for your first support raising meeting, it’s important to have a biblical perspective on what you’re asking someone to do. Consider the following examples from Scripture.
In 1 Chronicles 29, Solomon is tasked with building the temple. David helped his son by providing an array of precious metals, stones, and wood. The Israelites also abundantly gave money to fund God’s temple. The community helped Solomon accomplish his task, and their giving was an act of worship.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul made the argument that his work to build up the Church meant he could receive support from the Church.
“Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” -1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Even Jesus’ ministry was supported by the generosity of others (Luke 8:2-3).
People are able and willing to give to gospel work. Yet David said it best when he revealed who truly provides for the needs of God’s people.
“‘But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. … Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.’” -1 Chronicles 29:14, 16
God is the source of all provision. When someone gives, they merely steward the resources that God has given them. All you’re doing is inviting others to invest their resources into your ministry.
In addition to studying these Scriptures, you can also check out the International Fundraising Bible Study for more biblical insights on support raising.
Books to Help Raise Support
There are many helpful books that offer practical tips and biblical perspectives on support raising. Here are four to consider reading:
“The God Ask”
In this book, Steve Shadrach explains that raising support isn’t about money or asking people to give; it’s about looking to God to provide and inviting people into the vision the Lord has given you for ministry. The book helps shift missionaries’ perspective on fundraising from being a “Man Ask” to a “God Ask.”
“A Spirituality of Fundraising”
If you need to raise money for a ministry but the thought of asking people for money intimidates you, it’s time to change the way you think about fundraising. Henri J. M. Nouwen writes that fundraising is first and foremost a ministry, a spiritual work that invites people into your mission. This book will upend your thoughts about fundraising.
“Funding Your Ministry”
Scott Morton shares his own struggles and victories in raising support. His book helps ministry workers overcome the financial barriers holding them back from full-time ministry. This book helps missionaries discover a biblical path for recruiting and retaining donor support and develop a strategy to reach full support.
“God’s Presence in Your Fundraising”
Support raising comes with inevitable ups and downs, leaving many missionaries to feel discouraged. Scott Morton offers 40 readings and prayers to help you maintain intimacy with Christ during the most difficult days of support raising. Diving into the Scriptures will help restore your vision and purpose.
Podcasts to Listen to When Support Raising
If you learn best through hearing, there are full podcast series and single episodes that can help you in your support raising journey. Here are a few to check out:
Support Raising Podcast
This podcast from Via features guests who are knowledgeable and experienced in raising and living on full support. They provide wisdom and insights to help missionaries in the process of developing and maintaining their team of ministry partners.
Unlocking Generosity
This episode from the Lausanne Movement Podcast features Redina Kolaneci, the founder and director of Christian Fundraising Consultancy. Redina shares her experience from decades of ministry fundraising and offers practical tips to maximize your support raising efforts.
Should Missionaries Fundraise?
This Ask Pastor John podcast episode tackles the question of whether missionaries should make their financial needs expressly known. John Piper looks at the lives of George Müller and Hudson Taylor and unpacks 2 Corinthians 8-9 to answer this question.
Courses to Learn How to Raise Support
Your sending agency or church might recommend specific courses to get you started on your support raising journey. But if you want additional help or if you want to learn more about support raising before committing to a missionary assignment, here are a few courses you can look into:
Support Raising Bootcamp
This bootcamp from Via provides in-person and virtual trainings around the world. This course teaches you the tools you need to start your ministry assignment, helps you set goals and tasks to maintain support throughout your ministry career, and helps you find joy in sharing your ministry with others.
How to Build Your Financial Partnership Team
This course from Prepare Ministries offers practical tools and a step-by-step plan to invite others to join you in Great Commission work. You’ll learn how to overcome the loneliness and challenges of fundraising, build a robust support system, and follow God’s call into missions through this online course.
Trusting the Lord to Provide
Support raising isn’t just about funding your ministry; it’s about strengthening your faith. It’s a front-row seat to watch God provide, often in unexpected and humbling ways. It’s about inviting others to experience the joy of obedience and eternal investment.
Don’t let fear keep you from where God is sending you. He provides daily bread (Matthew 6:11), and He is faithful to finish what He starts (Philippians 1:6).
You don’t have to raise support alone. God walks with you and often affirms your calling by the very means that seem most daunting.
Your Path to the Nations
Whether you are in a season of discerning your calling to the nations or are a seasoned overseas missionary looking for your next assignment, God is doing incredible things around the world through people just like you. East-West wants to come alongside you to learn about your passions, interests, and calling from God to the nations.
