As Christian workers, we may sometimes shy away from inviting people to support us and join our team. Why?
Maybe we’re embarrassed that we don’t somehow ‘provide for ourselves’ and we have to rely on others (even though we know that everything that everyone has is a gift from God)?
Maybe we fear that asking people to partner with us will negatively affect our relationship with them?
We might think that when we invite people to become our partners through praying, giving financially and encouraging us, that we are the net receivers in that process, but the bible says differently.
Paul explains in Acts 20:35 that it was Jesus himself who said:
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.
Do we really believe that this is true? Do we have our spiritual glasses on to see eternal realities or do we get persuaded to accept worldly wisdom on this?
Can we embrace what Jesus is saying? Most of the time when I hear someone quote this verse, it's with a wink or a jokey tone. But this is something that Jesus actually said, so we must take it seriously.
If we do believe Jesus, then asking people to give to God’s mission and join our partner team is an opportunity for them to enter into blessing. Whether believers choose to give or not is, of course, up to them. But when we invite, we have nevertheless provided them with an opportunity to be blessed by God. Have you ever thought of support raising that way?
Paul said of the Philippians that he wanted them to give to him, not because he wanted or needed to receive their gift, but because he wanted them to receive spiritually.
‘Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.’ Philippians 4:17
If you’d like to have more partners financially supporting you and praying for you, maybe it’s time to invite them to be part of your team and part of God’s mission in your corner of the world? You can rest assured that God will bless them.
See our video series ‘What I wish I knew before I started Support Raising’ for more discussion on the uncertainties that can hold us back from growing our partner team.
Mission
Bi-monthly emails for Christian workers and Bible College students. Encouragement, practical tools and training to strengthen you in your support raising journey.
Jo Arkell
Jo helps and encourages Christian workers to be fully resourced for the work God has put before them. She passionately wants people called into ministry not to scrape by but to be equipped, encouraged and to have the confidence in their support raising and creating new partners.
Previously Jo was at home for 15 years as a mum to four sons as well as taking on many roles including preaching and teaching in her local church. She also volunteers for Familylife, a couples ministry of Agape.
Jo lives in East London with her husband and four sons and anytime left over is spent running, swimming, cycling and walking the family dog, Pepper.
Jo supports causes that care for the most marginalised in our society, those caught in addiction, debt and causes that provide education for those with few opportunities.
