It is no secret that Church Plants and Church Revitalization Projects Need Multiple Streams of Income!
Here are a few Biblical Examples of varying income streams...
WORK - Jesus was a... (Carpenter / Stone-Mason) Disciples / Apostles were... Mark 1:16, John 21:32, Acts 18:1-4, 19:1, 10, 20:34-35, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12,
WOMEN - Luke 8:3, Matthew 26:7-13, 27:55
HOST / SPONSOR FAMILIES - Luke 10:5-7
OTHER CHURCHES - 1 Corinthians 9:3-14, Galatians 6:6, Philippians 4:15-18, Romans 15:24, 30-32
BROTHERS & SISTERS in Christ - 2 Corinthians 11:8-9, Acts 4:32-35
THE EVIL DEAD - Acts 5:1-10 :-)
WEALTHY BENEFACTORS- Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 27:57, Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-40, Acts 4:36
And... SUPPORT LETTERS (Paul was well known for being a walking support letter in following the instructions of James and raising and delivering support for the poor in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9-10).
Here are my suggestions for how to write and have a successful Support Letter Campaign.
1. Recognize the Need! (Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt!) Phil 4:19. Your vision needs Funding!
2. "...Making a List and checking it twice! Gonna find out who’s..." (Create a Donor List 200/300 minimum)
3. "I’m gonna Sit right down and write myself a letter!" (Write your Support Letter!)
4. Call Your List (People are more likely to give if they have a connection with you!)
5. Proof, Revise, Edit, Print, Mail -
- 1 page letter, photo & caption highlight page on back (bond / resume paper)
- Make sure you include a "Return-By" Date (2 weeks to 30 days).
- Include Self addressed stamped return envelope / hand written addresses (find a sponsor to cover postage!) - "Prayer" Mail (Pray over EVERY LETTER!)
6. Follow Up - Send a "Thank You" with a Donation Receipt for EVERY returned card.
7. Call those you don’t hear back from... (Define yourself / Stay Connected)
8. Send Christmas Cards to All Donors and to your existing letter list.
9. Send out Year end giving statements to ALL donors and INCLUDE A Self Addressed Stamped Envelope and Giving Card for the New Year! (Before the end of January!)
10. Keep expanding and adding to your list! (Info/Support Letter / Sign up sheet everywhere you go.)
11. FALL Oct/Nov and SPRING March/April are Best times to send.
12. Then... Wash, Rinse, Repeat! Every year!
Good Luck and God Bless!
Pastor Rob Schmutz (Watchman Evangelism Ministries)
