Tending the roots: a check in for support raising

For those in Christian ministry, January is a valuable moment to step back and take stock of support raising. Like any living system, support raising needs regular attention if it is to remain healthy.

As we get into January we begin to settle into our new rhythms. The new year is often a time to clear away the old to make room for the new. 
The afternoons are starting to get just a little bit brighter and spring is on the way. The flowers and trees will soon bloom, signs of new life start to poke through and nature will flourish again. But it doesn’t ‘just happen’. 

Without the watering of the rain or a gardener, plus light, nutrients and space, roots would soon wither and we’d forgo this new life and the joy it brings.
The same is true of support raising. If we don’t take the time to water and nourish our support team, and give it the time and space it needs, it will most likely wither. 

Support raising roots

Just like roots in the ground are essential to the life of a flower, plant or tree to flourish, it is the intentional activity of support raising that allows our work to thrive. 

By falling into the trap of thinking that we don’t have time for it, that the ministry work is more important, that we have no one to ask or that everyone will say no anyway, our work will not have the sufficient support it needs to flourish – and neither will we.

A lack of finances alongside burnout are the most common reasons why people end up leaving their Christian work prematurely. Lack of prayer and encouragement can also leave you feeling alone. 

We want to encourage you to make some time to assess your “support raising roots”. Are your roots strong and healthy? Do they need a bit of TLC – ‘tender loving care’? Or are they withering and in need of some focused attention?

In the document linked below are some check points to help you review how you are doing in each of the different elements of support raising to celebrate the positive and identify which areas need attention.

Why not print it out, grab a pen and a cup of tea and take some time to identify your next steps. Keep them manageable. Small steps can make a big difference.

Download the check list

Need a bigger pot?

Taking time to reflect about the current state of your roots is always a worthwhile task. 

Just like a house plant can outgrow its pot and the roots need a bigger pot, some of you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your work has outgrown your support level and you need to increase your partner team. What a blessing! 

And even if that isn’t the case, now is the opportunity to set some targets and create a realistic plan on how you are going to make that happen.

Stewardship are here to help

We’d love to help you get your support raising in order and nourish those roots. Whether you’ve joined us before or if it’s your first time, book in for our next Stewardship Support Raising Training.

If you marked some areas as ‘caution’ or ‘needs attention’ for any of the above, you’ll come away feeling revived and wishing you’d done it sooner!