A Duty to Ask and A Duty to Give By Ron Haas

Is your greatest sense of duty to ask or to give?

John D. Rockefeller, Jr.  realized that the duty to ask and  the duty to give were both important functions. He once remarked,

“Never think you need to apologize for asking someone to give to a worthy object, any more than as though you were giving him an opportunity to participate in a high-grade investment. The duty of giving is as much his as is the duty of asking yours.”

He may not have realized it, but each member of the body of Christ also has an important function. How does your spiritual gift enable you to be a more effective fundraiser?

Prophesying

The gift of prophecy is the gift of public speaking. Moses claimed he didn’t have it; that’s why God gave him Aaron (Exodus 4:10-17). If you have the spiritual gift to ask from the podium, ask in accordance with your faith.

Serving

In Acts 6, the apostles asked for help so they could focus on preaching. They chose seven deacons to wait on tables. You may not lead, but you can help by recording donor information, stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, delivering thank you gifts, and many other tasks.

Teaching

The greatest teaching tool is storytelling. Learn your ministry story well and teach others. Share the eternal impact your ministry is making and how your donors can be an integral part.

Encouraging

Barnabas was called “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). One way he encouraged the church was by selling a field and bringing the proceeds to the apostles. Perhaps your gift of encouragement can prompt your donors to be generous.

Giving

Every fundraiser wants to discover donors with the gift of giving! We are all called to give, but thankfully God has blessed some with the supernatural ability to be generous. Pray that the Holy Spirit will connect your need to ask with your donor’s need to give.

Leading

If God has called you to lead, how does this spiritual gift empower you to lead your fundraising efforts? The gift of leadership is the ability to organize, motivate, and make something happen. You will bless your ministry if you become the number one fundraiser.

Showing Mercy

The gift of mercy shows compassion to hurting people—those in jail, the hospital, the rescue mission, or on the street. These needs seem obvious, but your donors may be hurting on the inside. How can you show them compassion?

Are you using your spiritual gift for fundraising?

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. ” (Romans 12:6-9)

Response: Father, help me apply my spiritual gifts to my fundraising efforts to make the greatest impact for our ministry.

Think About This: Is asking a spiritual gift? Perhaps it’s related to the gift of evangelism. Like evangelism some are uniquely gifted, but we are all called to share the gospel. You might not have the gift of asking, but you still need to ask.

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Ron Haas is a vice president at The Timothy Group. He has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving.

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