Let’s be real, most folks don’t love support raising. If you are one of the few who do, you have been blessed with a gift. 

However, much of how we often feel about support raising is more about what we think it is (money grabbing, means to an end, etc.) than what it actually is: inviting people to partner with you in what God is doing. It's about building a community of partners who are also stoked on the vision God has given you. Here are three tips to help you develop meaningful partnerships and ensure your support raising is as impactful as your mission.

People Give to People

I often say in trainings, "an ask to everyone is an ask to no one." It is particularly relevant in support raising. Mass emails or broad social media appeals often fail to engage potential partners, partly because they simply add to the noise that is already out there. Someone can feel little difference between your post and the dog food ad right after it. In contrast, when you sit down with someone, share your story, and personally invite them into partnership, you create a connection. This approach transforms a general request into a personal invitation to be part of something bigger.

People give to people, not just causes. Your supporters are investing in you as much as they are in your mission. When you share your story and passion with them directly, they get to know you and the work God is doing in and through you. This personal touch not only increases the likelihood of support but also fosters long-term relationships that are crucial for sustainable ministry.

Tell a Clear Story: Your Story - Need - Gospel - Answer to the Need

If people give to people, then your story is essential to support raising. Begin with your personal story – who you are, what has led you to this mission, and why it matters to you. This human element resonates with potential supporters, making your mission relatable and real. (Bonus tip: try to do it in 5-7 minutes).

From there, the heart of your church plant is likely centered on the gospel. Clearly articulate the needs in your community, then share how this church plant will answer those needs from the central place of the gospel. This clarity helps potential partners understand the impact of their contribution and see themselves as active participants in a gospel-centered mission.

Give a Clear Ask 

Vague requests often lead to uncertain responses. If your request for them to partner sounds like this, “Would you mind, um, maybe, thinking about partnering in a way, that would be cool,” then you leave them with no clue on how to partner with you!  It’s the same confusion they feel on if they should tip for ordering take out or not. 

When making an ask, be clear and specific. Whether it's a financial commitment, volunteering time, connecting you with others, prayer, or my suggestion of all four, a direct ask clarifies expectations and facilitates deeper relationships.

A direct ask is more than a request for funds; it's an invitation to join you in God's work. Emphasize the partnership aspect of support raising. Let your supporters know they are joining a community committed to seeing the gospel flourish in your church plant. This sense of belonging and shared purpose is powerful and can lead to lasting support.

Next Steps: The MTD Roadmap

With those tips, you may be ready to dive in, but you may also have no idea where to start. We get it. Navigating the logistics of support raising can be daunting. From initial outreach to follow-up, our MTD Roadmap provides the most basic structure you need to go from reaching that first contact to having a new partner in this ministry. What is MTD? MTD = Ministry Team Development = Support-Raising. We believe you are raising a support team of partners, not raising a bank account. This free resource is designed to help you build strong, committed partnerships for your church plant.