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I know very
little about cooking and grilling. But a few years ago I discovered
a “secret ingredient” that makes everything taste sensational. It’s
a seasoning that draws out the best of the flavors already present
in the food. Once I sprinkle it on, if I’m careful not to undercook
it or burn it, it always turns out perfect.
About the same time I was improving
my culinary arts, the Lord showed me a “secret ingredient” for
Sharathons and Pledge Drives that does the same thing. If properly
used, it draws out the best of what is already there. Sharathon
results almost always show the difference. What’s the “secret
ingredient?”
It’s ministry. Hopefully I’m not
being presumptuous or overstating the obvious. But the vital
importance of seasoning EVERY fund raising broadcast with ministry
cannot be overemphasized. And don’t get hung up on the word
“ministry” just because it is over used or used in the wrong
context. To “minister” is simply to serve the listener and provide
opportunity for the Lord to meet needs through you.
Certainly the objective of a fund
raising broadcast is to raise money. However, to do it in a context
of providing ministry is the real challenge and opportunity. So here
are three suggestions for “seasoning” your next fund raiser with
“ministry.”
1. A DAY OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Dedicating a full broadcast day (or
even a week) of Praise and Worship can be the number one most
effective way to provide a “ministry” experience for your listeners.
It is also one of the biblical models for raising money. (See 1
Chronicles 29). Praise and worship helps prepare people to give.
Spend at least one full day BEFORE and AFTER your broadcast
fundraiser with a live, interactive “ministry” of praise broadcast.
Use specific topics and invite listeners to call in and share praise
to the Lord for who He is and give thanks for what He’s done.
Listeners will be inspired, filled
with gratitude and given new hope as they hear how God is at work in
so many powerful ways.
I recall one Day of Praise recently,
when a woman called in to tell us she received Christ after
listening to the testimonies. (And that happens more than you
realize). Later a man called to tell us he needed to pledge to
support the effect this kind of radio has on people. And he made
sure we knew he wasn’t even a Christian! (yet). A day of Praise and
Worship will set the ministry tone for the rest of your fundraiser.
2. SHARING A BIGGER VISION
While it’s true that, “Where there is
NO vision, people lose heart,” it is equally true that where there
IS vision, people take heart. So get a vision that drives your
ministry to new places of impact and outreach. How?
· Ask God what’s next.
· Get clarity and focus.
· Flesh it out for your staff
with details to engage and inspire them.
Perhaps it’s more community outreach
or global partnerships, station improvements and expansion, new
media ventures or a dozen other things that allows God to use your
ministry in more effective ways.
Next, present the vision to your
listeners. Do it during your regular fundraiser or produce a
separate broadcast that focuses on engaging new listeners and donors
with the Vision. Whatever it is make sure it is in line with what
your listeners also want so that they can fulfill their vision
through you. Invite listeners who have never given before to lead
the way. Think big and expand your vision so you don’t focus so
tightly on your immediate budget needs that you lose sight of the
bigger picture.
3. HELPING OTHER MINISTRIES IN NEED
When your listeners hear you say,
“We’re more than a radio station, we’re a ministry,” do they believe
you? “Partnering” with other ministries is one way to prove it.
Additionally it’s a kingdom principle that Jesus taught. “From
everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from
the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
(Lk. 12:48)
You’ve been “given much” through a
medium that reaches the masses and sharing with other ministries in
need (whether locally or abroad) is one way to practice this
principle.
You are giving your listeners an
opportunity to be part of something through their support of your
radio station that reaches beyond your own backyard. Engage them in
a variety of ways that allows them to participate and engage where
they want via web, social media, special events and community
outreach. Also include opportunities for partnership during your
fundraisers that dedicate a portion of the listener’s gift to the
ministry partner. You will be amazed at how this motivates your
donors when they know their giving counts for even more.
Ministry, woven into the fabric of
all your fundraising, is the secret ingredient to keep your
Sharathons and Pledge Drives spiritually vibrant and effective. Why?
Because ministry is about people and as the beloved Father of
Sharathons, and our fundraising mentor Mel Johnson, used to say,
“Fund raising is not about money, it’s about people.”
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Todd Isberner is president of
ShareMedia Services, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in fund
raising for listener supported Christian radio and faith-based
ministries. Since 1975, ShareMedia has produced and hosted over
3,500 fund raising broadcasts, raising over $1 billion for radio and
ministry.
www.sharemediaservices.com
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