Have you ever received a call from an old friend when it’s been a really long time since you last talked? You make small talk for a while and catch up on life for a bit, and then they finally get to the real reason for their call: they just started selling these life-changing vitamins and they want you to buy some.
Now, there’s nothing wrong at all with selling something they believe in, but I suspect that most of us leave these sorts of calls feeling a little bit jaded.
The Problem: Only Communicating When You Need Something
Years ago we had the privilege of supporting a wonderful ministry that was doing amazing work in another country, and I know the leaders of the ministry quite well. The work they were called to was beautiful.
The difficulty for a lot of people supporting that work was that the leaders only tended to communicate when there was a need.
Long period of radio silence. “Hey we need to raise more money for this project.” Long period of radio silence. “We have a medical emergency and need help.”
Now let me say right up front: I am so glad that these dear friends felt comfortable to ask for help for those things. I want all the gospel workers I coach to get to a place where they are just as transparent about their needs! But those requests should always come in the broader context of a relationship with supporters.
If supporters only hear from you when you’re trying to raise funds, or have some urgent need, they are likely to feel a bit jaded, too. They may even develop the knee-jerk response of rolling their eyeballs when they see the next email come in.
Ultimately, this is harmful for the ministry, the people the ministry is laboring to reach, and for those who are supporting the work.
The Fix: Build Relationship Through More Frequent Communication
Again, I want gospel workers to freely share their needs with the people who have partnered with them in the work! This is a vital part of being partners together!
So the solution is to write regularly. Regular communication will foster a deeper connection and helps to build a stronger relationship with your gospel partners. And when you structure your updates well and consistently include gratitude your senders will learn to look forward to each email they receive from you.
When the relationship between gospel worker and gospel partner is healthy, the gospel partners are excited about the work God is doing. The are acquainted with both the joys and challenges of the ministry because they’ve had frequent updates.
So, when that email comes where you need to ask for extra help, it won’t feel like a cold call. Your gospel partners will be prepared to receive it in the broader context of all that you’ve already been communicating with them.
Soli Deo Gloria
Zach
Life as a missionary is hard enough. Financial stress and lack of support make it harder. I can help. Schedule a free call to find out how you can build better relationships with your gospel partners and increase your support.